The Vital Role of Software Updates in Protecting Your Business from Cyberattacks

In today’s digital age, businesses rely heavily on software to manage operations, from customer data management to financial transactions. However, with so many different types of software to oversee, keeping all of them updated can be a challenge.

There are numerous security risks that arise from using out-of-date software, including unpatched security flaws, unsupported protocols, and outdated encryption standards, leaving your IT systems and sensitive data vulnerable to hackers and cyberattacks. This is especially concerning given that the financial impacts of a data breach can be devastating—current estimates for an average breach are $4.35 million per incident.

Fortunately, there are best practices to keep your software updated and to protect your data and IT environment from security risks and vulnerabilities. The following tips are recommended to keep your team and IT assets safe:

1. Create a software inventory: Conduct an audit of your company’s software. This will serve as a starting point to track what needs to be updated and to prioritize updates based on potential security risks and how out-of-date the software is.
2. Stay informed: Stay informed about potential threats and download the latest security patches as they become available. Patches are released on an ongoing basis to address newly discovered vulnerabilities, so being aware is crucial to keep your company protected.
3. Encourage and train your team: Educate your employees about the importance of software updates and the risks associated with out-of-date software. Encourage them to report any issues they encounter with software so that they can be addressed promptly.
4. Be proactive: Schedule software updates at regular intervals so you save time and stay on top of security updates. You won’t have to watch for available updates; you can schedule automatic updates when and where appropriate.
5. Consider professional IT support: An experienced IT team or consultant can simplify software management and security. Professional support can help ensure that updates are installed correctly and that your software is always up to date, reducing the risk of security breaches. This can also save you valuable time and resources that can be better spent on other important tasks.

To help safeguard your company from security risks and maximize the efficiency of your software, it’s crucial to update your programs regularly. By following the tips provided here and making sure you have proper oversight of the upgrade process from your IT team or consultant, you can greatly reduce the risk of a data breach and protect your company’s data and IT environment.

If you’re interested in keeping your software and devices up-to-date and protected, we can help! Our proactive and help desk engineers will help you maintain your systems and data to avoid costly data breaches and other security problems. If you prefer more oversight, our client portal includes a dashboard that tracks your software, licensing, and hardware. Consultations with your Strategic Advisor and our sales team are available to learn more about the best course of action for your business!