Why and When You Should Update Your Devices

Device manufacturers constantly release updates for their products. The contents of the updates may vary, as some include new device functionalities and additional features. On the other hand, they may include important security patches to address vulnerabilities threat actors will try to exploit.

While you do not need to immediately download all of these updates, the ones containing security patches should be installed as soon as possible.

This guide will explain why you should download these updates, as well as which updates you should consider downloading immediately.

Download Security Updates ASAP

Security patches are the most important updates you’ll want to download. You do not want to leave your devices open to any form of compromise. But downloading updates isn’t only about security. By downloading updates, you also ensure your device is running at an optimal capacity. Should you ignore too many operating system updates, you may not be able to use certain applications and other features.

Tech companies often release patches throughout the year specifically to address zero-day vulnerabilities. A zero day vulnerability is a flaw that a tech company has yet to patch. Cybercriminals will often try many different ways to break into a device, and once one of those flaws is discovered and reported, the tech company will work to release the patch as soon as possible.

What Could Happen If I Don't?

Downloading these patches is an important way to keep your devices and personal data safe. You do not want malicious actors to, for example, commandeer your phone, and possibly gain access to personal information, login credentials, and even your money. By downloading these updates, you are closing a door on cybercriminals.

By locking down your device, you also may save your friends and family some headaches as well. If a cybercriminal were to compromise your device and gain access to your email account, they could send phishing emails to your contacts and potentially steal their personal information as well. They may have no idea you're not the one sending these emails until it’s too late.

Take the Time To Read What's In An Update

When you see an update ready to be downloaded, take the time to read what resides within in. If you see anything involving "security updates," install the download right away.

These updates often come in the form of minor updates.

For example, have you ever noticed your device wanted you to install an update that switches your operating system from iOS 16.6 to iOS 16.7? That is an example of a minor OS update. Those updates often come with slight tweaks to features and may fix some bugs. Security updates may come in the form of a patch.

This will often specifically target these aforementioned vulnerabilities. You can tell an update is a patch if, once again talking about Apple devices, the operating system update now includes a third number, i.e 16.7.1. If you see these updates waiting to be installed, download them as soon as possible.

Major updates are a different story. To use Apple again as an example, a major update will come when the operating system goes up a full number. These updates are often much larger, and can contain a slate of new features and may possibly overhaul the entire user interface.

While the smaller updates can and should be downloaded as soon as possible, it may be a good idea to wait a week or so before downloading a major update. It’s not uncommon for major updates to include bugs that may mess with certain features, and by waiting a week, the tech company may already have a minor update ready to address those bugs.

However, if the major update contains security updates, you may want to consider downloading it sooner. If you have any questions about an update, please contact the BlackCloak Concierge team and our staff will walk you through whether it's the proper time to download an update.