Description
Write a Peer Response:
Hello class and professor,
Why is it crucial to apply updates/patches to computer systems.
Over time vendors release updates to bring up a new feature to Operating Systems, however, most of the time, these updates are to fix an issue that makes computer vulnerable to attacks that cyber-criminals can exploit and take advantage. What is the difference between a patch and an update? Cyberdot describes patches as strings of codes that addresses a vulnerability found in the software. Therefore, patching computers as soon as they come available is a good security practice. Updates are features that are added to an OS or application, these can be small or big updates. It is important to understand that although updates are enhancements to systems and do not necessarily address a security issue, they can become a security concern if they have bugs or lead to back doors. Consequently, a patch would be needed to fix the vulnerability.
While updates and patches are important to implement, they can cause other issues to users. One issue I have encounter myself is losing the ability to log in into Military websites after an OS update. I use and MacOS and during one of the OS updates, a compatibility issue came with it, and I had two options: roll back the update (going back to the previous) or find a way around. I ended up waiting for a patch that would finally let me use a card reader and download certificates in my computer. In sum, updates and patches address security vulnerabilities but sometimes the cause compatibility issues, such as drivers, hardware and other software.
CyberDot. (2018, September 23). The importance of patches and updates. CyberDot Inc. https://www.cyberdot.com/cyber-security/the-import…