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Cybersecurity Month – Keeping Your Computers Up to Date

Computer Update PromptOur third Cybersecurity Awareness tip concerns computer updates. Computer updates are incredibly important. Cyber attackers are always pushing and pulling at the limits of what computers and applications can do, and what vulnerabilities might exist. The longer a version of software is available to the public, the more likely it is to have been “hacked” and used for nefarious purposes. Attackers will use the vulnerabilities in programs or computers to achieve their goals.

We have all seen those pop-up messages, “This program has an update” or “Your computer needs an update.” Many times these updates include security “patches” or fixes. Many of us have schedules that do not permit us to run updates immediately upon notification, but we should update as soon as possible thereafter. Computers and programs that are left unpatched are like wide open front doors that allow attackers access to our computers and the data stored thereon. The longer a program or computer is left unpatched, the more likely  that open door will be used by an attacker. If you need help running an update, or if you have questions, please feel free to contact your local IT technician and they will help you with your updating needs.