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LESSON 4 / of 6

Devices & updates

Why an unpatched device is a known open door, and what a thief gets from a lost laptop.

Run the checklist

Devices & updates

Software has bugs, and some bugs let an attacker take control of a device or read its data. When a vendor discovers one, they release a fix, called a patch, and describe the problem. From that moment, criminals also know exactly what to look for, and they scan the internet for devices that have not been updated yet. An unpatched device is not "slightly" at risk; it is a known open door.

The same logic applies to old software that no longer receives updates at all. A phone or laptop past its support date will accumulate unfixable holes. That is a bigger deal than most people think.

The other half of device safety is what happens if it is lost or stolen. A screen lock and full-disk encryption (on by default on modern phones and easy to enable on laptops) mean a thief gets a paperweight, not your life.

Common myth"Antivirus is the main thing." Modern operating systems already include decent protection. Timely updates, a screen lock and not installing software from random downloads do far more than any add-on product.
Do these
  1. Turn on automatic updates everywherePhone, laptop, browser, and the router at home. Restart when asked; many patches only apply after a restart.
  2. Use a screen lock and enable encryptionPIN, fingerprint or face on your phone. On laptops, check that disk encryption (FileVault, BitLocker or equivalent) is on.
  3. Install software only from official stores or the maker's site"Free" cracked apps and browser extensions with few users are common ways malware arrives.