Software Updates: Why They Matter for Security

Software updates can feel like an interruption. They pop up when you're busy, they take time to install, and sometimes they require a restart. It's tempting to click "Remind Me Later" indefinitely. But those updates aren't just about new features or minor improvements. They're often about security, and delaying them leaves your devices vulnerable to attacks that could have been prevented.

What Software Updates Actually Fix

When developers discover a security vulnerability in their software, they write a patch to fix it. That patch gets bundled into an update and distributed to users. The problem is that once an update is released, security researchers and attackers can reverse-engineer it to see exactly what vulnerability was fixed. This tells them how to attack systems that haven't installed the update yet.

This is why timing matters. The period between when an update is released and when you install it is a window of vulnerability. During that time, attackers know about the security hole and know you haven't patched it yet. You become an easy target.

Updates fix different types of vulnerabilities. Some patch flaws that would let an attacker run malicious code on your device. Others fix problems that could let someone steal your data or spy on your activities. Some address issues that could let attackers take complete control of your system remotely. The severity varies, but the principle is the same: unpatched software is vulnerable software.

Operating System Updates

Your operating system, whether it's Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android, is the foundation everything else runs on. OS updates are the most critical type to install promptly.

On Windows, updates arrive through Windows Update. Go to Settings, then Update & Security, then Windows Update. You'll see available updates listed here. Install them. Better yet, enable automatic updates so you don't have to think about it. Windows will download and install updates in the background and prompt you when a restart is needed.

On macOS, go to System Settings, then General, then Software Update. You can enable automatic updates here too. Check the boxes for "Install macOS updates," "Install app updates from the App Store," and "Install Security Responses and system files." This ensures your Mac stays current without manual intervention.

For iPhones and iPads, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update, then Automatic Updates. Turn on both "Download iOS Updates" and "Install iOS Updates." Your device will update itself overnight while charging.

Android devices vary by manufacturer, but generally you'll find updates under Settings, then System, then System Update. Look for an option to enable automatic updates. Keep in mind that Android updates depend on your device manufacturer, and some older devices stop receiving updates after a few years.

Application Updates

Your operating system isn't the only software that needs updating. Every application you use can have vulnerabilities. Web browsers, PDF readers, media players, office software, they all need regular updates.

Many applications now update themselves automatically. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge all auto-update in the background. When you open your browser, you're usually running the latest version without having to do anything.

For other applications, check within the app itself. Most programs have a "Check for Updates" option in their Help or About menu. If an update is available, install it. Don't put it off.

On mobile devices, apps update through your app store. On iPhone, go to the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll down to see available updates. You can update apps individually or tap "Update All." Better yet, go to Settings, then App Store, and enable "App Updates" under Automatic Downloads.

On Android, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, then "Manage apps & device." You'll see available updates here. Enable automatic updates by going to Settings within the Play Store, then "Network preferences," then "Auto-update apps," and choose "Over any network" or "Over Wi-Fi only."

Browser Updates Deserve Special Attention

Your web browser is your gateway to the internet, and it's a common attack vector. Browser vulnerabilities can be exploited just by visiting a malicious website. You don't have to download anything or click on anything suspicious. Simply loading a compromised webpage can be enough if your browser has an unpatched vulnerability.

Major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari update frequently, often every few weeks. These updates typically install automatically, but it's worth checking manually from time to time. In Chrome, click the three dots in the upper right, then Help, then About Google Chrome. It will check for updates automatically. The same process works in Edge and Firefox.

Safari updates as part of macOS updates, so keeping your operating system current keeps Safari current too.

Automatic vs. Manual Updates

The choice between automatic and manual updates often comes down to control versus convenience. Automatic updates are more secure because they eliminate the human tendency to procrastinate. Manual updates give you control over when updates happen, but require discipline to check and install them promptly.

For most people, automatic updates are the right choice. They ensure you're protected as soon as patches are available. The main downside is that updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues with other software, but this is increasingly rare as update processes have become more sophisticated.

If you need to test updates before deploying them widely, which makes sense in business environments, then manual updates with a testing process make sense. For home users, though, the security benefit of automatic updates far outweighs the minimal risk of an update causing problems.

One reasonable middle ground is to enable automatic downloads but manual installation. This way, updates are ready to install whenever you're ready, but you control when the installation and restart happen. This prevents updates from interrupting your work while still keeping the updates queued and ready.

End-of-Life Software

Eventually, all software reaches end-of-life. The manufacturer stops providing updates, even security updates. When this happens, the software becomes increasingly dangerous to use as new vulnerabilities are discovered but never patched.

Windows 7 reached end-of-life in January 2020. Windows 8.1 ended support in January 2023. If you're still running these operating systems, you're using software with known, unpatched security vulnerabilities. Attackers specifically target end-of-life systems because they know the vulnerabilities will never be fixed.

The same applies to older versions of macOS, iOS, and Android. Apple typically supports iOS devices for about five to six years. Android support varies by manufacturer, but many devices stop receiving updates after just two to three years.

When your device reaches end-of-life, you have two options: upgrade to a newer version of the software if your hardware supports it, or replace the hardware. Neither option is free, but the cost of using vulnerable software, being hacked, having your data stolen, or dealing with malware, is much higher.

Check the support status of your operating system and major applications periodically. Microsoft, Apple, and Google publish end-of-life dates for their products. If you're approaching end-of-life, start planning your upgrade path before support actually ends.

What About Updates That Break Things?

It's true that occasionally an update causes problems. An application might crash, a feature might stop working, or in rare cases, a system update might cause stability issues. This happens, but it's rare, especially with automatic testing and staged rollouts that major software companies use today.

The risk of an update causing problems is far smaller than the risk of not updating and leaving vulnerabilities unpatched. Security updates are released because there's a real, known threat. The threat is certain; the possibility of an update causing an issue is small.

If an update does cause problems, the issue is usually fixed quickly with another update. Software companies monitor update rollouts closely and respond rapidly to widespread issues. The temporary inconvenience of a buggy update is manageable. A security breach is not.

Make Updates a Habit

The best approach to software updates is to make them invisible. Enable automatic updates wherever possible. For software that requires manual updates, schedule a monthly check. Add a recurring calendar reminder to review your applications and check for updates.

When you do get prompted to install an update, do it promptly. Don't let update notifications pile up. Don't click "Remind Me Later" repeatedly. Those updates exist for a reason, and that reason is usually your security and safety.

Software updates are one of the simplest and most effective security measures available. They require minimal effort from you, especially when automated, and they protect against a huge range of threats. Keep your software current, and you'll avoid many of the most common attack vectors that compromise devices and data.