Your software probably needs to be updated 75 times a year - are you sure yours is up to date?
Friday, May 7th 2010 @ 7:10 AM (not yet rated)
Many of the most important risks we face today are related to computers that are not properly protected against attacks. If you run Microsoft Windows or use Adobe Reader, you really need to make sure these software programs are updating themselves automatically, even if you aren't the one who knows how to make it happen. If you aren't prepared to check for and install software updates 75 times a year, on average, you need to make sure automatic updates are turned on for all the software you use.
This article from SC Magazine at:
http://www.scmagazineuk.com/to-be-completely-patched-requires-an-average-of-between-51-and-86-actio ns-per-year/article/165269/
...cites Secunia's data that shows the average computer needs 75 updates per year from 22 different software vendors to remain up to date. This means that every 4.8 days, something needs to be updated on your computer, and this doesn't include updates for anti-virus signatures, which should happen daily.
In this month's Streetwise Security Coaching Content for Business Premium level members, I emphasize the need for end users to take responsibility for checking to make sure their systems are being updated regularly. Even if you are scared to change anything on your computer, or have a computer that is "locked down" by your IT department, you should take responsibility to make sure somebody has set your system up to automatically update itself. This month's coaching content provides tips and links for how checking to see if your computer's software is updating itself regularly, and what to do if it isn't.
Business-Premium level members of the Streetwise Security Zone can download this lesson (A2 - Updates and Patches in PDF form) by going to: http://www.streetwise-security-zone.com/premium-coaching.html)
Everyone can at least check to see that the programs they use are updating automatically, if possible, to protect themselves to the extent the software vendors are able to keep up with newly discovered vulnerabilities or threats.
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Scott Wright
The Streetwise Security Coach
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