Notifications are annoying, we get that. Between websites informing us about the latest blog posts, social media and instant messaging popups – it can be tempting to tap/click on the “Remind Me Later” or “Close” button without even thinking about it.
That’s what I used to do, until one of my apps was compromised. The problem was in the earlier/older version of the app, which was fixed in the newer release. But I didn’t have that newer version of the app as I dismissed the information about the update without even reading it.
These days, I’m completely opposite. Even though I won’t necessarily read the fine print of what’s included in the latest version of the app, I just click/tap update. So instead of dismissing the info, I make sure the app gets updated. And that is something I suggest to everyone I know. Here’s why…
1. Keep your device protected against malware
Over 300,000 new malware samples are found every single day, according to the German security research firm AV-Test Institute. Some of these are designed to let a hacker gain control of your device and personal data, and there are also those that are meant to extort and blackmail users — aka “ransomware.”
The easiest thing you could do in order to protect yourself against malware is to keep your device up to date. It’s not a guarantee of course, but it will definitely help.
You see, updates to your operating system — and other apps for that matter — are meant to fix any security holes that have been discovered in the meantime (until that update). And since hackers are getting better with the day, these updates are also becoming more frequent. Nevertheless, you should click/tap that update button when you’re notified about the new version of the platform (or an app).
2. Protect against zero-day exploits
Related to the previous point… Zero-day vulnerabilities are security flaws recently discovered by a software vendor but without an existing solution. If hackers discover the flaw, they could exploit it to their advantage.
Your first line of defense against these sorts of attacks is to immediately install software updates when they become available. These will plug security holes and potentially add new bells and whistles to your app.
In contrast, if you decline software updates – you’re putting yourself and your data at risk.
3. Fix bugs
In addition to fixing security issues, new software versions also fix other bugs in the system/app. These bugs can cause malfunction and force the app to behave in unintended ways and with the next update, that problem could go away.
Even though software companies, especially the biggest ones, employ thousands of developers – they could unintentionally create a bug in the code. The reason for this is that modern software is increasingly complex and that complexity further leads to more errors, with so many interdependent software libraries potentially causing problems in some apps.
In other words, there are more places where a bug could appear in modern systems.
4. Secure personal information
Most hackers “do their thing” for monetary benefit and they won’t break into your system or hack your app, just to show “they can do it.” Yes, there are those kinds of hackers as well; this practice is called “white hacking” and it’s meant to warn organizations about security holes. Nevertheless, most hacking these days isn’t so noble and what hackers want is your data, typically financial information such as credit card details they could then use to buy something for themselves. Or spend the money in some other way.
Alternatively, hackers may go for your business documents, emails, photos, address books and more to cause havoc in some other way. These could help them perform ransomware attacks that leads to financial extortion.
So you do want to protect your data at all cost and updating your system and all apps plays an important role in your defenses. New software versions will patch the security holes, making your data that more secure.
Enable automatic updates
If there is an option to enable automatic updates, do it. Typically, it’s one toggle that could help you live a much happier life. Just imagine the opposite scenario when your computer is hacked – suddenly, your life turns upside down as you struggle to fix it up. Don’t wait for that to happen and keep your system updated at all times. And the same goes for all the apps you’re using.