Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Keep Devices Updated

It’s the last week of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and we’ve been sharing resources all month long on how to stay safe online! Click here to visit our Cybersecurity Webpage and more resources.

Our devices run a huge amount of software. In addition to software, files and large applications are constantly being downloaded and run on our devices. Without regular updates and enhancements, our devices become vulnerable to evolving cyberthreats. Software updates are necessary to patch security holes discovered in products. These updates can seem bothersome and can take long to install but always clicking “remind me later” on needed software updates could compromise your online security.

What applications need an update?

You should make sure you have ways of keeping each of the following important types of software up to date:

• Operating Systems. An operating system is the most essential software on a computer or mobile device. It manages the device’s memory and processes, as well as all its software and hardware. Common operating systems include Microsoft Windows, used on most personal computers; macOS and iOS, for Apple devices like MacBooks and iPhones, and Android. Updating your operating system software maintains the security and performance of all your devices and applications.

• Web Browser and Extensions. Web browsers (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox) are vulnerable to cyberthreats because they are complex pieces of software and the sites you visit could potentially exploit flaws in them.

• Third-Party Apps and Services. Anything you install yourself should routinely be checked to make sure the version you are using is up to date, even if automatic updates are enabled.

• Antivirus and Firewall Software. Like any software, antivirus and firewall updates include bug fixes and security patches and could include better features for spotting cyberthreats.

Other helpful practices:

• Restart your device after software is updated to make sure everything has downloaded and is functioning properly.
• Back up your data before installing a major update to prevent data from being lost if there is an issue during the updating process.
• Turn on automatic updates.

bankESB is here to protect you.
Your security is our priority. To learn more about ways we can help you stay safe online, contact us at 855.527.4111, stop by your nearest office, or visit our Cybersecurity webpage!