Updating computer and smart device software
Update the software in your devices in the interest of security of your devices and your data! A device with outdated software is not secure. If you use outdated software, malware can be installed on your smart device or computer to track your activities, store passwords, and access other confidential data. The device can also be used to commit crimes without you knowing.
Why does software need security upgrades and why is it not made secure from the start? Today’s information systems are so complex that it is not humanly possible to grasp them or all the connections within and between them entirely, and therefore, all systems have vulnerabilities that are not known when the software is implemented, including even the most complex ones. Researchers and engineers are constantly searching for vulnerabilities and software companies are patching and releasing security updates. In addition, cybercriminals are looking for vulnerabilities and monitoring information about the ones they find to exploit them to their own advantage.
To prevent cybercriminals from attacking your device through known vulnerabilities, you should install any security updates that are released as soon as possible when your device indicates that it needs an update. Ignoring a security update notification could leave your device vulnerable to attacks.
Upgrading devices and applications
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You will need to update both the operating system of the device as well as all the applications installed in the device.
- Security updates for software that is already installed are free and do not take long. Usually, they are accompanied by information on what exactly is being updated.
- You can check the history of operating system updates in the settings of your computer and smart device. You can check for updates to the apps in your phone in the Play Store for Android and App Store for iPhone. You can select ‘Update all’.
- If a device or a computer offers an update, let the device do it – as a rule, it should not take long.Major operating system updates (for example, iPhone update iOS 17 -> iOS 18) can take longer and consume more battery, so keep your device plugged in and schedule updates for when you are not planning on using the device.
- Set up automatic updates of the operating system and applications in your device.
- From time to time, take a critical look at the apps you have installed and remove the ones you no longer use.
- The operating system and the apps you use for opening files – such as WhatsApp, Word, and Acrobat – need special attention because they have vulnerabilities that allow malware to be planted in your device.
- If the manufacturer has stopped offering software updates for a device – for example, the product is at the end of its life – it is worth removing the device from the network.
- If you get stuck setting up security updates on your device, ask your friends and family or an IT professional for advice.
