You may have heard the technical term “patches” used in your office, mentioned in your IT team speeches or embedded in an article that you probably forgot. 

If you’re not already familiar, well, you should be. 

Because Patches are one of the most important cybersecurity tools that every business needs.. right up there with things like antivirus software and scanning filters.

What is a security patch ? 

A security patch is a software that corrects errors in computer software code. 

Security patches are issued by software companies to address vulnerabilities discovered in the company’s product. 

Vulnerabilities can be discovered by security researchers. Vulnerabilities can also be found as a result of a cyber-attacker exploiting an operating system vulnerability that the software manufacturer was not previously aware of. 

Highlighting that security patches’ applications respond to the latest threats enhances the security of devices. 

Security patches are only proprietary to third-party software or installed by the user, or many operating systems updates contain security patches within them as well. 

PS : Neglecting to install security patch updates allows hackers to take advantage of these circumstances. This is usually how they enter your computer and, eventually, the entire company network. 

Importance of keeping security patch updated 

• Patch security flaws by keeping software up to date.

Diligently keeping your security software up to date is very important for many reasons. One being that the more time that passes without updating your security software, the more time hackers have to find holes within it to hack or infiltrate viruses like spyware onto your computer.

 IT companies are constantly monitoring the moves that these hackers make, so with all updates come security patches to “patch” the holes hackers have created. 

• Patches within software updates help to keep your data safe 

Most people and businesses use their computers as storage systems for confidential information such as passwords, emails, bank accounts or payroll information.. All of these are seen as valuable to the criminals (AKA cyber-attackers) behind computer hacking. 

If your security software is not up to date and any of this data gets in their hands , they can sell your personal or your business’ information on the dark web or completely take control of your device(s) and take your information for ransome. 

This is just one more reason that security patching is crucial in keeping your business safe because it keeps the “cyber rabbit holes” 

• Security patching can protect your clients, friends and family 

If your device(s) get infected or hacked, there is a chance that the cybercriminal will get ahold of your email contacts. If hackers have this confidential information, they can essentially email anyone on your contact list a tained link coming from your email address. 

Once your client, friend or family member clicks on that link, their device will also become infected. Hackers are pretty good at what they do : these emails can look very convincing as if they actually were coming from you. 

As a business owner, this can be very scary. If your clients get hacked because of a virus their company caught from yours, it could cause broken business relations and a major decline in your business’ overall success. 

Benefits of keeping security patches up to date

• Reduce exposure to cyberattacks : in many instances , security patches are available before a hacker can exploit a system vulnerability. 
• Protect your data : Hackers have the ability to use personal data from one system to gain access to a different one. If , for example, a hacker gains access to a user ID/ Password from someone who uses these same credentials to access multiple systems, the hacker can gain access to these multiple systems. 

• Protect your client’s data : Security patches installation plays an important role in the safeguarding process.

• Protect other network users : Worms are a type of malware that remain active on one computer as they infect other computers. Security patches are made to stop the spread of computer worms to other networked devices.

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