Software updates might annoy us when they pop up randomly and want us to restart our devices in the middle of whatever we\u2019re doing, but they serve an important purpose. Performing software updates is one of the best ways to keep your system and device secure and operating at peak levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, get ready. We\u2019re talking software updates \u2014 including why they\u2019re important and what happens if you put them off too long. We\u2019ve even included basic instructions for how to manually check for system and app updates on the most popular operating systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Software updates ensure your system and device are safe and operating at full functionality. Performing them is important because it reduces vulnerabilities by increasing system security and integrity, yet many users choose to delay installing updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s take a deeper look at each of the major ways your tech is impacted when you don\u2019t install software updates as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While not installing software updates can affect you in several ways, there are three that stand out \u2014 the possibility of security breaches, reduced system functionality, and losing out on new, innovative features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Perhaps the most serious consequence of not updating your software is a security breach. The risk of cybercriminals accessing your sensitive information dramatically increases when your system, apps, or programs are outdated. Failing to install a software update means you won\u2019t have the latest privacy and security patches, which creates vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to exploit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One way they do this is by implanting malicious software on your device, including (but not limited to) viruses, keyloggers, or spyware. Some types of malicious software, like ransomware, can even help a cybercriminal gain control of your device and lock you out until you pay a hefty fee. In the example below, you can see how one missed update can have huge repercussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2017 the credit reporting agency Equifax\u2122 suffered a major breach that resulted in 147 million users\u2019 personally identifiable information being compromised. What caused the hack? A security update for their software didn\u2019t get installed. The resulting security holes left an opening for cybercriminals to make their way in and steal the information.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can help preemptively protect yourself against security breaches by downloading a VPN<\/a>. PIA VPN features MACE, an all-in-one ad, spyware, and tracker blocker. MACE can\u2019t update your software, but it can stop malware at the DNS level before it reaches your device \u2014\u00a0 just in case you put off that latest update a little too<\/em> long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n