We’ve all done it.
That little notification pops up:
“A new update is available. Restart now or later?”
And of course, we slam later. Because who’s got time for that?
But here’s the truth:
Ignoring updates is like leaving your windows wide open before going to bed — you might get away with it, but you’re also inviting trouble.
What Updates Actually Do
Updates aren’t just about shiny new emojis or moving a button somewhere annoying. Most of the time, they’re about fixing holes that hackers can crawl through.
Think of them like builders repairing cracks in your walls before the rain seeps in.
Without updates, your phone, laptop, or apps are basically saying:
“Oi hackers, back door’s unlocked, come on in!”
Real Example
In 2021, hackers found a hole in Microsoft Exchange (the email system loads of businesses use).
The patch to fix it was released quickly… but many companies didn’t bother updating.
The result? Hackers rushed in, planting backdoors and stealing emails from tens of thousands of organisations worldwide.
All because updates sat there waiting, and people ignored them.
Why People Put It Off
• Inconvenience – nobody wants to restart mid-Netflix binge.
• Fear of change – “What if it breaks something?”
• Procrastination – we just don’t think it matters.
But those few minutes of updating can save you from hours (or even days) of headache if you do get hit.
Do This Today
- Enable auto-updates
On your phone, laptop, apps — let them handle it in the background. - Restart regularly
Updates often don’t apply until you restart. So yes, turn it off and on again does help. - Update everything
Not just your computer — phones, tablets, routers, even smart TVs. - Beware fake update pop-ups
Only install updates from your system settings or official app stores.
Key Takeaway
Updates aren’t a nuisance — they’re digital locks and repairs. Skipping them is like refusing to fix a broken lock on your front door.
A few minutes of waiting can save you a world of pain later.
At The Cyber Workshop, our Cyber Hygiene Workshop covers updates, backups, and all the little daily habits that keep hackers out. It’s the stuff that sounds boring, but it’s the reason you don’t end up on the wrong end of a cyber attack.
Till next time,
Shut your windows, both the glass ones and the digital ones.
