Did you know that your web browsers need updates too? The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently issued an alert recommending users of Google’s Chrome browser to update to its latest version. This update applies to Windows, Macs, and Linux devices. This particular update addresses several vulnerabilities that allow a cyber attacker to take over your system.

Browser updates

Web browsers are your interface with the internet, which makes them prime targets for cyber attackers to exploit. We use browsers to visit websites, make purchases, access our emails, and virtually all other things we do while online. Cyber attackers have long sought ways to use your browser against you. Unfortunately, web browsers tend to go forgotten when it comes to applying updates.

Don’t forget your updates

Updating your software, applications, and operating systems are critical in keeping your small business data secure. Updates get a bad reputation as being untimely, obtrusive, and slow. Despite these complaints, updates are one of the best and easiest ways to implement cybersecurity.

For most devices it is recommended to run auto-updates. This means to allow the device to automatically check for updates and install them without you needing to do a thing. You can set most updates to occur on certain days and at certain times. This allows you to regularly check your updates to verify things are working right with the automation.

For some systems though, this might not be the best idea. If you deploy services that require constant up time, you will need to strategize the best time of day to initialize the update and provide the communication needed. Other systems may have complicated or incompatible applications that require testing of updates to ensure the update does not “break” the application or device.

For more information on updates check out this previous Security Byte. For more on other small business cybersecurity topics check out Small Business, Big Threat!

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