Run Software Updates

When you buy a new smartphone, tablet, or computer, you likely take steps to physically protect the device with a screen protector, case or bag. These are all very good precautions to help ensure your device functions reliably over the course of its life. Just as you protect your device physically, you should also take steps to maintain the software that runs your device. Information security analysts and hackers discover vulnerabilities in software all the time. In response, vendors release software updates to address these vulnerabilities. You must keep up with these maintenance updates just as you use physical accessories to maintain and keep your device in its best shape.

Run software updates for your device! Steps can vary for different operating system versions, so check with your computing local support provider (LSP) or a search engine for specific steps, before trying these generic instructions:

iOS:

Tap Settings > General > Software Update to check for the latest iOS software update.

Android:

Tap Settings > About Device > Update to check for available updates to install.

Windows:

Windows 7 or Windows 8.1: 

Turn on the Automatic Updates feature so you can approve High Priority Updates that will appear on the right side of your Taskbar when they are available; or

Use the Tools > Windows Update feature from Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Windows 10: 

Windows 10 automatically checks for updates. To manually check:

Click the Start Button > Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update.  

Check for updates to locate any available updates to install.

MacOS:

Set your Mac to automatically check for updates: from the Apple menu:

Select System Preferences>App Store > and make sure these are checked: 

Automatically check for updates, Install MacOS updates, Install system data files and security updates.

To manually check, from the Apple menu select App Store > Updates.

Make sure to regularly back up your data on your device. If you have any questions or concerns about installing updates, check with your LSP first. Don’t know who your LSP is? See: http://www.isc.upenn.edu/get-it-help