You see the alert on your computer pop up daily. You press ignore or “install later,” but later never comes. Eventually, your computer starts opening up programs on its own, and you get the eerie sensation that something has gone wrong.
This is the normal course of action when a piece of malware or a data breach infects your computer. And the reason? In this situation, it all comes down to a missed software patch.
Patch management is the best way to keep your software working quickly and safely without stalling or crashing. It is also one of the first lines of defense your software has against malware targeting your computer. Easily avoidable but missed patches are the source of millions of data breaches across the globe. According to an article by BetaNews, 44 percent of security breaches stem from vulnerabilities that could have been easily fixed by the user.
Most recently, a massive threat is looming over Adobe Flash users who have failed to update their software. Multiple kinds of ransomware, banking malware and a trojan horse hacking system have all been reported to be affecting users without the patch. And while the solution is simple (to update the program, or uninstall and then reinstall it), if a breach has already occurred, there is little to be done.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid the annoying popups that interrupt your daily workflow while also preventing security breaches due to missed patches. MDL Technology urges small and medium-sized businesses to enroll in a patch management program with their IT and/or computer support team. The service will automatically update the company’s computers and softwares while protecting information on a secure server. If you are interested in learning more about patch management, call 816-781-3006 today.
