Software updates: limit digital risks with one mouseclick

What is updating?

Updating means keeping your IT systems up to date. More specifically, the software running on your systems. Think of your operating system, email, internet browser, or website. And it is not just about the computer you use. Regularly update all devices that use software.Especially if they are connected to the internet, such as your  smartphone or tablet.

What types of updates are there?

There are two types of software updates. A functionality update makes your software more stable, better, or better-looking. For example, your favourite online shop updates its software to make it possible to pay with iDeal. Functionality updates are rarely urgent.

A security update or patch often is urgent. It repairs weak spots in your software. If you can, always install security patches right away. And always use the best and most secure version of your software. This reduces the risk of cybercriminals hacking your systems. 

Why are software updates important?

Updates keep your software working properly and safe. Software that has not been updated may have vulnerabilities. Hackers are aware of these and know exactly how they can easily break into computer systems. They then steal data or install malicious software, such ransomware. Regular updating prevents cybercriminals from exploiting the vulnerabilities in your software.

In the video below, 2 entrepreneurs talk about the importance of software updates. For English subtitles, select Subtitles (‘Ondertiteling’) in the Settings menu (wheel) and then choose English (‘Engels’).

What should you update?

In short: update all devices that have software on them. Start with security patches. Do the functionality updates later. Start with systems that are always connected to the internet. Think of a router or your webshop's software. A digital attacker can easily force their way into these kinds of systems if the software is out of date. 

Then look at systems that regularly connect to the internet, such as your smartphone. Also update your web browser, for example Firefox, Google Chrome, or Edge. Finally, update systems that are never or almost never online.

How do you keep your software up to date?

Many systems stay up-to-date automatically. You will not even notice it. Sometimes you get a pop-up telling you that an update is available. You then choose when to perform the update.

This is how you keep your systems up to date:

1. Restart your IT systems regularly. Then you can be sure that at least all automatic updates have been performed.
2. Don't wait and run an update immediately. Especially if it is a security patch.
3. Don't use software that no longer gets updates from the vendor. Replace these outdated systems or make sure they never connect to the internet again.
4. Find out for each system who is responsible for updating: yourself, your IT administrator, your software supplier, or your internet provider.
5. Check that the ‘automatically update’ setting is on where possible. Unsure how this works? Get your IT administrator or a cybersecurity expert to help with this.
6. Engage an expert for devices you may not be able to update yourself. Think of a router, smart TV, security camera, or POS system.
7. Limit the number of IT systems in your business. This gives overview, makes management easier and reduces the number of vulnerabilities.
8. Do you work in the cloud? If so, the provider of the online service is responsible for up-to-date software. Check whether your provider updates the software.
9. Check your system with an ‘update management tool’ such as Patch My PC for Windows or MacUpdater for macOS. These types of tools show which software is outdated.
10. Stay on top of digital threats. Then you will know, for example, which devices are vulnerable to cyber attacks. And you can pay extra attention to these when updating.

Sellers need to provide updates

Do you sell digital products? If so, you are legally obliged to offer updates to your customers. It does not matter whether you sell new, imported, or second-hand products. As a seller, you must ensure that customers get the right updates in time.