While you’re enjoying spring-cleaning your home, why not freshen up your devices too? You probably use your smart phone, laptop, smart TV, etc. every day, so it’s important to keep them super fresh and safe from online threats. Let’s get started.
Why are updates important?
Software updates often contain patches or fixes for any bugs that could be on your device. There are so many new vulnerabilities discovered daily, and updates will often include changes to remove the known vulnerabilities. Ensuring that your device stays up to date will help you be more secure online.
What should I do?
Start with your most used device which is probably your smart phone and then follow these steps:
- Go to the device’s settings and check for updates
- Do the same on the App Store, Play Store, Microsoft Store, etc. and check for any outstanding software updates
- Allow all the updates to download and install
- Restart your device once the updates are complete
Remember to only download apps and software from known stores. Do NOT download random apps or updates from unfamiliar sources – it could just be malware waiting to take over your device!
What if I forget to check for new updates?
We all forget about updates, but you can enable the automatic updates feature on your device. When it’s enabled, it will automatically download and install updates as per your settings. You never have to remember to check your updates again and can continue to use your device securely.
What if I have old apps that I no longer use on my device?
Old, unused apps still put your device at risk, especially when they’re not on the latest version. Put time aside to go through all the apps on your device and remove any that you no longer use. It reduces the number of updates you need to do and minimizes the risk of unsecure apps running on your device. Remember to delete your account on the app as well – that will be one less credential you need to be concerned about.
Protect your devices
We all have our moments when it feels like doing your updates is like watching paint dry, but it is an important aspect of keeping yourself safe online. Take a few minutes this week to update your devices, enable automatic updates, and remove any apps you no longer use. You’ll feel much better knowing that you’re doing your part to stay safe online. Be secure!
