October 18. Regular Updates: Patching Against Threats
In the fast-evolving world of cybersecurity, software, operating systems, and applications are constantly being refined, improved, and, crucially, secured. Regular updates, also known as patching, are not merely about gaining new features or improving performance; they are an absolutely critical cybersecurity practice. Neglecting updates is like leaving your digital doors wide open after a burglar has already identified the weak spots.
Why are regular updates so vital?
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Security Patches: The primary reason. Software vendors constantly discover and fix vulnerabilities (bugs or flaws) in their code that cybercriminals could exploit to gain unauthorised access, inject malware, or steal data. Updates deliver these essential security fixes.
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Protection Against Zero-Day Exploits: While updates fix known vulnerabilities, they also help protect against "zero-day" exploits (attacks exploiting unknown vulnerabilities) by strengthening overall system defences. A zero-day exploit refers to a cyberattack that takes advantage of a previously unknown vulnerability in a computer system or software.
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Performance and Stability: Updates often include bug fixes that improve the stability and performance of your software and devices.
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New Features and Compatibility: While secondary to security, updates can also bring new functionalities and ensure compatibility with newer hardware or other software.
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Compliance: Many regulatory frameworks require organisations to maintain up-to-date software and apply patches promptly.
What to update:
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Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android – ensure your core system is always current.
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Web Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari – browsers are frequent targets for attack.
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Applications: All your installed software, from productivity suites to specialised tools.
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Firmware: For routers, smart devices (IoT), printers, and other hardware components.
How to manage updates:
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Enable Automatic Updates: Whenever possible and appropriate, enable automatic updates for your operating systems and frequently used applications.
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Schedule Updates: For business-critical systems, schedule updates during off-peak hours to minimise disruption.
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Stay Informed: Pay attention to notifications from vendors about critical security updates.
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Don't Postpone Indefinitely: While it's wise to ensure an update is stable, don't indefinitely postpone critical security patches.
Making regular updates a consistent habit for all your devices – personal and professional – is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself from known and evolving cyber threats. It's an essential element of ongoing cyber hygiene.
Regular updates of both software and firmware is an essential way to help prevent a cyber attack.
Ensure the software patches are controlled centrally and consider enabling an automatic push to devices.
Consider removing devices from the network when they can no longer be upgraded to a supported operating system and iOS version. Review the latest information about removing Windows 10 devices: Time's Ticking: Windows 10 Support Ends in October 2025.
Is software regularly reviewed and removed when no longer in use/required by the organisation?
Review the DfE Meeting Digital and Technology Standards in Schools and Colleges : which advises that all online devices and software must be licensed for use and should be patched with the latest security updates.
Review: NCSC Install the Latest Software and App Updates.
Review: NCSC Device Security Guidance
Review DPE's previous articles about software updates:
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We have two free micro learning videos on this subject:
Why updating devices is crucial:
Stay Secure with Patch Management
We have support, guidance and trackers to help you assess and monitor the DfE Digital Standards 👉 https://digitalstandardstracker.co.uk/
💡Today's Cyber Tip: Don't forget firmware updates!
Check for and install firmware updates for at least one of your smart devices or your Wi-Fi router. These updates often contain crucial security patches that protect against vulnerabilities, keeping your entire connected network safer from cyber threats.
DPE Knowledge Bank Guidance and Support:
For schools and colleges, six of the DfE Digital Standards are now mandatory. We have a DfE Digital Standards Tracker tool help you track your cyber resilience and your progress:
Review our Cyber Security Best Practice Area for micro learning, support, guidance and policies:
Why not have a look at our 'specialist' trainer Harry the Hacker :
