One of the most popular questions we are asked is "How often do I need to update my computer?". It's a time-honoured cybersecurity practice: Apply all security patches and Windows updates. They help protect your computers and servers against newly discovered security holes and potential threats. They also may add new features.
In this blog we will discuss why windows updates are important to be done regularly and when is the best time to update.
Microsoft Update is a service that allows for the periodic patching of system files to address known issues with Microsoft products. We sometimes refer to them as Windows Updates (as that is what they were referred to in the past), it was specifically focused on Operating System patches for Windows. More recently, however, it has been expanded to include all Microsoft products and that is why the name has changed to Microsoft Update, allowing the automated patching of non-OS software such as Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office.
They are organized into several categories.
Microsoft Updates prevent issues. Although there are occasions when updates cause a new problem to appear, generally speaking, they “help” more than they “hurt”. Not only do Microsoft Updates fix known bugs in software and operating systems, but they plug critical security holes that could potentially cause harm. Microsoft vulnerabilities are actively exploited in countless viruses, which could have been easily prevented by maintaining updates.
Automatic Updates – Updated Microsoft Operating Systems have an Automatic Update feature built-in that lets you define a time to download and install High Priority updates. Although simple to configure there are several setbacks to using this method:
Centralized Update Software – Server-based update applications such as Windows Server Update Services can resolve many of the issues that come with having each computer responsible for updating itself. However, there are also some drawbacks:
Use a Managed Service Provider like Reis Informatica– This is by far the most effective way to maintain your updates and provide the best security. Choosing a Managed Service Provider like Reis Informatica can help your team when it comes to monitoring your software and applying needed patches as soon as they are available. Not only that but we can help when it comes to safely reboot critical servers and troubleshooting any update issues that arise. This takes the process and responsibility of patching completely off the shoulders of your internal employees and places it in the hands of experienced IT professionals.
Reis Informatica has offered ManagedCare Services for more than a decade. We have fine-tuned it to help you get exceptional results. We know what it takes to create a successful partnership, whatever your IT and cybersecurity needs are. For a low monthly fee we will deploy our monitoring agent and not only provide you with Patch Management, but you’ll enjoy other benefits such as 24/7/365 monitoring for system failures and instant access to our team of professionals for support.
So that covers why windows updates are important to be done regularly. Now let us help you get started! Contact us today to get started and schedule your complimentary Business Systems Assessment below.