Regularly updating software is the frontline defense against the rapidly changing tactics of cybercriminals. It seems like every day a new vulnerability emerges, creating new entry points for attackers. One of the most effective ways to guard against these emerging threats is to regularly update your software. More than just feature enhancements or performance improvements, updates often contain critical security patches that protect systems from known exploits, making them indispensable amongst your cybersecurity strategy.

Why You Need to Update Your Software

When software releases updates, they often include security patches to protect your systems from threats. Hackers are always looking for ways to take advantage of software flaws, and outdated software can be an easy target. Updating your software can close off these vulnerabilities, making it harder for attackers to break in.

Staying Compliant

One often overlooked aspect of keeping software up to date is its role in compliance. Some industries can require up to date security measures to protect sensitive information and maintain trust. For example:

• PCI-DSS mandates updated systems to prevent data breaches and protect cardholder data.
• HIPPA requires Covered Entities, entities that must comply with HIPPA, such as health insurance and healthcare providers, to conduct Risk Analysis and Risk Management. Outdated software could be seen as a risk, so security updates to software would be mandatory.

Compatibility

As technology continues to evolve, software becomes increasingly more integrated. Software updates can ensure smooth integration across different systems and applications. This is essential for keeping operations running efficiently and preventing the buildup of technical debt from neglected software environments.

Moreover, compatibility and security are becoming more interconnected. As systems grow more complex, their ability to communicate securely relies on compatibility with advanced cryptographic protocols.

Real-World Incidents

Sometimes failure to apply updates can lead to serious consequences. These incidents highlight the importance of installing security patches quickly by showing the direct connection between delayed updates and increased risk of cyberattacks.

• Equifax (2017): One of the most notorious breaches in history, Equifax failed to apply a patch for a known vulnerability in Apache Struts, which had been available for two months prior to the breach. This resulted in the compromise of over one hundred million private records.
• WannaCry (2017): The global WannaCry ransomware affected hundreds of thousands of computers by exploiting a vulnerability that was already patched by Microsoft two months before the attack began.
• Log4Shell (2021): The Log4Shell vulnerability is one of the most significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities in recent history. Although initial exploitation of this vulnerability began before patches were released by Apache, mass exploitation began shortly after. Many organizations were slow to install the security fixes, giving attackers widespread control over many systems.

Best Practices for Applying Updates

• Automating updates for operating systems and applications whenever possible.
  • Leveraging automatic updates allows you to receive the latest security patches quickly, while also reducing the risk of missing patches.
• Replace unsupported applications and operating systems.
  • Identify and migrate unsupported software to supported versions as they no longer receive security updates.
• Test updates before applying if applicable.
  • Sometimes major software updates can disrupt workflow. Testing them in a controlled environment can help identify any potential compatibility issue or unintended consequence.

Updating software is an integral part of cybersecurity that cannot be overlooked!