It's easy to overlook the importance of regularly updating software and systems in the face of day-to-day business operations, but neglecting to do so can have devastating consequences. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, and one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your network is through vulnerabilities in outdated software and systems. In this blog post, we'll explore why regularly updating software and systems is crucial in preventing cyberattacks, and the devastating consequences that can occur as a result of neglecting to do so.
Why Regularly Updating Software and Systems is Crucial
Regular software and system updates are one of the best ways to shield your company from cyberattacks. Because hackers are constantly identifying new weaknesses in software and systems, failing to update them exposes your company to risk of attack. Patches for any known vulnerabilities are typically included in every software or system update, making it more challenging for hackers to take advantage of them.
Examples of Real-Life Cyberattacks Caused by Outdated Software and Systems
- Over 200,000 computers in 150 countries were impacted by the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, with many of the compromised systems running out-of-date versions of Windows.
- An outdated firewall software program was to blame for The Target data breach in 2013, which exposed the personal information of 40 million customers.
- A flaw in an outdated version of web application software led to the 2017 Equifax data breach, which exposed the personal information of 147 million customers.
Financial Damage
A cyberattack may seriously harm your finances and reputation. In addition to the expense of stopping the attack and restoring systems, businesses may also be subject to pricey legal action and lose client confidence. A single cyberattack has the potential to cause significant monetary losses and reputational harm to an organization.
Common Software and Systems That Should be Updated Regularly
- Operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux)
- Anti-virus software
- Firewall software
- Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
- Plugins and add-ons (Java, Adobe Flash)
- Content management systems (WordPress, Joomla)
Tips and Best Practices for Ensuring All Software and Systems are Kept Up to Date
- Enable automatic updates for software and systems whenever possible.
- Set up a schedule for checking for and installing updates.
- Use a centralized software management tool to keep track of software versions and when updates are available.
- Test software and system updates in a test environment before deploying them in production.
- Regularly review and update your organization's cybersecurity policies and procedures.
Organizations can lower the risk of a cyberattack and defend sensitive data and online assets from cyber threats by routinely updating software and systems. It's critical to keep track of software and systems that require updates, create an update schedule, and test updates before deploying them in live environments.
