To protect your business from threats, you must keep your software updated. 66% of companies who have experienced cyber-attacks need to be more confident they can recover from the damage done to their site and customers’ trust in their brands.
Cybersecurity is crucial for everyone- especially for site owners hosting their websites online. Providing adequate protection for your site will protect it from breaches, hacks, and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.
One of the best ways to safeguard your site from these threats is to ensure that the software you’re using is up to date.
Why do software updates matter?
Why are software updates important? Software updates are crucial to ensure that your computer, mobile device, or tablet runs smoothly and efficiently. As soon as a software company releases a product for purchase, developers further enhance the development by making improvements, fixing problems, and correcting any security issues found.
Staying on top of software updates and updating your software regularly is vital for several reasons. That’s why getting the proper software product support is crucial.
So, now that you know the basics, here are some of the most practical benefits of updating your software to protect it from security threats:
1. Patch security holes
Security holes allow hackers to access your software and its data. Hackers can exploit software vulnerabilities by writing pieces of code targeting these vulnerabilities, delivered in the form of malicious software or ‘malware.’
Your computer can easily be infected with these pieces of code. Simply visiting an unsecured site, opening a compromised email, or running an infected file leaves you probing for cyberattacks. Once this happens, the malware can hijack the data saved in your device or software, allowing cybercriminals to control and encrypt your files so you can no longer access them.
Many software updates delivered in software patches or, in the case of WordPress, core and plug-in updates cover these security holes and prevent hackers from accessing your data and your business. Check out ways to keep your WordPress site secure.
2. Sustained compatibility
If your business regularly updates its hardware, it’s also crucial to update your software. These updates are designed to extend the life of your devices, making them compatible to use and interface with newer programs and systems.
The longer you wait without updating, the more likely a new release won’t function well on your device.
3. Protect your on-site data and customer information
Many WordPress sites allow users to make accounts using their details, such as their names, email addresses, phone numbers, and date of birth.
This information should remain private to protect the identity of users. If you’re running an e-commerce site, your customers have entered or stored their bank account information, which is sensitive data and extremely valuable to cybercriminals.
These malicious individuals can use it to exploit outdated software to gain access to user data. They can then use this to commit identity theft or sell the data they got on the dark web. They can even hold this data ransom, demanding money from you in exchange for an encryption key so that you can retrieve your data.
4. Virus protection
Viruses are pretty notorious for preying on outdated software. It doesn’t always mean that there’s an actual cybercriminal behind the screen infecting your computer.
Most viruses seek out security flaws, taking advantage of the infected machines. For instance, a modern computer with a few versions behind the current software could easily be compromised.
Moreover, virus infections are sometimes more obvious. Sometimes, it sits insidiously in the background, sending the user’s activity and personal information to a remote party.
Regarding essential business data, this could cost you thousands (even millions!) of dollars to recover. It’s also worth noting that many software updates are released to enhance security on a known exploit. You’re at risk if you pass on the opportunity to install them.
5. Improve overall performance
You also need to ensure that your performance works best with software updates. If it’s been quite some time since you’ve updated the latest software, you could experience performance issues.
Some programs don’t work correctly, causing applications to crash. Software updates also need to be installed to enhance performance, so ensuring that you’re taking advantage of the latest update is crucial to improve the overall performance.
6. Introduce helpful new features
Aside from patching old and new security vulnerabilities, software updates also provide you with new features to enhance security. Although not directly related to safety, they could indirectly reduce future problems with quality-of-life enhancements.
For instance, an update can improve compatibility with other programs and reduce disruptions and outages that could leave your program vulnerable.
Also, if your software runs smoothly, it’s easier for your employees to spot anything out of the ordinary, enhancing your company’s overall cyber vigilance.
7. Fix software bugs
The software is only sometimes released in perfect condition. Developers can’t test or fix every program that breaks.
Once the program is released to the public, thousands, if not millions, will use it in various ways. That’s when most bugs are discovered. Software developers could find ways to fix the problem and make necessary software updates when this happens.
Over to You
So there you have it. These benefits of how updated software could protect your business from security threats. Keeping your software up to date means keeping your devices secure and safeguard your site. It’s part of your regular maintenance and should be addressed.
Similarly, updates benefit customers and users by giving them a safe, reliable, and efficient on-site experience that doesn’t put their personal information at risk. If you avoid updates, you risk encountering computer problems, incompatible apps, and cyberattacks.
So, you must pay attention to regular software updates for your business. This helps you prevent these headaches and risks. With this information in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making the best decisions for your company. Good luck!