Small steps to cyber security: keep devices up to date

This latest blog in our cyber awareness campaign is all about the most useful interruption – software updates.

Why updates matter

Every day we use smartphones, tablets, laptops and/or desktop PCs to help us do our job. We’re working with lots of different applications to complete our to-do list (e.g. write a blog, call a team member, complete an expenses claim). Prompts to update your device can feel like an unwanted interruption – so what are they for?

Software updates are regularly released to provide us with new features, improvements and fix known problems in these applications so that they remain useful and safe for us to use.   

Sometimes these updates fix security holes or improve security settings, both of which are important in helping prevent cyber criminals from illegally accessing devices and information.

Install as often as possible

Installing the latest software updates promptly is one of the most important ways to keep yourself safe online – find out how to update your devices.  

Tips to keep you on the right track

• Turn on automatic updates: This is the easiest way to stay protected, and you should enable automatic updates wherever you can. Whether or not you have automatic updates enabled, it is always worthwhile staying alert for prompts to update software (e.g. in browsers, apps) and following instructions from your device.
• Remember to restart: When was the last time you restarted your device? It is good to regularly reboot to make sure software is running smoothly and securely, try doing this once a week at a time that suits you and see how you get on.
• Uninstall what you don’t use: Unused software can be a hidden risk, remove applications you no longer use and identify alternatives for those where updates are no longer available.

Outdated software is an open door to cyber criminals so share these with your colleagues to help keep devices safe.

And stay in the loop on all things cyber

SCVO’s cyber awareness campaign started with passwords, followed by asking staff/ volunteers to attend a cyber event or read a news article at CyberScotland.com before reminding us don't take the bait. Prompting us of the importance to talk about some of the key topics of cyber security covered in this free e-learning module providing top tips for staff regularly to help good habits stick.

If you want to keep up to date with cyber and hear about all our resources as soon as they are available, check out SCVO’s free online guidance. Contact SCVO’s Cyber Resilience Co-ordinator, Alison Brogan, if you’d like support with creating a positive cyber security culture within your organisation. From board level to supporting your team in their everyday work, there is lots of free support available.