Cybercriminals wake up every day with a simple mission: find new weaknesses in widely used software—think Adobe, Microsoft 365, Chrome, QuickBooks—and exploit them at scale. Vendors respond by releasing patches and updates to fix these flaws. The moment a patch is public, attackers race to weaponize the now-known vulnerability against anyone who delays updating.
In short: once there’s a fix, lagging behind becomes the real risk. Here’s how to stay safe and sane with updates.
Why Updates Matter
- Close known holes: Patches fix actively exploited vulnerabilities, cutting off common attack paths like ransomware and credential theft.
- Stability & features: Updates also improve performance, compatibility, and reliability—less downtime, fewer crashes.
- Compliance: Many frameworks (and cyber insurers) expect timely patching.
What to Keep Updated (Not Just PCs)
- Operating systems: Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, Linux.
- Browsers & plugins: Chrome, Edge, Firefox; remove unused extensions.
- Productivity & finance apps: Microsoft 365, Adobe, QuickBooks, Zoom.
- Security tools: EDR/AV, firewalls, VPN clients.
- Infrastructure & IoT: Routers, Wi-Fi access points, NAS devices, printers—yes, they need patches too.
Smart Patch Management: Best Practices
- Enable auto-updates wherever practical (OS, browsers, apps).
- Prioritize critical patches (especially those marked “exploited in the wild”).
- Use maintenance windows for servers and critical systems; stage updates in test groups first.
- Back up before major updates so you can roll back safely.
- Track and verify: maintain an inventory; confirm updates actually applied.
- Remove what you don’t use: fewer apps = fewer vulnerabilities.
- Update personal devices that access work email/files—phones and home PCs are common blind spots.
“But Updates Break Things…” (Handling the Exceptions)
- Pilot first: Test high-impact updates on a small group before broad rollout.
- Have a rollback plan: Keep recent backups and version info handy.
- Freeze with purpose: Temporary holds are fine for mission-critical apps—just document, monitor, and patch ASAP.
Quick Checklist
- Auto-updates on for OS, browsers, and key apps
- Weekly check for pending restarts
- Monthly review of devices and versions
- Backup verified before major releases
- Remove unused software and extensions