Keep your software and devices up-to-date
Keep up with regular software updates to ensure you’re not exposed to any vulnerabilities.
Practice good software hygiene
Another supplementary step that you can take to better protect your devices is keeping up with software updates. When your devices or applications fall behind with current updates, you risk carrying security vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer releases.
Why outdated software is a risk to security
When technology companies discover a weakness in their platforms either internally or through active exploitation from attackers, they’ll develop patches to these vulnerabilities and provide them to their users in software updates. Some companies don’t disclose smaller vulnerabilities if they haven’t been exploited yet, and are bundled into regular software updates as a housekeeping measure. For larger-scale vulnerabilities, technology platforms may roll out emergency updates, such as Apple’s Rapid Security Responses.
ⓘ At NAU, we require university-managed devices to comply with regular software updates to keep our machines secure from vulnerabilities. You can defer an update up to a few times before it becomes mandatory, in case an update cycle interferes with your work. You can also schedule updates overnight or during off-hours.
Update your software from trusted sources
Never download any updates or software from unknown sources, and be sure you’re updating your software in your device’s integrated settings application, or directly from the vendor.
Software update information for common devices & services Accordion Closed
Provided by the National Cybersecurity Alliance.
Operating Systems
Streaming Apps
Internet Routers
Antivirus Software
Smart TVs
Gaming Devices
Connected Devices
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