Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Software Updates
- Triumvirate Cyber
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Last week, we talked about multi-factor authentication (MFA) — that extra “prove it” step that helps make sure the person logging into your account is really you. This week, we’re covering an underappreciated mainstay of cybersecurity: the humble software update.
Patch Perfect: Why Software Updates Matter
We know, updates aren’t glamorous. They always manage to appear at the worst possible time—right before a meeting, right when you hit your “flow state” on a project, or right as you’re drafting a critical status update email. But those updates are more than digital housekeeping. They’re one of the most effective ways to keep your systems secure, your data protected, and your organization in compliance with frameworks like CMMC.
Where Do Vulnerabilities Come From?
Let’s start by demystifying what’s actually happening when you see an update notification. Every piece of software from your operating system to your favorite app contains code written by humans.* As every developer (and human) knows, mistakes happen. Sometimes those mistakes create vulnerabilities—weaknesses that could allow someone to gain unauthorized access or otherwise cause digital mischief.
* These days, “vibe coders” can use AI systems to write code, but the vast majority of software is still developed by humans.
Vulnerability are identified and remediated through a vulnerability management life cycle:
Discovery: Someone finds the flaw. This could be security researchers, vendors, or ethical hackers who report it responsibly to the software maker, but it could also be cybercriminals who find the same issue and use it to their advantage—usually without sending a polite heads-up first.
Assessment: Once a vulnerability is discovered, it’s analyzed to determine how severe it is. Some bugs are minor, while others are like leaving your front door wide open with a neon “Welcome” sign. Vulnerabilities are generally rated using the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS).
Patch Development: The developer of the software creates a patch—an update designed to fix the problem. These are sometimes also called bugfixes (because they fix bugs, get it?). This process often happens behind the scenes, then developers will release the patch so end users can apply it.
Installation: Once a vulnerability has been identified and a patch has been released, it’s up to you to install it. This is when you start seeing notifications saying things like “pending updates” and “restart required.” When you hit “Remind me later,” that’s like knowing your front door lock is broken but deciding it can wait until after the weekend. Not to mention that the developer having released a patch lets the world know (both the good and bad) that there’s an issue with their product, which can increase attempts to exploit it. To continue the analogy, it’s like putting up a sign in your yard to let everyone know your front door lock is broken.
Why It Matters
Unpatched systems are the easiest targets for attackers because they’re exploiting known weaknesses with available instructions. In fact, many major cyber incidents trace back to vulnerabilities that already had patches available—they just weren’t applied.
For organizations working toward CMMC Level 2 compliance, keeping systems patched isn’t just a good habit—it’s a requirement. Most cyber compliance frameworks call for regular updates and timely remediation of known vulnerabilities.
Practical Tips for Staying Up to Date
Keeping up with updates is one of the easiest ways to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Much like brushing your teeth, a small daily habit can prevent much bigger problems down the line. Following these tips can help minimize the risk of the software you use every day becoming a foothold for attackers:
Enable automatic updates whenever possible to take out the guesswork of patch management
Restart your system regularly because many updates don’t finish applying until after a reboot
Update all software, not just your operating system, including browsers, plug-ins, and third-party apps
Don’t ignore notifications. When your computer says it’s time to patch, it’s not just being bossy—it’s being protective
Coming Soon: Humans Are the New Perimeter
In our final Cybersecurity Awareness Month post, we’ll wrap up with a deep dive into some of the most common (and sneaky) attack methods: social engineering and phishing. We’ll share practical advice on how to spot suspicious emails, recognize manipulative tactics, and avoid becoming the “click” that causes a security incident.
Until then, consider this your friendly reminder: if your computer’s asking for a reboot to finish installing updates… heed its advice!
