Why Keeping Your Software Updated Matters

https://www.katc.com/community/gma/abbys-apps-security-tips

I don’t know about you, but every time I’m in the middle of something online, I get that pop up message to update my iPhone or iPad. It’s rather annoying and I always choose “later” and then forget all about it.  Well, it might be time to start paying more attention to updating your device more frequently.  Recently, anonymous researchers discovered that cyber attackers may be able to hack into your mobile devices remotely.  Apple addressed this by telling users that the problem can be solved by simply upgrading to the latest operating system.  

However, upgrading isn’t the only answer. Making sure your information is secure online is an ongoing challenge. Here are some tips from Blake Judice at CBM (Computers for Business Management):

• Make sure you know what you’re agreeing to when downloading apps. You will see a notification that tells you what personal information you are giving access to. Read it carefully before you agree to the terms.
• For apps you’ve already installed, go to Settings, then Privacy. Go through your apps and see which ones have access to your camera, location, contacts, etc.  Then ask yourself if they really need that information.
• Online shopping? Because of the ease of “credit card on file”, a cybercriminal doesn’t even need your debit or credit card information. All they need to do is hack into the online shopping site to get all the information they need. Recommendations for preventing this type of cybercrime are to change your passwords regularly, use a different password for each site you shop, and only shop with reputable retailers.

As long as our personal information is online somewhere (even on social media), we’re at the mercy of cybercriminals. We have to be careful to guard our private information and be attentive to potential breaches.