Skip to main content
search

Why bother with software and hardware updates for security?

Remember software and hardware updates are essential to cyber security

When was the last time you thought about software and hardware updates? For many, updating software and hardware is not a priority because “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. At OXEN, we politely disagree with this age old wisdom because it’s abundantly clear that today’s cyber attacks pointedly prey on vulnerabilities present in old software and hardware. (This holds especially true for operating systems such as Microsoft Windows.)

It may not be “broke”, but it’s still old. “Working” does not mean “secure”. Old software and hardware simply do not have the latest defenses like security patches and advances in firmware to keep you safe from new and ever-evolving threats.

Update and upgrade your software

At OXEN Technology, we run into all types of software when troubleshooting for clients. It’s not uncommon for us to see people working on outdated, unpatched Windows operating systems or other software that is sometimes 6 or more years old! You’ve probably heard this before, but it always bears repeating: Keep your software updated and patched regularly and automatically, and upgrade to newer software versions as frequently as you can. This should feel especially critical after seeing how missing OS updates have fueled massive ransomware attacks this year with both WannaCry and Petya.

Upgrade old hardware

We also see this when it comes to hardware like servers and PC’s. And hackers have found security weaknesses in them as well. Another effective way to increase your security is to update any computers in your business or organization that are more than 3 years old. New desktops and laptops will come with the new and better parts, such as better memory, network interface cards, hard disks, and processors such as the latest Intel Core ones. These processors can help your operating system and security software products run more efficiently.

And also keep in mind that often the latest software will not run on outdated hardware. Are your old PCs or servers holding your security up because they won’t run the best protective measures?

So we encourage you to commit to software and hardware updates as a regular task. You really can’t go wrong with it as you’ll be increasing your security as well as your productivity, with the latest tools and fastest speeds.

Find out where you stand with software and hardware updates

Not sure where to begin? We’d like to help you by providing an asset management report of your installed software and hardware. With this report, we can help you to begin updating your software and hardware to strengthen your cyber security defense.

Call us today at 888-296-3619 or email hello@oxen.tech for more information!

Recent Posts / View All Posts

social engineering tactics

How Hackers Use Social Engineering Tactics in Phishing Scams

| Business Productivity, Security | No Comments
Social engineering is quite a buzzword these days in the world of cybersecurity. But what is it, and why are businesses so afraid of it? It is a form of hacking that uses deception and manipulation to get victims to divulge information. Companies have reason to be fearful because social engineering tactics have led to a lot of destruction and millions of dollars in losses for businesses worldwide. Phishing is one of the most rampant types of attacks these days. It has been highly successful because it uses tried-and-tested social engineering techniques to hoodwink potential victims. What are these Social…
spot social engineering

Training Employees to Spot Social Engineering

| Security, Tech Tip | No Comments
Social engineering is one of the newest methods hackers use to access sensitive information. Rather than attacking a system directly, this technique relies on human psychology to gain information. This method is brilliant when you think about it because it does not have to deal with going past ironclad network security. If hackers can manipulate even a single employee, they might hand over sensitive information on a silver platter, and the hackers can take control of the organization’s entire system. This is why its important for your employees to learn how to spot social engineering. Companies must understand that if…
Phishing Scam Tactics

Top 8 Phishing Scam Tactics and How to Identify Them

| Business Productivity, Security, Tech Tip | No Comments
Phishing has been a common hacking method for over two decades now. You would think that everyone would already know how it works and how to avoid becoming a victim, right? Sadly, that is not the case for these Phishing Scam Tactics. There are more victims now than ever. In 2022, there were more than 300,000 victims in the US alone, with damages amounting to over $52 million! The thing is that phishing scams have evolved over the years. Hackers are now more adept at hoodwinking unsuspecting victims, and they also have easy access to modern technology that helps elevate…

Tags:

Close Menu