A software update is a change in a program or operating system that fixes bugs, adds features, and improves performance and security. Software updates are typically delivered via an app store, web portal, or directly on devices with built-in update capabilities (like smartphones). The best practice is to install all available software updates as soon as they become available to ensure that you have the latest versions of programs and operating systems. This helps close down vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit for months and even years after the original release.
Over time, hackers find new ways to break into computer systems and steal information or commit other crimes. Keeping all of your software and operating systems up to date is one of the best practices you can follow to avoid these attacks, as they typically target outdated or unpatched programs with known vulnerabilities.
Keeping your software updated is especially important for security reasons, as attackers can take advantage of old, unpatched programs to spy on you, infect your machine with dangerous malware, or even break into your home network and hijack your router or modem. Updates are designed to fix these issues and patch zero-day exploits, as well as update older, less effective protocols to the more robust standards that are harder for cybercriminals to crack.
To keep track of all of your available software updates, you can either check regularly on your device manufacturer’s website or use one of the many free programs that offer to scan for them for you. For example, Glarysoft’s program update checker checks for available updates on your computer and displays them in your browser with download links.