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Why should Businesses Always Take The Time to Update Their Software?

The importance of software updates

Modern businesses rely more and more network connected devices that run a huge amount of software.

These include something as basic as operating systems such as Android and iOS, and even the multiple applications we install to do just about everything, from word processing, to photo retouching, sound recording and even record/save very sensitive information.

Software updates: tedious but necessary

After each incident of a ransomware attack or security breach is reported, you probably hear many people saying: “If only they updated their software in time, maybe these attacks could have been deterred and avoided”.

Therefore, many security specialists keep trying to raise awareness on this timely topic by urging end-users and organizations to update their software as soon as they are available.

But even in spite of all that, how many of us actually apply updates appropriately, or even in a timely manner? It’s true that software updates can come at the most inconvenient times and may take a while to take effect. As a result, many simply choose to click “ignore” or “remind me later” so they can carry on with their business as usual. However, repeatedly delaying software updates can lead to more serious issues further down the line and, most notably, leave you vulnerable to various threats.

Guard yourself against security vulnerabilities

Security is the No. 1 reason to update your software immediately. Software vulnerabilities can enable cybercriminals to access a person’s computer.

Indeed, these threat actors (whether they are a single individual or an entire group) see these vulnerabilities as wide open doors, potentially enabling them to compromise your devices and harm your entire system, most notably by tempering with or even steal critical data (financial information, passwords, usernames or other documents with sensitive information), encrypting your files or even prevent your devices from working at all, severely handicapping all production.

Therefore, software updates may be the single best way to protect yourself from cyberattacks — a threat that’s becoming increasingly rampant with no signs of slowing down — as it improves security vulnerabilities and enables data to be better protected.

The problem is, though, that cyber threats are constantly changing. To prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited, all of this software must be kept up to date. This means installing patches released by the software developers to close security holes found in their products, hence the name “patching”. That’s why operating system providers regularly offer updates in order to keep on top of changing threats from cyber criminals.

Better compatibility and enhanced features

In this sense, patches matter because they not only add new security features that make it harder for attackers to successfully compromise your devices, but also fix known flaws in products that attackers can use to compromise your devices.

In other words, these different updates will often contain new features, fixes for bugs and performance improvements. Therefore, avoiding updates, even optional updates, means you’re more likely to run into performance, compatibility, and security issues.

Though it’s always best to speak with a professional about more serious issues, a quick update may be the solution if you’re noticing lag in a program or receiving unexpected error notices. Many devices and apps can install updates automatically, but sometimes they’ll need a bit of help from the device user, so you’ll need to keep an eye on updates in case they stop working.

In summary, all of these updates are aimed at making the user experience better. And while repeated update reminders can be annoying, especially if you have a lot of different applications, they can improve your experience in the long run and ensure that you get the most from your technology.

Software Updates: Vital benefits for your business

For many businesses, one of the reasons to update software is to ensure that security vulnerabilities are addressed as soon as possible and ensure a consistent and effective productivity.

Cost Savings and Greater Efficiency

Any software that is up to date will have higher efficiency levels than one that is out of date, slow, or disconnected. Thus, updates can often help to reduce time, effort and resources spent on daily repetitive tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more meaningful work. This allows to simplify business processes and brings greater connectivity across an organization through standardization.

Updates may also help to eliminate communication errors or even gain the capability to complete tasks more effectively, improving data accuracy and reliability.

Optimised workflow for staff

In addition, including regular updates as part of your fleet management or office maintenance routine is a great way to boost efficiency. When you and your employees aren’t being interrupted by security or performance issues, everyone can stay focused on the task at hand.

There are similar benefits for family computers and household devices with multiple users. Staying on top of updates helps avoid issues for everyone involved, whether it’s a heavily used family computer or a fleet of networked devices.

Improved confidence for customers and clients

As previously stated, without those all-important updates, you as well as your business are vulnerable… But so are your clients and customers!

If you have a front-facing business with a bigger tech footprint and customers who depend on reliability, updates provide an extra layer of confidence for you and your clients. In the same way that employees can get hung up by bugs, compatibility issues, or efficiency issues, business relationships suffer when data isn’t secure or accessible.

In Summary…

Ultimately, software updates are about a lot more than just getting the latest features for your business’s devices or computers. They have important updates that allow you to keep you – and your device – safe from various cyber threats.

Most of the advantages of updating regularly boil down to saving you time and effort at a later date. Updates are a painless way to minimize the chances of more serious issues that require troubleshooting, time, and money to address. The vast majority are free and easy to install, and you can configure most of them to install automatically.

Make sure you’re staying cyber secure by ensuring your operating system is always up-to-date. Contact us at Radio IP (radio-ip.com) to learn more on how to keep an effective and safe digital environment!