Welcome to the brave new world of cyber-warfare. Gone are the days when software patches were just for nifty little feature add-ons or updates. Today, a software update notice could mean your whole computer is suddenly at risk. Dangers include data theft, crippling malware attacks and mischief you may not discover for months, or even years… As with graffiti on your garage door, if you don’t pay attention and clamp down on bad behavior, your problems have likely just begun…
Here’s why you need to stay up to date:
#1: Speed is of the essence.
“If you didn’t update to version 7.32 within seven hours, you should assume you’ve been hacked.” That’s what software maker Drupal told millions of its customers around the world last year. It’s just one example of what can happen if you don’t respond with lightning speed.
Once a security breach has been identified, hackers rush in. On “Day Zero,” cyber-crooks around the world go after at-risk targets. You’ve got to be quick to patch the gap, or else you risk a system compromise.
#2: It’s not just the big boys they’re after.#2: It’s not just the big boys they’re after.
Sure, the top news stories are about the attacks on companies like Target, Home Depot and Sony… Chances are, you simply do not have the resources that giant corporations have to manage a data disaster but the threat is not confined to giant corporations.
#3: Dealing with data breaches requires specialized knowledge, skill and experience
Here are just a few of the things you must be able to do to effectively protect your systems:
Review documentation and monitor forums. Sometimes your software vendor doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s critical to check online forums and other communities to see if anyone else is having issues with the new patch before jumping in with both feet.
Know when to apply a patch immediately and when to wait. Typically, somewhere around 95% of patches work hassle-free. The trick is to spot the 5% that don’t — before installing them. This requires identifying unique patching requirements, and applying exceptions accordingly. For instance:
-
Does the patch deal only with a security issue?
Or does it just add new features or fix non-security-related bugs? Obviously, security issues get top priority. -
Is the system currently having issues?
If not, and if the patch doesn’t address a security issue your system is vulnerable to, it may be better to heed the old adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
What security gaps does it address? How severe is the threat to your computer? If, for example, the only way a virus can enter your system is through an e-mail attachment and this functionality has been disabled, perhaps the threat needn’t be a great concern.
Cyber security is essential, don’t let yourself become victim to criminals who have mastered the art of social engineering. We also have more than enough expertise to keep you safe from those who are using people-based exploits. Get in touch with us today for all your security concerns.