Maintain and update
Essential maintenance on your IT hardware, systems and software is exactly that – essential. For windows servers and software applications, these all need updating regularly. Every application from Microsoft Office to Adobe Acrobat Reader needs updating and patching.
Just one of these applications unpatched could leave a known security vulnerability, effectively a gaping hole in your business. Hackers and criminals may find your website, server or computer, and be able to exploit the vulnerability. You might not even there is another program or person running on your computer. Some businesses don’t discover they have been hacked for several years! Patch IT to keep safe.
Check with your IT support provider that they are monitoring all your computers. Use an asset register to track purchases, and also to let your IT support provider be certain that all devices are being patched and updated routinely. It only takes one laptop or tablet to act as an Achilles heel to your business.
Search online for “check windows updates” and make sure you’re reading the Microsoft articles, not articles from a potential ‘spoof’ site.
Always use the advice from the Microsoft website Knowledge Base.
For Microsoft Windows 8 users, you should end up with the “Windows Update” view, which hopefully starts with the message “You’re set to automatically install updates”. For peace of mind, check the latest date on which updates were installed.
For Microsoft Windows 7 users, in the control panel, select “System and Security” and check that windows updates are enabled, and the date the computer was last updated.
Last month IBM researchers found a flaw that had been in the Windows and Microsoft Office for 19 years! Called WinShock, the bug had been in since Windows 95, which is incredible if you think about it. If IBM researchers found it, so too could hackers.
For Apple users, go to the Apple security update webpage.
Keep your systems patched and updated to keep them secure. Over 80% of cyber attacks can be prevented by basic IT security – patching is a key measure.
Patch IT, now!
Steve