A few years ago, a Twitter user named Adrienne Porter perfectly described the vexation we have developed when it comes to software updates. She states “Ever wonder why people don’t update software? The latest version of Instagram includes a time-saving feature of crashing every time I open it.”
We all know that feeling. You may think things like ‘what is the point of all these updates’, ‘I don’t have time for this, I’ll do it later’, or ‘great, now my device isn’t working properly after an update’. Sure, updates can sometimes be frustrating, but they are not disseminated arbitrarily. Software updates are designed to provide users with the newest tools, the best security, and the most optimal performance. Ignoring updates can lead to glitchy applications, impeded function, and in some cases a major loss of revenue.
Blunders of the Past
In 2017 we experienced the importance of updates on a world-wide scale and I’m sure many tears were shed when WannaCry was deployed. When this ransomware infected a computer, it quickly encrypted important data and held that data for ransom. Users were not able to access their company data until they paid in Bitcoin. Worse yet, the worm spread mainly by traveling through computers on the same network. If infected devices were not isolated quickly, it was likely all others on the network would share the same fate.
The cyberattack itself appears to have gotten it’s start in Britain where it quickly shutdown entire departments of the British National Health Service. Other notable entities that were infected include: FedEx, Telefonica, and even the Russian Interior Ministry. Within hours, the worm had made it’s way to more than 150 countries and affecting more than 200,000 users.
Thankfully, it ended as quickly as it started. A few hours the first attack, many started to worry we were looking at a disaster of epic proportions, but then a 22-year-old cyber security student in Britain was able to save the day. They were able to find the ‘kill switch’ within the ransomware’s code and brought it all to a screeching halt.
How did this happen? It is embarrassingly simple, users didn’t update their computers. Hackers were able to exploit a hole in security that Microsoft had already released an update to fix.
Unfortunately, ransomware is still a thing. Similar events have happened since that date and will continue in the future as cyber criminals continuously work hard at wreaking havoc.
Why are we still not Listening?
There are several reasons why people still avoid updating their computers. In 2016, researchers at the University of Edinburgh and Indiana University asked 307 people about their experiences installing software updates. More than half of that number admitted to experiencing varying degrees of frustration while updating and only 21 percent had anything positive to say at all.
One participant pointed out that Windows updates seem to happen with more frequency. That is because Microsoft regularly sends updates for Windows on the second Tuesday of each month. After time, it can seem like a lot in comparison to other software, but it doesn’t mean that the updates are not important. In fact, the patch that would have prevented many from being subjected to the WannaCry attack came out a few months prior in a regular Tuesday update.
Some people find that identifying which updates are the most ‘important’ a difficult task. In fact, Microsoft sometimes labels updates as ‘critical’ or ‘important’ making it hard to decipher which updates to spend time on. Or which updates are in fact, actually important. In truth, all updates are important, but some may be more pressing than others. Either way, it is good to get in the practice of just updating your devices when an update is available.
What can Software Updates do for me?
Software updates have plenty of positive benefits and it is all about improvement. As individual consumers and businesses utilize a particular software, data is sent back to development to identify issues. These issues can be anything from patching security holes and fixing bugs to adding completely new features to your device. While you may experience the occasional frustrating update, software development companies are trying their hardest to provide you with the best experience possible.
Thankfully, many companies are working on ways for updates to happen seamlessly. Google is already employing ways of background updating that does not interrupt your workflow. Hopefully, other companies will be soon to follow.
What can Vodigy do to Help?
When you work with a Managed Service Provider like Vodigy, we take care of all your technology related needs. We pride ourselves on keeping up to date with IT news, security protocols, and emerging technology. This way we are able to provide our clients with the superior experience they deserve.
Vodigy also specializes in network security. In an event like the WannaCry attack, Vodigy is able to use endpoint security to pinpoint and isolate infected devices, and then completely shutting them off from the main network. This way we can keep your data and the rest of the network safe while we quickly work to resolve the issue.
Let Vodigy handle all your tech related needs, we promise you are in the best of hands.
