Software Updates
Cyber attackers often exploit known security vulnerabilities in software applications and operating systems to gain unauthorised access to sensitive data, such as in a ransomware attack.
Software updates allow important security fixes to be applied to software that you use, including your operating system (for example Windows, Mac OS X, Android and iOS), as well as applications such spreadsheets, word processors, accounting software etc. You should only apply updates that come from the original vendor of whatever software it is that you are updating.
Enabling Automatic Updates
Where possible, enable automatic updates for any software that you use.
- To check if automatic updates are enabled for MS Windows, search for ‘Windows Update Settings’.
- On Mac OS X, check the ‘Software Update’ section in System Settings.
Many applications will notify you when a new software update becomes available. Install these updates as soon as possible.
Manually Installing Updates
If automatic updates or update notifications are not provided for a particular piece of software, check the vendor’s website to find out how to install software updates manually.
Create and Maintain a Software Inventory
Create and maintain a software inventory that lists all operating systems and applications that your business uses, and regularly check that all software has been kept up to date.