Software Updates and Patches
Many times, employers don’t update their systems since they feel the downtime for the devices would slow business, or they don’t see the point of it. In the latter case, users believe updates change the layout and functionality they’re already used to or add unnecessary features that don’t matter, like the incorporation of emojis. However, the importance of regular updates and patches stems far beyond this.
What Do Software Updates Do for Your Company?
Software updates are enhancements developers make to their software to create a better and safer user experience based on user feedback, new threats, and technological progress. So, if you’re running your small business with outdated software, you may have vulnerabilities that hackers have already discovered but no protection against attacks that can ensue.
Below, we’ll delve more into this and other flaws originating from outdated software.
Increasing Security for Your Livelihood
Updates take three forms. The first two are patch and software updates that help with user experience by fixing minor bugs that could affect performance. But they mostly work below the surface to reduce third-party cyberattacks and threats.
If hackers breach a company’s software, allowing them to observe, encrypt, and steal personal information like customer names, addresses, and credit card numbers, the business loses its reputation. The attackers can also ask for money during a ransomware attack or disrupt your business function if they see you as a competitor.
With software and operating system updates enhancing security, business and customer information is no longer at the mercy of attackers, and you have better protection against threats.
Improving Performance for More Effective User Experience
Regular software updates and patches are also important for improving performance. Updates help ensure applications run more smoothly and efficiently. By leveraging new technology, developers enhance speed for reduced load time, which enhances user satisfaction.
It also fixes bugs that cause frozen screens, error messages, delays, and compromised security that prolong and threaten task processes and other activities.
Enhancing Features for Employees
Feature updates are the third update form, standing out more clearly to users since they primarily exist to improve software capabilities, aesthetics, and user experience. For instance, they add new ways to search for files, write and edit documents, or communicate with fellow employees, just to name a few. These updates improve workflow efficiency, and your team can take advantage of ever-evolving technology.
Creating Compatibility Between Devices
When business owners install software updates, they also create compatibility between devices because an update improves the functioning ability of older hardware.
For instance, if you have years-old desktop computers and want to connect them to newer mobile devices. You may note issues with input devices or external storage that limit functionality and create compatibility issues. An HP Support Assistant can troubleshoot all technology and make updates accordingly.
Protect Your Business from Threats
Updates included on all company devices ensure improved protection and efficiency for your employees, customers, and business. So, now that you know the importance of regular software updates and patches, turn on automatic updates or check your systems regularly to update manually.
Additional Information for You
CISA: Understanding Patches and Software Updates
Intel: What Is Patch Management?
Please sign up for our newsletter above
By Denis Wilson
Thanks for reading this post. I always take into mind that your time and attention are precious. And these posts need to be timely, to the point, and short. For more tips on thriving with small business technology, check out the other blog posts at DWPIA Blogs. You can also find me on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.
I am also a published author and speaker on cloud computing, remote-work, cybersecurity, and AI. I work extensively with business and professional associations to provide small business technology education programs.
Contact me if you have any questions about the subject. I'd be happy to spend 15 minutes discussing it with you.
