There is no escaping the fact that we are extremely dependent upon software, for both our personal and professional needs. And we don’t mean to imply it’s a bad thing, merely that it’s a fact of modern life and we must acknowledge it. Acknowledging is important because, without it, we would never take regular software updates as seriously as we should.
Face it, most of us are guilty of taking software updates and, unfortunately, our digital security very lightly. So, in this blog post, we’ll shed some light on why every individual and organization should develop the habit of regularly updating the software they use.
Before we begin, let’s quickly address the elephant in the room for almost every tech-related conversation that is happening today, i.e., AI. Is AI really, actually, making a difference in the cybersecurity front of things? The short answer is yes. It’s not going to steal a job away, but it’s going to facilitate the effort of fighting against cybercrimes. Many companies are adopting AI and integrating it within their software. The next software update you may have can include it.
Which means the software you’re using will be powered by artificial intelligence. The advantage of that is the insights it can offer, thanks to its capability of analyzing a large amount of data in no time and performing some testing. AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity by helping to predict, detect, and prevent new threats faster than ever. It is capable of preventing unusual sign-in attempts, potential frauds and scams, detecting inappropriate language and content (which is a fantastic way of avoiding cyberbullying and exposure to mature content), blocking phishing attempts, and even preventing malware from spreading to a certain extent.
Let’s also address the very specific issue of cyberbullying. Thus far, it has not been possible to curb cyberbullying completely, and it still isn’t possible. However, AI has become an efficient way through which individuals can avoid cyberbullying. Social media platforms, now equipped with AI, roll out new features and security patches powered by AI. Its updated algorithm is now capable of automatically detecting hate speech or offensive language, as well as mature imagery and videos.
Let’s back to the matter at hand. Software updates are necessary for several reasons. Here is a list of the most solid arguments for it:
We understand we’ve rambled on about cyber threats, but matters worth discussing must be discussed, as much as possible. A breach within a company’s IT department, that holds all information, sensitive and benign, about a company, its customers, and employees, is absolutely devastating both financially and in terms of reputation loss. Security breaches breach the trust of your customers; the very same people without whom a business collapses.
Developers understand this and are constantly trying to find the chink in the armor of their software, so they can fix it, or patch it as they say, and avoid a bad character exploiting it. Skipping updates can leave your device exposed to cybercriminals. These bad actors are always on the lookout for vulnerabilities they can exploit, and if you don’t update your software, you’re just making it easier for them. Regular updates keep your device and data as safe as possible.
Cybersecurity help can guide you through the best practices for securing your devices, managing your passwords, and preventing cyber threats with the currently available knowledge and technology at that very moment. Don’t rely on brute strength when the wheel has been invented.
Updates fix known issues like bugs or glitches that may slow down the program or just be an annoyance to the user. Secondly, they may also introduce new features that improve the overall usability of your apps or operating systems.
Developers don’t just fix the chink in a software’s armor, they weaponize it, or equip it with new features as they put it. These features can make the program more capable and allow it to stay relevant. Secondly, bugs. They get rid of them, perhaps because it was slowing down the program or merely annoying the user, so no more of those… at least the ones that are known.
Furthermore, as technology evolves, programs legacy-fy, a fancy way of saying cumbersome to use. When a program is actively updated, it ensures compatibility with newer operating systems or browsers, depending on the type of software. Leaving it outdated leaves it open to cyber threats as it stays frozen in time, never evolving and thus giving bad actors the chance to capitalize on this time to find a backdoor.
Digital security should be a no-brainer, however, it’s understandable not to take it seriously if you’re unaware of the threats that loom in the shadows. To really drive the point home, think of your software as a physical office. It contains sensitive information, harbours your employees, and perhaps has some cash inside. Now, wouldn’t it be worthwhile to invest in its protection? A window downstairs that everybody knows is loose could be an easy entry point. Your security staff ensures, though, that all doors are shut tight.
Perform software updates regularly, and if you’re uncertain about which updates to perform (and some affect compatibility and usability) or lack an IT department with security staff, we highly recommend getting professional cybersecurity help and fortifying your software to make it better and safer.
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