Why updates are important
Businesses usually deploy a large set of software for the smooth functioning of their business. It is common practice for firms to regularly update their software, to keep up with new security updates and bug fixes. As a convenient option, firms use the auto-update feature of the software to overcome the issue of regular monitoring of the application. Although this practice is widespread and a convenient option, there are several downsides to this.
As per Symantec, the below mentioned threats pose a serious challenge to firms worldwide.
To mitigate this threat, firms are investing time and resources to developing a comprehensive security policy. Small and medium firms are turning to IT infrastructure vendors to face this challenge. Below mentioned are some of the direct impacts due to non-availability of timely security updates.
Security
Software security updates are regularly released by software vendors, to address/fix the security issues or to provide bug fixes. At times they implement or add new features.
Software security vulnerabilities are the most common way through which malware/viruses penetrate and disturb the network. While antivirus solutions are good at detecting and removing malware, once it is detected on your system, security patches try to close the windows that malware can use to enter into the system.
Applying security patches in a timely fashion highly reduces the risk of having a security breach and all the related problems that come with it, like data theft, data loss, reputations issues or even legal penalties.
Company Productivity
As per industry estimates, losses incurred due to security vulnerabilities in the office networks of the small and medium firms are on the rise. The loss in employee productivity & data loss makes it an alarming problem. Other effects like congested networks or slowed down systems because of malware activity and breakdowns of business critical applications, along with the need to reinstall each software from scratch after the recovery, makes this problem a nightmare for businesses.
New Features
Security updates at times usually contain new features that enable the smooth administration of certain security assessment or eradication functions. For organisations this often translates into new opportunities for productivity enhancement.
Working with a vendor, you can circumvent the above issues. Although you can update software in-house, vendor expertise brings in direct benefits.
- Plan the timing of the updates, taking into account minimal disruption to normal business functioning.
- Implement best practices while updating e.g. before a major update a backup is critical.
- Update drivers and security to protect against online threats.
- Troubleshoot software errors after each major upgrade, if any.
As per TechRepublic Magazine, businesses are outsourcing their security administration to vendors.
