Cyber Security Awareness Month – Tips series: software updates

Acknowledge update notifications

Software (apps and Operating systems) and Hardware are programmed by humans. As such there can be errors in the code (technical term is bug/vulnerability), which make the software or hardware vulnerable to attack by cyber criminals. Updates to this software and hardware are imperative to correct these errors. Therefore, all smart devices (including Smart TV’s, Fridge’s, other smart appliances, gaming consoles and smart toys) will require updates, to remediate the errors in the code and make them more secure.


Tip 1: Keep in mind that all smart devices and software require updates. 

 

Update Schedules

With the abundance of smart devices we have in our homes, automobiles and even on our bodies it can be a hassle to stay ahead of the updates they all require. By implementing a schedule to check if your devices have updates, you can stay ahead of the curve and protected.


Tip 2: Create a schedule to check for updates for all your devices/software.

Postponing Updates

When an update is released it is possible that the error(s) that it fixes have been in the code for a long time. This means that cyber criminals have had ample opportunity to invent ways to exploit them. Therefore it is advisable to update your devices/software as soon as the update becomes available.


Tip 3: Update your devices/software as soon as possible. Don’t ignore update notifications.

 

Join email lists to stay informed

Our modern lives include a plethora of smart devices and it can be overwhelming to stay informed about errors in the code. Luckily there are e-mail lists you can join to stay informed when updates become available. Subscribing to these lists will save you time and help you prepare a tight update schedule.


Tip 4: Subscribe to e-mail lists that alert you when updates for your devices/software are available.

 

Use update time savers

If doing updates manually is a bit tedious, you can always choose for your software/device to update automatically. This way updates are installed as soon as they become available, ensuring the safety of your devices.


Tip 5: To save time: setup automatic updates.

 

(Source: Caricert. Publication period BT&P: 2021)