Updating your devices is one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself online.
If your devices aren’t up to date with the latest software, it’s much easier for a cybercriminal, malicious program or virus to gain access to them.
Keep reading to learn how to keep your devices updated.
Why should I update my devices?
Your devices run on software that needs to be regularly updated. Regular updates allow for weaknesses in the software (also known as vulnerabilities) to be fixed.
You’ll usually receive a notification to accept any new updates available.
Until you make the update, your device is at risk.
Cybercriminals may try to take advantage of these weaknesses to access your devices.
If they manage to gain access, they could:
- see or download any information you’ve stored on your device or browsers, such as your passwords and profiles
- install malicious software (malware) that could track your activity, including any passwords you use
- steal login details to the device’s network.
Updating your devices not only helps to fix security issues, but can also improve the functionality of your devices.
How do I update my devices?
The easiest way to keep your devices updated is to set up automatic updates.
You’ll need to keep both your device’s operating system and individual apps on your device updated.
Different software and devices have different processes for enabling automatic updates. Some commonly used ones you may need to update include:
Windows
Visit Microsoft's website to learn more about updating Windows
Apple
Visit Apple's website to learn more about updating Apple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.
Android
Visit Google's website to learn more about updating Android devices. As different Android devices are made by different manufacturers, each may have a different process to install system updates. Visit your manufacturer’s website to find out more.
Top tip
It’s a good idea to backup your data before updating your operating system. That way, you can make sure that you have a copy of your files in case anything goes wrong.
What should I do if I can’t make updates anymore?
The reason you can no longer make updates could be due to ‘end of support’. This is when a company decides to stop making further updates to a product, including:
- security updates
- general software updates
- technical support.
As we’ve covered, devices without the latest updates are at greater risk of being targeted by cybercriminals.
So to stay safe, you should upgrade any devices that have reached end of support.
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