Data Security

Security Updates: Dont Hit Remind Me Later

February 23, 2024

Introduction

Hitting “remind me later” when prompted to install security updates on your devices is never a good idea. As tempting as it may be to postpone updates, especially when you’re busy, ignoring them leaves you vulnerable to cyber attacks. Let’s explore why you should always install updates right away and never hit “remind me later.”

The Risks of Delaying Security Updates

Security updates patch vulnerabilities in operating systems and software. These vulnerabilities provide openings for malicious actors to gain access to your device and data. When you hit “remind me later,” you allow the vulnerabilities to persist, giving attackers more time to exploit them.

Some key risks of delaying security updates include:

Increased exposure to malware – Malware like viruses, spyware, and ransomware often rely on exploiting known vulnerabilities that have available patches. Hitting “remind me later” gives malware more chances to infect your device.
Greater likelihood of data breaches – Hackers look for devices that lag on security updates. Those devices give them an easy “in” to steal sensitive data like passwords, financial information, or personal photos.
Higher risk of having your device enlisted in a botnet – Unpatched devices are prime targets for botnets. Your computer or internet-connected device could become part of a network executing automated cyber attacks.
Potential loss of access to your data – Some ransomware encrypts data on outdated devices then demands payment to decrypt it. Delaying updates raises your ransomware infection risk.

Real-World Examples of Exploited Vulnerabilities

Here are some real-world examples where hackers exploited vulnerabilities that had available patches:

WannaCry ransomware – This 2017 attack encrypted data on over 200,000 computers globally. It exploited a Windows vulnerability for which a patch had been available for two months.
SolarWinds supply chain attack – Cyber spies leveraged vulnerabilities in the SolarWinds Orion software first disclosed in 2019 to breach numerous public and private sector organizations in 2020. Many had not yet applied the available patches.
Log4j vulnerabilities – Cybercriminals raced to exploit these newly discovered flaws in the popular Log4j Java library starting in late 2021. Numerous organizations failed to quickly implement the security updates.

These examples highlight the potential widespread damage from delaying security updates.

Why People Hit “Remind Me Later”

If security updates are so critical, why do people postpone them? Some common reasons include:

Interruptions – Updates often prompt you to restart your device. Postponing allows you to finish whatever task you’re working on without interruption.
Fear of bugs – There is a perception that updates may introduce new bugs or compatibility issues. Users delay installing to avoid disrupting a stable system.
Lack of awareness – Many people do not realize how crucial security updates are. They underestimate the risks of hitting “remind me later.”
Update fatigue – Frequent update prompts can lead to fatigue. After clicking “remind me later” for a while with no apparent issues, continuing this habit seems harmless.
Time constraints – Downloading and installing updates takes time. When people are busy, postponing updates allows them to focus on other priorities.

However, these reasons ultimately do not justify delaying critical security protections.

What You Should Do Instead

So what steps should you take to avoid hitting “remind me later” on security updates?

Enable automatic updates – Configure your devices and software to install updates on their own without prompting you. This ensures you get patches as soon as they become available.
Schedule update times – If you wish to retain more control, set specific times where you will initiate updates yourself. Add them to your calendar if helpful.
Update sooner rather than later – When prompted about an update, make time to install it right away if possible. The longer you wait, the greater the risk.
Don’t use unsupported software – Sticking to currently supported operating systems and applications ensures you continue getting security updates.
Back up your data – Maintain backups of critical data so that in the unlikely event an update causes issues, you can easily restore the previous version.

Prioritizing security updates takes a little extra thought and effort. But it is far safer than hitting “remind me later” and needlessly jeopardizing your data and devices. The minor inconvenience of installing timely updates is insignificant compared to the potential harm from cyber attacks.

Conclusion

Delaying security updates by hitting “remind me later” leaves you in a perilous position. Cybercriminals aggressively seek out and exploit any vulnerabilities in outdated software. Promptly installing each security patch is crucial to defending yourself against malware, data breaches, and other cyber threats. Make a habit of updating right away. Your data and devices will thank you.