Why do you need to update your computer software What happens if you don t

Updates have become a part of life when you work with technology. You look down at your phone, and inevitably there are apps asking to be updated. When you’re working away on a project, suddenly a window will pop up telling you your operating system (OS) has an update to apply.

Most users don’t exactly welcome these interruptions, and more often than not they’ll take a “deal with it later” approach and leave the update unapplied.

In a Google Research survey, it was found that 66% of users don’t automatically or immediately apply system updates. Why not?

The most common reasons for leaving OS updates unapplied are:

• Don’t want to interrupt what they are doing
• Afraid that the update will mess something up
• It requires a restart and they don’t want to do one right then
• Unsure how long the update will take and don’t want to risk the time
• Have had bad experiences with OS updates in the past
• Don’t feel it’s really needed

Users don’t immediately see any difference in their computer if they don’t apply the update, which can lead them to think that it’s no big deal. But it’s actually a very big deal when it comes to security and other operating system features.

Not routinely applying OS updates in a timely manner has several negative consequences, which is why it’s a standard service of a managed IT services plan.

What Happens if I Don’t Apply OS Updates Regularly?

It’s true that some OS updates take more time and are a little trickier to get through than others, but they’re also a vital part of device, data, and network security.

In addition to bug fixes and new features, OS updates include vital security patches for newly found system vulnerabilities. These are vulnerabilities that hackers know about and are busy exploiting with malware and other malicious threats.

If a patch for that vulnerability has been issued through an update, but never applied, it leaves your device wide open to hackers.

Here are the major consequences that can result from not doing timely updates of your computer’s operating system.

Data Breach/Malware Infection

The biggest consequence of not updating your operating system is suffering a major data breach and/or malware infection due to a hacker exploiting an OS vulnerability.

One of the largest data breaches on record is the Equifax data breach in 2017 that exposed the personal information of 147 million people. Hackers got in due to a known system vulnerability for which a security patch had been issued two months before the breach, but no one at Equifax applied the patch. It cost the company $700 million in a settlement reached with the FTC.

The WannaCry ransomware campaign that infected multiple organizations both large and small exploited a Windows OS vulnerability, and although Microsoft issued a patch for it, millions still fell victim because they didn’t apply the update.

60% of data breaches in 2019 we the result of unpatched vulnerabilities.

Leaving your OS updates unapplied is like making your computer a ticking timebomb that’s just waiting for an attacker to come along and exploit a vulnerability that’s been left unpatched.

Not Getting Bug Fixes

OS updates often contain bug fixes that you’ll miss out on if you don’t apply them. Unlike security vulnerabilities, bugs aren’t necessarily an entry route for hackers, but they do cause problems with system usability.

For example, you might have a search bar that strangely disappears and reappears, causing you to have to use a time-consuming work around.

As users report bugs, OS developers will include fixes for those bugs in the updates that are regularly released.

Missing Out on New Features

While you may be fine with how your OS works right now, you could be missing out on some pretty helpful features that could improve productivity if you’re ignoring those operating system updates.

For example, one Windows 10 update added the ability to connect your Android phone to your Windows computer and text from your computer. A very helpful feature for those that struggle typing on a tiny phone keypad.

Other recent updates have included both a “light mode” and “dark mode” and a master Windows Search Bar that can search files, webpages, images, emails, and more at the same time.

Loss of Software Compatibility

If you’re one of those people that never do updates, you could find yourself unable to add an application that you want because your older OS version isn’t supported.

OS updates often incorporate new capabilities that software developers are taking advantage of. If you have an older OS version and never applied an update that was required for a specific function, then you can end up having compatibility issues with software using that function.

Solve the Update Hassle by Having Them Done for You!

“If updates could just go smoothly and not interrupt me, I’d do them when they came out.” This is a common sentiment we hear and one that we can solve easily. Two River Computer can handle all your OS updates for you, ensuring there are no issues, you can work uninterrupted, and that your system is secure.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Call 732-747-0020 or reach us online.

You’re probably no stranger to those little pop-up windows. They tell you software updates are available for your computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

You might be tempted to click on that “Remind me later” button. Don’t do it. Or, at least don’t put off updating your software for long.

Software updates are important to your digital safety and cyber security. The sooner you update, the sooner you’ll feel confident your device is more secure — until the next update reminder.

Why are software updates so important? There are a lot of reasons. Here are 5 that show why it’s important to update software regularly.

Software updates offer plenty of benefits. It’s all about revisions. These might include repairing security holes that have been discovered and fixing or removing computer bugs. Updates can add new features to your devices and remove outdated ones.

While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to make sure your operating system is running the latest version.

2. Updates help patch security flaws

Hackers love security flaws, also known as software vulnerabilities. A software vulnerability is a security hole or weakness found in a software program or operating system. Hackers can take advantage of the weakness by writing code to target the vulnerability. The code is packaged into malware — short for malicious software.

An exploit sometimes can infect your computer with no action on your part other than viewing a rogue website, opening a compromised message, or playing infected media.

What happens next? The malware can steal data saved on your device or allow the attacker to gain control over your computer and encrypt your files.

Software updates often include software patches. They cover the security holes to keep hackers out.

3. Software updates help protect your data

You probably keep a lot of documents and personal information on your devices. Your personally identifiable information — from emails to bank account information — is valuable to cybercriminals.

They can use it to commit crimes in your name or sell it on the dark web to enable others to commit crimes. If it’s a ransomware attack, they might encrypt your data. You might have to pay a ransom for an encryption key to get it back. Or, worse, you might pay a ransom and not get it back.

Updating your software and operating systems helps keep hackers out.

4. It’s not all about you

OK, cyber security is mostly about you, but you’ve got other people to think about, too. If your device gets a virus, you could pass it on to your friends, family, and business associates. That’s why you want to keep your software and systems updated.

A trusted security program such as Norton 360TM can help keep your devices secure. And that can potentially help all those people you interact with online. But it’s also important to know anti-virus protection isn’t enough to protect your devices against all cyberthreats

5. You deserve the latest and greatest

Updates not only patch security holes, they can also add new features and improve existing ones. You don’t want to fall behind the times, right?

In that way, software updates really are all about you. Your software program may get a new shot of stability — no more crashing. Or an update might boost program performance — more speed. You deserve no less.

You could ignore those reminders to update your software, but you might be missing out on a lot, starting with your cyber security.

Another option? If you’re still not keen on clicking “Update now,” you may be able to configure your devices to update automatically. If so, your problem is solved.

Editorial note: Our articles provide educational information for you. NortonLifeLock offerings may not cover or protect against every type of crime, fraud, or threat we write about. Our goal is to increase awareness about cyber safety. Please review complete Terms during enrollment or setup. Remember that no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime, and that LifeLock does not monitor all transactions at all businesses.

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