October brings Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and with it, a timely reminder to focus on the security measures we may sometimes overlook. At MetaCompliance, we know that one of the simplest yet most essential steps we can take to protect ourselves is to keep our software up to date. It’s not just about ticking a box—it’s about making sure our organisation stays secure, compliant, and resilient against ever-evolving threats.
Why Updating Software Matters
Mitigating Vulnerabilities
Cybercriminals are constantly hunting for ways to exploit weaknesses in software. Every system we use has potential vulnerabilities, and software updates are designed to patch those weak points. According to recent research, 60% of breaches involve these unpatched vulnerabilities. By keeping our software current, we are closing doors that would otherwise be wide open for attackers.
Ensuring Compliance
In regulated industries, using up-to-date software isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. Failing to meet compliance standards can result in penalties, not to mention damage to our reputation. By prioritising updates, we show our clients, regulators, and stakeholders that we are committed to protecting sensitive information.
Improving Efficiency
Running outdated software can lead to sluggish performance and inefficiency. In fact, research suggests that simply keeping systems up to date can improve operational efficiency by up to 30%. It’s not just about security—this is about helping our business run smoother and allowing us to focus on what matters most.
Strengthening Our Reputation
Cyber incidents don’t just impact operations—they can seriously hurt our brand. By staying proactive with software updates, we’re sending a clear message: we take cybersecurity seriously. We protect not only our own data but also the trust and confidence of our clients and partners.
What Happens When We Don’t Update?
Ignoring software updates puts us at greater risk. More than 85% of exploited vulnerabilities have been known for at least a year before they are used by attackers. Delaying updates can lead to data breaches, operational disruptions, and even significant financial losses. Just think of the Equifax breach in 2017. It was caused by a failure to apply a known software patch—an oversight that cost over $1.4 billion and severely damaged trust in their brand.
How We Can Stay Ahead
Staying on top of updates doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require a clear strategy. Here’s what we recommend:
- Act Fast on Critical Updates: When a critical update is released, it’s crucial to implement it right away. This helps to protect our systems from known threats that are actively being exploited.
- Create a Routine: For non-critical updates, establish a regular schedule—whether that’s monthly or quarterly—so they don’t fall through the cracks.
- Use Automation: Automating updates where possible can save time and ensure that patches are applied quickly and consistently.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on security bulletins from software vendors. The more proactive we are in monitoring for updates, the less chance there is for vulnerabilities to go unaddressed.
Best Practices for Implementation
To make the most of our software update strategy, we need to focus on a few key practices:
- Establish a Clear Update Policy: Everyone should know their role in identifying and implementing updates, and we need to ensure we have the right processes in place for doing so efficiently.
- Test Updates in a Controlled Environment: Before rolling out major updates across the organisation, test them in a controlled setting to avoid unexpected disruptions.
- Back Up Data Regularly: Before applying any significant update, make sure that our data is backed up. This helps protect us from any issues that might arise during the update process.
Conclusion
Updating software isn’t just an IT task—it’s a fundamental part of protecting our organisation. As Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us, staying ahead of threats means being proactive. By making software updates a priority, we are reducing our risk, enhancing efficiency, and strengthening our defences against cyber threats.
Technology keeps advancing at a rapid pace, and so do the tactics of cybercriminals. With cyber-attacks happening every 39 seconds and 95% of them resulting from human error, our vigilance is more critical than ever. So, let’s use this month as an opportunity to double down on our commitment to cybersecurity, starting with the basics: keeping our software up to date.
Download our free Cybersecurity Awareness Month toolkit to get started today.
