Signal Winter 2019 Newsletter

12 www.alliancecom.net Are You Keeping Up with Updates? To maintain security, get the latest software versions on all your devices Computer Updates Updating your computer’s OS (such as Windows or macOS) is one of the best things you can do to prevent viruses. Why? Hackers develop viruses to take advan- tage of vulnerabilities within current OS versions. Each update changes the OS enough so that those viruses no longer work on computers that have the newer version installed. Hackers know not every- one updates their OS, so even though a new version may be available, their malig- nant code still works on some computers. In addition to security upgrades, updates fix small OS bugs, improve computer operation, and add support for new peripherals (such as printers and external hard drives). Software updates are similar to OS updates in that the new version helps your computer, and the application itself, operate more smoothly. Both OS and software updates can happen manually (that is, you initiate the process) or automatically (the computer does it without you having to do anything). Whenever possible, you should set your computer OS and software to update automatically without your involvement. That way, you can rest assured that you Updates may seem like one of those things your computer does that just gets in the way of you using it. However, updates are more than just better versions of your software or operating system (OS). They provide critical security components that can help prevent viruses and other serious issues.