How Important Are General Software Updates And Patches

You’re already used to all those tiny pop up windows. They remind you about software updates that are readily available for your mobile device, tablet, laptop, or computer. Some might be tempted to simply click on that remind me later button. But don’t! Or at the very least, don’t put it off for too long.

Software updates are very important especially when it comes to your cybersecurity and IT security. The sooner you install the update, the sooner you will feel confident that your device is secure, until the next update is released.

Why are software updates important?

Software Updates Do Many Things

Software updates provide a lot of advantages. It is all about changes. These may include fixing security loses that may have been identified and repairing or getting rid of computer bugs. Updates could add more features to your devices and get rid of outdated ones. While you are at it, it is also highly recommended that you make sure that the operating system is up to date.

Software Updates Patch Security Problems

Security flaws or software vulnerabilities are the favorites of hackers. A vulnerability in a software is a security weakness or hole that is found in an operating system or a software program. They can take advantage of such weakness by writing the code to fully target the vulnerability. The code will be packaged into a malware, which also called malicious software.

Software Updates Could Protect Your Data

You most likely keep a lot of personal information and documents on your devices. Your confidential information, from bank account details to emails, these are all important to cybercriminals.

They can use it to do crimes in your name or you could sell it on the dark web so others could do the bad deed. If it is a ransomware, the hackers may encrypt your data. You may have to pay a ransom to get an encryption key and unlock your data. But there is also a possibility that you have already paid the ransom but you still won’t be able to get your files back. To avoid all these, be sure to update your operating system and your software so you can keep hackers at bay.

It Is Not Just About You

Most of the time, cybersecurity is about you but you also need to think about other people. If your device will catch a virus, you may pass it on to people you know like your business associates, family, and even friends. That is why you should keep your software and the systems updated all the time. You need to install a trusted anti-virus program that can help keep your computer or other devices secure.

You Deserve The Best

Updates do not just patch the security flaws but they could also improve existing features or add new ones. Your software program or operating system will become more stable and avoid crashing. It could help boost performance and improve the speed. You have the option to ignore these update reminders but you are missing out on a lot of things, especially your cybersecurity in Fayetteville.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. if you need help in setting up the appropriate security measures to make sure you're protected whenever you go online once you start working at home. 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

Cities Served:
Fayetteville, Spring Lake, Hope Mills, Dunn, Aberdeen, Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Sanford, Clinto

New Android Malware Can Get Past Two-Factor Authentication

Since 2010, Google has been doing its part to help keep its massive user base safe. They introduced a small but critical service called Google Authenticator, which is used by a number of online accounts as a two-factor authentication layer.

Google launched the service as an alternative to SMS-based one-time pass codes.

While SMS-based codes are better than nothing, they are the lowest common denominator in the world of 2FA, and are problematic for a number of different reasons. The main advantage Authenticator has over its SMS counterpart is that Authenticator's randomly generated codes are contained within the user's device itself, and never travel through insecure mobile networks.

Although Authenticator generated codes are widely regarded as being superior to SMS-based codes in terms of overall security, they're certainly not invulnerable, as hackers have recently proved. Researchers from ThreatFabric recently announced that they've spotted a new strain of the Cerberus Trojan in the wild that is capable of stealing 2FA codes generated via the Authenticator application.

If there's a silver lining in the research team's findings, it is the fact that the strains they've uncovered seem to be test versions of the Trojan That means the new capabilities aren't yet widely available. Unfortunately, it's just a matter of time before the new strain is out of testing and starts seeing widespread use.

All that to say, that this is a serious threat. Be sure your employees are aware of the risks and dangers. Too often, people get comfortable after enabling 2FA and develop a false sense of security thinking that they're essentially invulnerable.

They aren't. No one is. While this is the first piece of malware we've seen that can counter 2FA, it certainly won't be the last. Stay vigilant. It's going to be a tough year on the security front.

Keep your devices, systems, and network secured from hackers and other online threats. Let SpartanTec, Inc. set up the most effective security measures according to your business needs.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

Cities Served:
Fayetteville, Spring Lake, Hope Mills, Dunn, Aberdeen, Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Sanford, Clinto