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Thursday, February 2, 2017

Today's Message

Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Information Security Awareness: Why Update Software If I Don't Need the New Features?

Updating software is a pain. Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, even television receivers require regular updates. You may wonder why you need to update software or firmware when you don’t care about the new features. The reason is security.

Did you know the Android operating system had the most detected security vulnerabilities in 2016? Five hundred and twenty-three, to be exact, and that’s only what was detected or discovered. The SANS Institute reports that Google’s first security update for Android in 2017 includes fixes for 90 of those vulnerabilities. Ninety!

And just because Google has released an update to Android OS doesn’t mean you’re protected. It could be weeks or months before that upgrade gets to you, given the complex supply chain that exists from Google through various phone manufacturers and sellers to you.

You probably have all kinds of information about your family, friends, and co-workers on your phone. Your Facebook app alone can provide a store of information about you. Protect yourself and your loved ones. When your device notifies you that an upgrade is available, please respond and install that upgrade as soon as possible.

Submitted by: Melissa J. Miszkiewicz
Also appeared:
Thursday, February 2, 2017
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