First published: 27/10/2022, updated 28/10/25
In my penultimate article for Cyber Security Awareness Month, I focus on the importance of keeping operating system (OS) and application software up to date.
Sourcing Software
Firstly, make sure you purchase software from the manufacture or a reliable source. Most modern software like Microsoft 365 is now sold as Software as a Service (SaaS) where you pay a monthly subscription fee for using the software and you always have access to the very latest version.
Don’t be tempted by low priced internet deals; if it seems too good to be true it usually is!
Downloading software from an unverified source could easily introduce vulnerabilities or malware to your computer.
Only use supported Operating System (OS) software
Secondly, it is important that your computers are running OS and application software that are still supported and updated by the manufacturer. For example, Windows 10 went end of life on October 14th and is no longer supported, if you are still running Windows 10 you should upgrade immediately as your OS is now vulnerable:
- Microsoft Windows – you should now be running Windows 11 Pro.
- Apple macOS – Apple is currently on macOS v26 (Tahoe) and now only support from macOS v14 (Sonoma).
Un-supported OS software will not receive security updates and can become vulnerable to cyber attacks from malicious sources.
Managing Updates
Operating systems and application software are constantly updated to release new features and to fix bugs and security issues. Unpatched and out-of-date OS and applications can leave your computer vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Are you sure your computers are running the latest updates and security patches? If you have more than one computer in your business, it is not always that easy to manage updates, and OS and application software can quickly become out of date. All OS and most application software have built in updating methods, but it is not always easy to see if any of your computers need updates or have the latest software installed.
We use NinjaOne Remote Management and Monitoring software as part of our Engage Premium managed proactive support service, to remotely manage OS and application software updates. This is all managed through a centralised console which provides an overview of your computer fleet; when update scans were last run and applied and those computers requiring updates. It also monitors your computers for any issues and potential problems, for example, disk errors, low disk space and high memory usage. This ensures your computers remain healthy and secure.
If you want to have a better overview of the status of your computer fleet and ensure they are regularly patched and updated, Contact Us for more information on our Engage Premium managed proactive support service.
