It is incredibly important to update your software in order to repair any bugs or abnormalities within your system. This applies not only to your computer, but your phone, tablet, etc. as well! If you neglect to update your system, those vulnerabilities are likely to be exploited by hackers. Hackers take advantage of these weaknesses by writing code specifically targeting the vulnerabilities in your system.

Software updates repair security holes and vulnerabilities, fixes or removes bugs, and can even add new features and remove outdated ones. Software updates will make your system more stable and often boost your system’s program performance as well.

This goes for your anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware software as well. Your system is regularly threatened by new viruses, spyware, and malware. These software updates contain the latest files needed to combat the newest threats that could potentially cripple your system.

Not convinced about how important it is to keep your software updated? Check out these startling stats from Safeatlast.com.

• Between December 2018 and January 2019, malware activity has increased by 61%
• The AV-TEST Institute registers over 350,000 new malicious programs, malware, and potentially unwanted applications every single day.
• New malware is released every 7 seconds.

Scary, right?! Now go update your devices and software!

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

“Held every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online,” according to Homeland Security.

“NCSAM 2019 will emphasize personal accountability and stress the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity at home and in the workplace. This year’s overarching message – Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT. – will focus on key areas including citizen privacy, consumer devices, and ecommerce security.” Learn more about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month here on the Homeland Security website.

Every weekday in October, we’ll help spread Cybersecurity awareness by sharing an important online safety tip.