Updating your technology can be a daunting task for some, and in many cases get pushed aside because they “do not want change” or “is okay with how things are now.” What many people do not know is that majority of today’s software updates are more than just cosmetics. There are several reasons to keep your software up to date, whether it is your Operating System, mobile device, or software itself but at its core, the main reason is to keep yourself safe online.
You may be too busy to perform the update and click “cancel,” but it’s up to you and your IT department to maintain your software revisions and help protect your network from cyber-attacks. Today for National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we are going to cover why you need to keep your software updated and what to do before starting a major software update.
5 Reasons Why You Need to Keep Your Software Updated:
- Security. The most important reason to keep your software updated is for cybersecurity reasons. Cyber-criminals keep a close eye on software vulnerabilities to exploit and gain access to outdated technology. The exploited code is packaged into malware and can be triggered as simply as visiting a website. Hackers can even gain remote access into your computer through a security flaw and manipulate your system. Ensure all your necessary software has the latest patches on them to help combat intruders and malware threats. This includes ensuring your Operating System (OS), antivirus/antimalware programs, web browsers, mobile apps, and desktop applications have the latest software installed.
- Compliance. Compliance laws also need to be taken into consideration when you are operating on older hardware with an outdated OS. Failure to comply with HIPAA compliance for medical facilities and PCI Compliance for merchants can result in large fines. Microsoft Windows is a major component of this in the upcoming End of Life deadline for their Windows 7 OS which lands on January 14th, 2020. After that date, Windows devices still running Windows 7 will no longer receive security updates for their PCs. There are instances where an update may not be enough so a hardware upgrade may be needed in the case of Windows 7 EOL (End of Life), which we cover in this whitepaper.
- Performance. Technology wears down over time, which can lead to performance issues as well as security holes. Software updates tend to patch and resolve known bugs that developers find or are alerted to, which aim to keep the device running as optimal as possible. This could also extend its lifespan, as well as add new features to improve the user experience. Do not forget any device drivers that may require updates along with a major OS update.
- Productivity. Having the most recent software revisions of your software and apps can bring less downtime and better productivity. Software updates tend to improve performance which can speed up user efficiency, as well as add capabilities to enhance your work experience, such as remote access and instant collaboration such as Microsoft Teams in Office 365.
- Compatibility. Newer software updates are typically geared to take advantage of the newer operating system’s enhanced stability and security, so you should look at what features are changed and added in the new updates. Some of them may be cosmetic, but some are made to ensure they continue to run properly on the updated OS, reducing compatibility issues. However, we do understand that some software may not be 100% compatible with a newer OS so be sure to check with your IT department to verify compatibility before updating.
So, you’ve decided to install a major update on your device. What should you do before installation?
- Back up your data. As much as updating is recommended, technology is not foolproof. Sometimes major software updates can fail, and it’s best to already have a backup solution in place for your files and sensitive data, but even more so before you roll out a major update. In case a fresh OS install is necessary or the hardware needs to be replaced, your data is secured and can be restored.
- Create a Recovery Drive for Windows. The other component you should have ready is a Windows recovery drive. Stored on a USB drive that you should keep secured, this can help you restore your Windows system to a secure state in case a problem happens during installation.
- Keep your product keys for all previous software handy. In case you need to re-install the OS or do a clean install, when upgrading you may have to re-install previous programs. Typically, you will need to verify your account with the original key code (such as an anti-virus program) so you can continue using the program on the new OS or machine. For Windows OS upgrades, you will also need your Microsoft account login information to complete the update.
- Ensure the hardware you’re updating is not End of Life. Earlier we mentioned about performance and capabilities when updating your software, but it is crucial to verify that your existing hardware can handle the update before proceeding. This includes verifying that your machine has enough allocated space on its hard drive, has the right size of RAM, and that the processor is compatible with the new OS.
- Train your employees on the new software. This might be the toughest part of updating for many users to grasp. To ease the transition into a new version of legacy software or for when you’re overhauling your entire organization’s OS, take the time to train your employees on how to use the new version of the software before implementation. Some may be reluctant to the change, but through familiarizing your employees with the OS beforehand, the update should go much smoother.
The end of Windows 7 comes on January 14th, 2020. neoRhino's Windows-certified IT consultants and help desk agents are ready to ensure your migration to Windows 10 is as smooth and efficient as possible. Click here to receive our whitepaper on the details that you need to know about the Windows 7 EOL deadline, why it's important, and how we can help your business transition to Windows 10.
neoRhino’s Security Awareness Team, certified IT consultants, and 24/7 helpdesk squad are here to help strengthen your online defenses. You can visit our homepage, see more about The War on CyberSecurity, or give us a call at (281) 779-4850, and we can manage your technology so you can manage your business.
