I’ve Updated My PC – What Else Do I Need to Update? October 4, 2024 – Posted in: Cyber Security, IT Support – Tags: , , , , ,

We’ve covered updating your laptop or computer a fair bit but the operating and software on your computer aren’t the only things you need to keep up to date to secure your data and your business. One obvious system that needs to be kept up to date is your server. Your IT team should be managing that, but it is worth checking in with them to be sure.

Mobile Phones

Your mobile phone needs updating too. For your personal safety – your banking apps, dating apps, social media apps, notes and voice notes are all vital personal data that needs protecting. Also for your business – if staff access work emails on their phones then your customer’s data is being held on a device that may not be up to date or secure.

  • On Android phones go to settings > system > system update > check for updates
  • On iPhones go to settings > general > software update > check for updates

It’s also important to keep an awareness of the latest version of the operating system available is. If your phone keeps saying it is up to date when it is on a lower version number than the latest one it may well be out of support. In this case it will no longer receive security and OS updates and you should think about replacing the phone. When buying a phone it is important to check how long the model will be supported, especially for a refurbished or second hand device. If it has less than 3 years guaranteed updates it is probably worth thinking about a different model.

As well as the OS it is important to check the store regularly for updates to your apps and run them as soon as possible.

Networking Equipment

Routers, firewalls and switches all have operating systems and firmware that will need updates. It is unfortunately common for businesses to forget about this equipment as long as it’s working, but you need to check in with your IT team and make sure they are updating networking equipment. Your routers and firewalls are your business’s first line of defence against the risks of the open internet, keeping them patched is a vital part of protecting your company.

Smart Devices

Any device ‘smart’ enough to connect to the internet and an app will have a firmware architecture that will need updates. Be it a fitbit, smart watch, smart cooker, smart TV or smart lock if it is connected to the internet it is exploitable and if it is not updated it will be vulnerable. If you are looking to buy any smart devices for your home or business then talk to the sales people about whether it is supported, how long it will be supported for and what they have in place to protect you.

If you’d help making sure your devices are up to date and your business is safe or would like to discuss any other IT Support needs you might have please give us a call on 01245 265100 or email us at .

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