What Are Software Updates?

Software updates are when new updates are available for your devices’ software that either fix or improve it. For example, when your phone requires a software update, small updates usually fix bug issues or patch security flaws that were missed in the previous update. Big software updates usually offer new features or improve existing ones, while also fixing bug issues and patching security flaws. 

Why are Software Updates important?

What most people don’t know is that software updates also patch security flaws that may be present in previous versions. They also add new security features that can keep your devices better protected from cyberthreats.

When a software update isn’t installed, security flaws are not patched, which opens up a backdoor for cybercriminals. These security flaws act as holes that can make it easier for cybercriminals to infect your devices with malicious software, also known as malware. Unpatched security flaws also increase the risk of having your data stolen and your accounts compromised.

How to Check if Your Software is Up to Date

You can check if your device’s software is up to date by going into the settings of your device and looking for the “software update” section. Here is how you can check if your software is up to date on different devices. 

  • On Apple devices, you can find software updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • On Android devices such as a Galaxy, you can find software updates by going to Settings and tapping on Software Update or System Update. It varies by model. The same logic can be used to find software updates on other Android devices. 
  • On Windows devices, you can find software updates by going to Settings and locating the Windows Update section. Once there, you can click the button “Check for updates” and see if your software and system are up to date.