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We have come to adjust to the idea that our software will get updates and patches from developers. On many occasions, these updates and patches are about introducing new features in the software. It’s for this reason that most people believe updates and patches are not so necessary.
However, updates and patches do much more, including improving stability and plugging security holes in software. Therefore, it’s important to be swift in applying updates and patches as soon as possible.
What is a Software Patch?
Instead of jumping ahead of ourselves, we’re going to ask, What is a patch?
If you need to make some significant change to a computer program to fix an issue or update and improve a software program, then you’re going to need to install a patch. Security patches come with updates for your current program.
Your business needs to maintain a steady culture of security patching. It's crucial if you'll have to fix simple bugs or salvage your entire application, system, network, or IT infrastructure.
What is a Software Update?
How about software updates?
You may find people using this word when describing software patches. However, both terms refer to slightly different entities. A software update is what you might refer to as a “service pack,” a piece of software the vendors release to fix security vulnerabilities in their products mainly.
Sometimes, software updates feature bug fixes and product enhancement. Users need to install the updates over the current installation without uninstalling or re-installing the specific software.
Therefore, when you update a program, your only job is to allow the updater to run in the background.
Components of a software update
Typical components of a software update include:
Bug fixes
What’s a bug? It’s just a word to refer to unplanned or unexpected programmer mistakes during the creation of software. It makes the program produce unintended results and errors while running.
Product enhancements
While most updates fulfil a security purpose, some aim to help to improve performance in your program. One way software companies make happier customers is by applying the principle of continuous improvement. Patching software regularly is one way they do this.
Security vulnerability fixes
The majority of software and OS (operating system) updates help to patch security vulnerabilities in programs. The presence of security holes in an application leaves room for criminal elements to perpetrate remote attacks. These cybercriminals often exploit security vulnerabilities in applications to deliver malware.
Why Are Software Updates and Patches Important?
1. It addresses security flaws
One sure-fire way to win a hacker's love is to have security vulnerabilities. Hackers are more than happy to write code to take advantage of the weakness and exploit it. The harmful code sits in a wrapper called a malware package. Malware stands for malicious software.
An exploit may infect your computer without you or someone from your company doing more than visiting a rogue website, playing infected media, or launching a compromising message.
The malware goes ahead to steal data available on your device, giving the attacker the ability to control your computer and encrypt your files.
Again, it’s worth remembering that software updates include software patches to keep hackers as far away as possible.
2. Patches ensure that your data stays safe
You’ve heard it said that data is the new oil. The good reason is that it has become more valuable as companies aim to run lean and more profitable operations that serve each customer as precisely as possible.
The fallout of having multiplying reams of data is that it becomes increasingly difficult to secure it all. The average technology user keeps plenty of documents and personal information on their devices. Cybercriminals will do anything to access such personally identifiable information, which may include emails or bank details.
The data you take for granted has got much value on the dark web to enable criminal elements to commit crimes. The least they can do is to use your identity. For ransomware attacks, they can encrypt your data and demand a ransom to give you an encryption key to get back what matters to you. In extreme cases, you lose both the data and the ransom payment.
3. Updates and patches protect you and the ones you love
Cybersecurity measures will primarily help to keep you safe online. But did you know that patching and updating software also protects those you care about? A device with a virus may find its way to your family and friends, broadening the attack surface for the hacker. It's one reason why a cutting-edge antivirus solution is a necessity, though it’s not a cure-all for cybersecurity problems.
Your business associates are another vital reason why you need a robust update and patching policy. You can ill-afford to expose your partners and associates to cybersecurity risks. It will hamper both your reputation and profits. Paying attention to patching and updates shows everyone that you care about their safety.
Efficient Management of Software Updates and Patches
It's best to leave your computer software to manage updates. Most software automatically downloads and install updates, while others leave it as a manual feature. Such programs without an automatic update feature include Adobe Reader and Java. They are also known to be prone to security issues.
Mobile devices need software updates as much (if not more) as computers. These are called firmware updates. Smartphone applications also require regular updates, just like program updates on a computer. The message here is to install updates for as many devices as are available on the network. This practice of device protection improves performance and enhances security.
Where Do We Go from Here?
Imagine for a moment that your house was without doors or windows for one month. Depending on where you live, there is the possibility of every crime from theft to homicide. The possibilities are endless, especially since you can’t tell which of your neighbors are most likely a criminal. Patching and updating are a means to not only have doors in place but to reinforce them regularly. Reinforcements will ensure that the bad guys continue to play catch-up since you find and fix bugs before they do(hopefully).
Suppose you need to audit your company security. In that case, IPSYSTEMS is a cybersecurity solutions provider in the Philippines that will help you develop the cybersecurity infrastructure suitable for your business.
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