The Importance of Updates
In today’s digital age, the importance of cyber security cannot be overstated. One of the foundational steps in ensuring a secure digital environment is keeping operating systems and applications up to date. This isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity, especially for organisations aiming to achieve compliance with the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications.
Why Updates Really Matter
Operating systems and applications are complex pieces of software. Over time, vulnerabilities or “holes” in the software can be discovered. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorised access, steal data, or cause other types of harm. When software developers become aware of these vulnerabilities, they release updates or patches to fix them. By not updating, organisations leave themselves exposed to known threats.
Real-World Consequences
To underscore the importance of updates, let’s look at some recent news:
– WannaCry Ransomware Attack: In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack affected over 200,000 computers across 150 countries. The attack targeted computers running outdated versions of Windows. Those who had updated their systems were protected from this devastating attack.
– SolarWinds Hack In 2020, a massive cyber espionage campaign was discovered that targeted the US government and its various agencies. The attackers exploited vulnerabilities in the SolarWinds software, which hadn’t been updated in certain instances.
These incidents serve as stark reminders of the potential consequences of neglecting updates.
Compliance with Cyber Essentials
For organisations seeking Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certifications, updating software isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a requirement. These certifications, which Forensic Control proudly offers consultancy, advice, and certification for, mandate that organisations keep their software updated to protect against known vulnerabilities.
The Bottom Line
Keeping software updated is like locking the front door of your house. You wouldn’t leave your door unlocked when you know there’s a risk of intruders. Similarly, you shouldn’t leave your systems and applications outdated when you know there are vulnerabilities out there.
At Forensic Control, we understand the intricacies of the digital landscape. We’re here to guide and support organisations in their journey to achieve the highest standards of cyber security. Ensuring that operating systems and applications are updated is a simple yet crucial step in that journey.
For more information on how to achieve compliance with Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, or for any other cyber security concerns, reach out to our expert team.
