Accept the Software Update: Why It Can Ward Off Cybercriminals

The longer you wait to install a security update, the longer hackers have to exploit known security issues for their nefarious ends.

The Gentle January series shares one practical privacy tip a day from a Markup staffer who actually uses the advice in their own life.

When fending off hackers, you’re not in it alone. Yes, vulnerabilities in the software you use can be exploited by cybercriminals to steal your personal data. But software makers constantly work to identify such vulnerabilities and patch them. All you have to do is install these fixes as soon as you are notified that a software update is available.

It can be a hassle, sure—especially when an update requires you to restart your computer while you’re in the middle of doing something else. But the longer you wait to install a security update, the longer ...