Software updates aren’t just about improving the look and feel of a program. They also include security patches to protect against cyber threats.
Cyber criminals scour business systems for vulnerabilities that they can exploit. They can encrypt data and demand a ransom or steal proprietary information.
For small businesses, updating software is a necessity for productivity. However, updates can be disruptive and frustrating.
1. Increased Productivity
While some employees might dread software updates because they involve changing the overall appearance and features of a program, upgrades actually offer more than just improved performance. They also offer new features that can help increase productivity. These new tools might speed up a certain process, or provide an easier way of accomplishing a task. This allows your employees to work more efficiently and complete tasks in a shorter amount of time, resulting in cost savings.
One of the biggest benefits of keeping your software up to date is that it will protect you from hackers and viruses. Hackers are constantly looking for flaws in the security systems of software companies, and once they find a vulnerability, they can exploit it to steal data and compromise your company’s operations. Software updates are designed to patch these vulnerabilities, so they are important for protecting your business.
Updating your software might initially seem like an inconvenience, especially if you are constantly being reminded about it. However, it is vital for your small enterprise to keep up with the updates to avoid malware infections and other potential threats. Remember, the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 caused havoc for large businesses and governments, and it could have easily affected your company too if you weren’t up to date with your software.
2. Increased Security
Businesses have a lot to keep track of, from attracting clients and hiring employees to managing revenue and maintaining compliance. However, one aspect of business operations that shouldn’t be overlooked is cyber security. Software updates are one of the easiest ways to keep your business secure from hackers and malicious software.
We know that software update reminders can be annoying, particularly when they pop up at inconvenient times. However, when you ignore these alerts and continue to use outdated software, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit older software, and relying on outdated systems increases the chance that sensitive data will be leaked or compromised.
When a software company discovers a weakness, they release a patch to fix it. This patch is included in a software update, which when installed will prevent hackers from accessing your computer or device. However, if you don’t install these updates, you could be at risk of being the victim of a cyberattack that results in lost data, lost income and potentially even legal action.
In order to avoid these risks, it’s essential that you make a habit of installing software updates regularly. It’s also important to ensure that all of your staff are trained in cybersecurity best practices and a clear internet usage policy.
3. Reduced Downtime
While many business owners realize the importance of software updates, they’re often hesitant to take the time to install them. A simple reminder to update can seem like a nuisance, and taking even 10 or 15 minutes to complete an upgrade can be difficult for a busy small business.
Software updates aren’t just about revisions that improve the look and feel of your programs and devices. They also repair known vulnerabilities that cyber criminals may try to exploit. This is a critical factor in securing your business from cyber attacks and theft of sensitive data – the kind of information that can put you out of business for a considerable amount of time as you deal with the fallout of a data breach.
Regular software upgrades prevent hackers from exploiting your system by fixing these flaws as soon as they’re discovered. This is why the cybersecurity threat landscape is constantly evolving, and it’s why companies that don’t stay on top of updates are at a greater risk of suffering a catastrophic data loss.
Some business owners believe that it’s just too expensive to regularly update their systems to keep up with the latest technology. This mindset is a dangerous one, because it can lead to your company spending more time fixing and recovering from software crashes than you would getting work done in the same amount of time with a modern system that’s kept up-to-date.
4. Increased Customer Satisfaction
In the digital world, companies need all of their technology to be running smoothly and efficiently. Software updates are one of the best ways to ensure that everything runs as it should. While it may be tempting to ignore those annoying prompts to update software, doing so comes with a serious price.
Cybercriminals are always on the hunt for ways to exploit weaknesses within a piece of software. As time goes by, they will find flaws that can be used to break into a company’s systems and steal sensitive information. This data could include anything from client or customer records to industry-related trade secrets. Once this information is compromised, it can be encrypted and held for ransom or even released to competitors.
Regular software updates help to close these security holes. They are a great way to prevent cyberattacks that can cost businesses dearly. The recent WannaCry attack cost the NHS more than PS20 million in just a week, and many of the problems that created these attacks could have been prevented with a few simple software updates.
Although it may seem counterproductive to spend money on software updates that improve functionality or add new features, they can be a great investment for small enterprises looking to grow and compete in their industries. Updating software regularly can save money in the long run by reducing wasted time waiting for computers to reboot or reload important data. It also saves on the costly overhead of hiring someone to help with computer issues and allows employees to work more effectively and productively.
