’Tis the season for giving—not for giving attackers easy openings. Every day, threat actors hunt for fresh holes in widely used software (Microsoft 365, Chrome, Adobe, QuickBooks, Zoom, your OS, even router firmware). When vendors release a patch, the vulnerability becomes known, and cybercriminals rush to weaponize it against anyone who delays updating. During the holidays—when teams are distracted—those odds only go up.
Why updates matter (right now)
- Close known holes fast: Patches shut doors that ransomware, data thieves, and botnets actively target.
- Stability & performance: Updates reduce crashes and weird glitches—great before year-end projects.
- Compliance & insurance: Many policies and frameworks expect timely patching.
What to update (put everything on your Nice List)
- Operating systems: Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, Linux.
- Browsers & plugins: Chrome, Edge, Firefox; remove unused extensions.
- Business apps: Microsoft 365, Adobe, QuickBooks, Zoom/Teams.
- Security tools: EDR/AV, VPN clients, password managers.
- Firmware & “forgotten” gear: Routers, Wi-Fi APs, NAS, printers/MFPs, cameras, IoT.
- Website/CMS stacks: WordPress core, themes/plugins, PHP, web server.
Holiday-ready patching playbook 🎄
- Enable auto-updates wherever sensible (OS, browsers, common apps).
- Prioritize critical fixes—especially those marked “exploited in the wild.”
- Back up first (and verify) before major OS/app upgrades.
- Use maintenance windows for servers and mission-critical systems; pilot updates with a small test group.
- Track & verify: Keep an inventory, and confirm patches actually applied.
- Retire end-of-life software—no patches means guaranteed risk.
- Don’t forget home devices: Phones, tablets, and personal PCs that access work email or files must be current.
“But updates break things…” (how to stay merry)
- Pilot → roll out: Test high-impact updates on a few representative machines first.
- Have a rollback plan: Keep recent backups and version info handy.
- Temporary holds with purpose: You can delay a risky update—just document it and patch ASAP.
Quick Christmas checklist
- Auto-updates on for OS, browsers, key apps
- Critical & actively exploited patches applied
- Verified backup before big releases
- Inventory up to date; patch status verified
- EOL software removed or replaced
- Home/remote user guidance sent
Even the strongest defenses crumble if you leave known doors open. Give your business the gift of resilience this season: consistent patching, verified backups, and a simple runbook your team can follow—even when half the office is on holiday break.
Want help setting up automated, verified patching (at work and for remote staff) before year-end? Contact F8 Consulting for a free consultation.