Software updates on devices such as computers, tablets and cellphones can feel like interruptions, but they are important maintenance for your digital life. Updating home software—including operating systems, web browsers, mobile apps, antivirus programs and other often used applications—is one of the simplest habits that can help protect your devices, personal information and financial accounts.

Updates often include security patches, bug fixes, performance improvements and new features. In most cases, keeping software current can make your computer, phone, tablet and other connected devices safer and more reliable.

The federal government’s U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency also discusses the benefits of updating software and apps, including practical tips for managing updates.

Why updating home software matters

Software developers routinely test and improve products people use at home, work and school. They look for errors, performance issues and security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals might try to exploit. When companies discover a weakness, they often release an update or patch to fix it.

Updates may be available daily, weekly, monthly or on another schedule, depending on the product. Just as cars, homes, tools and appliances need regular maintenance, software needs ongoing attention. Keeping programs and operating systems up to date may provide stronger security, better performance and more peace of mind.

Watch for update notifications from your software

Your devices and apps may let you know when updates are ready. These notices can apply to operating systems, web browsers, antivirus and security software, banking apps, payment apps, shopping apps, smart home apps and devices such as computers, cellphones, printers, cameras, wi-fi routers and other connected technology.

You can be alerted to the need for an update in several different ways—you may see a notification inside the software or app, a message from the operating system, an alert on your screen, an automatic download if that setting is turned on or some manufacturers even email messages about available updates.

It is especially important to pay attention to updates for operating systems, web browsers and security software. These programs are commonly targeted by cybercriminals because they are used so widely.

Some companies release updates on a regular schedule, while others release them whenever an important fix is ready. If an update is described as critical, urgent or security-related, you should take it seriously.

Install security updates promptly before hackers can exploit a weakness

When you receive a notice about a software update—especially a critical security update—from a verified, trusted source (usually from within the software application) install it as soon as possible.

Cybercriminals pay attention to publicly disclosed software vulnerabilities. Once a weakness is known, attackers may try to exploit it before users install the available patch. Delaying an update could leave your computer, phone, tablet or app exposed to a hacking attempt.

If an update requires restarting your device, schedule the installation when you are not in the middle of something important. For major updates, plug in the device, connect to a trusted network and allow enough time for the installation to finish.

Automate updates when practical

One of the easiest ways to stay current with software is to turn on automatic updates.

Automatic updates can download and install software patches without requiring you to manually check settings every week. This can be helpful for households with multiple computers, phones, tablets and other connected devices.

Depending on the device or software, you may be able to choose whether updates download or install automatically, install only when approved by the user or install during overnight or other low-use hours.

For many households, automatic updates are a practical and efficient way to help keep software and devices more secure. However, it is still a good idea to review software and device update settings occasionally—such as monthly or quarterly—to confirm that they are working and still match your preferences.

Get updates only from trusted sources

Always get updates directly from a trusted source. That usually means the device manufacturer, software developer, official app store or the update feature built into the device or application.

Avoid downloading updates from unfamiliar websites, surprise pop-up windows, online ads or links in unexpected emails. Keep in mind that pirated, hacked or unlicensed software may include malware, viruses, spyware or other dangerous programs that can damage your device, steal information or give criminals access to your financial, social, medical, legal or other accounts.

Using trusted download sites is especially important for mobile apps. Apps may be available from many websites, but not every source is trustworthy. It can be safer to download mobile apps from major verified app stores, such as Google Play™ or the Apple App Store^®, when possible.

Be careful with fake update pop-ups

Not every update message is legitimate. Scammers may create alarming pop-up messages claiming that your computer is infected, your browser is outdated or your device needs an immediate update. These messages may urge you to click a button, call a phone number or download software right away.

If you see a suspicious update pop-up, do not click the message or call the number shown. Instead, close the browser window and check for updates directly through the device, app or software’s official settings menu.

It is also wise to be cautious with unexpected emails or text messages that claim you must urgently update your software. Rather than clicking links in those messages, go directly to the official hardware manufacturer or software developer’s website, app store or device settings to confirm whether an update is available.

Don’t forget other types of home technology that may require updating

Because of the increasing use and sophistication of technology, updating home software is not limited to computers and phones. Earlier in this post we mentioned some types of common devices that may require updating, but you may not be aware of the extensive varieties of products that can require fixes and improvements to be installed.

Some other types of connected devices that may need updating include smart televisions, 3D printers, video doorbells, smart thermostats, security cameras, computer monitors, mice and keyboards, and even certain cars require software updates to function correctly.

Some devices update automatically. Others may require you to open an app, visit a settings menu or log into a device management page. Your home internet router is especially important because it helps connect a number of other devices in your home to the internet. If your router is outdated or no longer supported by the manufacturer with updates (which often happens over time, such as after five years), it may be worth researching whether a replacement is needed.

And—back up important files before major updates

Most routine software updates install without a problem, but major operating-system upgrades or significant software changes can sometimes take more time to install and involve greater risk that something could go wrong with the installation. Before starting a large update, it is also a good idea to back up important digital files before the update begins, including documents (and especially financial, legal and medical files), photos, videos, music, records and other valuable digital content.

Backups can be stored using a trusted cloud service, an external storage drive or some other method that you consider to be secure. Always keeping a current backup can be absolutely essential if an update fails, a device stops working or a cyberattack damages files.

You should make updating software a regular habit

Updating home software is not necessarily complicated, but it does require ongoing attention.

A practical home software maintenance routine may include turning on automatic updates when available, checking update settings periodically, installing critical updates quickly, downloading apps only from trusted sources, removing software you no longer use, replacing unsupported devices when necessary and backing up vital information before major upgrades.

These steps could help reduce the risk of cyberattacks, protect personal information and keep home technology working more reliably.

Want more information on protecting yourself online?

Delta Community’s blog and security posts also include helpful information on stronger passwords, safer online payments, phishing scams, home network security, identity theft prevention and other topics that can help you better protect your digital life. Also, for our members registered to receive selected Delta Community emails, look for our quarterly Information Security Series emails in your inbox.

Please visit the Financial Education Center’s Events & Seminars page to register for its no-cost, on-demand webinars on a variety of money management topics.

Sources consulted for this post

Information sources outside of Delta Community Credit Union consulted for this post include the federal government’s U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.