Enable Auto-Updates

Why

Keeping your devices and software up-to-date is crucial for maintaining security. Updates often include patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities, making it harder for attackers to exploit your systems. Enabling automatic updates ensures you’re protected without having to remember to manually update each device or application.

Action

• For each device (computer, smartphone, tablet, smart home devices):

  • Check for and install available updates:
    • Windows: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
    • macOS: Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update
    • iOS: Settings > General > Software Update
    • Android: Settings > System > System update
  • Enable automatic updates:
    • Windows: In Windows Update, select “Advanced options” and enable “Receive updates for other Microsoft products”
    • macOS: In Software Update, check “Automatically keep my Mac up to date”
    • iOS: Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates
    • Android: Google Play Store > Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps

• For web browsers:

  • Chrome: Settings > About Chrome > Toggle “Automatically update Chrome”
  • Firefox: Options > General > Firefox Updates > Select “Automatically install updates”
  • Safari: Updates through macOS Software Update
  • Edge: Updates through Windows Update

• For other software:

  • Check settings within each application for auto-update options
  • For macOS, use the App Store’s automatic updates feature
  • For Windows, use Microsoft Store’s automatic app updates

• For smart home devices:

  • Check manufacturer’s app or website for update settings
  • Enable automatic updates if available

Remember

While auto-updates are generally beneficial, they can occasionally cause issues. Have a backup system in place.