Are You Leaving The Door Open For Hackers?

Wednesday, 22 December 2021 23:49

Software updates are an important part of staying secure online.

Why are software updates important?

Software updates are an important part of staying secure online. But why? You’ll often hear about the new features or performance improvements in a software update, but what isn’t talked about as often are the bug fixes and security improvements. Out-of-date software and apps contain weaknesses. This makes them easier to hack. Companies fix the weaknesses by releasing updates. When you update your devices and software, this helps to keep hackers out.

Why would cyber criminals target me?

Your device contains a lot of personal data that is highly valuable if it fell into the hands of a fraudster. The likelihood is your device will contain your full name, date of birth, address, bank details, passwords, as well as many other forms of personal data such as private photos or videos.

Improve your online security by using automatic software updates

We understand it can sometimes be annoying to remember to update your devices every time a new update is released, that’s why we encourage you to enable automatic updates wherever it’s available. That means you don’t have to manually install updates every time they’re released.

We’ve provided some useful links below where you can find step by step instructions on how to enable automatic updates for your devices and apps.

Apple - Mac (opens in a new tab)
Apple - iPhone and iPad (opens in a new tab)
[http://ms-settings:windowsupdate]Microsoft Windows 10 (opens your MS settings)
Windows 7 is no longer supported. You should upgrade to Windows 10
Android smartphones and tablets (opens in a new tab)
Android apps (opens in a new tab)

For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website:

www.cyberaware.gov.uk

Thanks for reading! If you found this information useful, please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends.

Message Sent By:
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National).

More from Local News

Future Leighton Hospital construction partner raises over £6,600 for Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity

A team from VINCI Building has raised more than £6,600 for Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity after completing the legendary Fan Dance Challenge, one of the UK's toughest endurance events.
Congleton Town Council Provides Free Bus Travel to Power the Green Fayre

Congleton Town Council has allocated the third of its four ‘Free Bus Days’ from Cheshire East Council to the Green Fayre.
Man jailed for assaulting a man in Knutsford

A man has been jailed for seriously assaulting a man in Knutsford.
Man jailed for rape and attempted rape in Congleton

A man has been jailed for raping and attempting to rape a woman in Congleton.
Two-way traffic to return to Winsford Station Bridge with weight restriction in place

Two-way traffic will be reinstated on Winsford Station Bridge following further engineering assessments, with a 7.5 tonne weight restriction and 20mph speed limit being introduced to protect the structure.
TRACTOR RUN - ADLINGTON TO TWEMLOW - TO OPPOSE THE PEAK CLUSTER PIPELINE

A local grass roots apolitical action group, based in Macclesfield, who oppose the proposed Peak Cluster Pipeline are holding public events to help residents understand what this pipeline would entail.
Crewe man sentenced for online child sexual offences

A man from Crewe has been jailed for online child sexual offences.
Supporters join Cheshire disability charity to celebrate grand opening of Wingate Holidays

Supporters joined The Wingate Centre’s team to celebrate the grand opening of Wingate Holidays, the Cheshire disability charity’s brand-new, fully accessible holiday accommodation in Wrenbury, near Nantwich.
New Congleton CID team goes from strength to strength

Six months ago, Congleton Local Policing Unit formed its own dedicated Pro-active CID, and it has been going from strength to strength.
Children and families in Cheshire to benefit from new Child Focused Courts approach

Children and families across Cheshire are set to benefit from a major new approach to family justice designed to reduce delays, improve support for victims of domestic abuse, and ensure children's voices are heard throughout court proceedings.
Appeal for information following serious collision in Crewe

Police are appealing for witnesses and video footage following a serious collision in Crewe.
How is smoking impacting your health?

Video

Stoptober is the Department of Health & Social Care’s annual quit smoking campaign, designed to encourage and support people who smoke to make a quit attempt.
Work to begin on phase 2 of Manchester Road Active Travel scheme

New crossings, cycleway improvements and enhanced walking routes will be delivered as part of phase 2 of the Manchester Road Active Travel scheme, with construction due to begin on Monday 5th October.
Investigation launched following allegations of historic sexual abuse

Detectives from Cheshire Police have launched an investigation following allegations of historic sexual abuse.
New Northwich Market now open

Sixty years after the former Northwich Market opened, a new chapter begins with the opening of a brand-new market at Barons Quay.
Eleven Years of Christmas for the Community – Buxton’s Community Helping Community

For the Community is preparing for its 11th Christmas supporting people across Buxton and the surrounding area, continuing a project that began with one simple idea: nobody should have to face Christmas without food, company or community.
Victoria Infirmary Outpatients rated Good by the Care Quality Commission

Outpatient services at Victoria Infirmary in Northwich have been rated Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a recent assessment.
Two Years Without Sunday Trains - Congleton Campaigners Demand Action

Rail campaigners will gather at Congleton Station at 11am on Sunday 20th September to mark a frustrating milestone – two years since the last Sunday train stopped at Congleton.
Residents invited to have their say on plans to clamp down on anti-social drivers

Cheshire East Council is clamping down on anti-social drivers following repeated incidents across the borough.
Cheshire East Council highlights business success at award-winning Need Golf visit

Cheshire East Council visited Need Golf Centre as part of its Made in Cheshire East campaign, highlighting the businesses and organisations helping to drive economic growth, attract visitors and strengthen the borough's reputation as a place to live, work, invest and do business.