We see a wide variety of issues on our helpdesk, but an increasing number of problems are caused by out of date software on client’s PCs. In today’s constantly connected world updates and more importantly security fixes are published regularly.
You may be aware of ‘Windows Update’ and Microsoft’s regular ‘patch tuesday’ but it’s possible there is software on your PC that isn’t keeping itself up to date and possibly pre-loaded software installed that you weren’t even aware of.
Why should I install updates?
Avoid Troublesome Bugs and Malware
On the release of a security patch, nefarious persons will compare the new files immediately against the old to work out how to exploit the vulnerabilities the patch fixes, so that they can attack any PC’s that haven’t been updated. In our experience Adobe Flash, Reader and Java are particularly targeted however any software can suffer security vulnerabilities.
Simply put, out of date software puts your computer and all the activities you perform on it (such as updating your website) and information you store on it at risk.
Is there a solution?
Many software packages now include automatic update routines, we would recommend that these be turned on and set to install any critical or security updates immediately. However auto update routines are not foolproof and are not in place in every piece of software. As such it is increasingly sensible to have software installed that checks for vulnerable versions on your system. Below are examples you may find useful.
Please note that Blackfoot are not in any way associated with or endorse the below utilities and that these are used at your own risk. When installing any software we would advise carefully examining the privacy policy / terms and conditions displayed on installation.
For those on Windows:
Secunia PSI “The Secunia PSI is an invaluable tool for you to use when assessing the security patch state of software installed on your system. It constantly monitors your system for insecure software installations, notifies you when an insecure application is installed, and even provides you with detailed instructions for updating the application when available”. - Secunia ApS 2011.
For those on Linux:
Generally speaking all of your software will be updated via your operating system’s package management system, please see your distribution’s website for further information. The exception would be any software that you have downloaded separately and then installed or compiled yourself.
For those on Macs:
Appfresh “AppFresh helps you to keep all applications, widgets, preference panes and application plugins installed on your Mac up to date. All from one place, easy to use and fully integrated into Mac OS X”. - metaquark.de 2011.
Keeping your PC up to date can be challenging, but the above utilities aim to make the process simpler. Having up to date software does not make you immune to risk and problems, but should provide some peace of mind alongside your normal anti-virus and firewall applications.