Importance of Keeping Software Updated and Having Data Backed Up When it Comes to Cyber Threats

Article written by: Natasha Gumpala

Article designed by: Natasha Gumpala & Palak Tiwari

When it comes to cyber threats, keeping software updated and having data backup is crucial. Losing important documents, data, photos, or other important files to hackers and being forced to pay thousands to recover them is an increasing consequence of technology advancements. Hackers can access data through software, more specifically, outdated software. According to Sophos State of Ransomware, 60% of cyberattacks were specifically targeted at unpatched systems, making them an easy and accessible target.

Although many of these cyber attacks can be prevented through apps, websites, and being cautious of what you do and interact with online, updating software is a good extra step to take to ensure your data’s safety. Data from the Microsoft Exchange Server had affected almost 60,000 organizations all around the world, as they did not have their software updated. manually or automatically updating devices like phones, computers, and apps may not take long and can ensure the safety of data as software changes to help users have a better experience, including enabling better safety precautions. Staying updated can help you secure your data from hackers and ensure a safer online experience.

Another step you can take to protect your online data is to back up your data regularly. According to Veeam’s ransomware report, Ransomware, where your files are locked and can be released back to the user in exchange for a payment, reached about 66% of organizations in the year of 2024. Small businesses had lost many records, including decades worth of data due to ransomware, costing them an almost $100,000 fee. The reason why this impacted them so much was that their data and files were not backed up, and this is a devastating, dangerous nightmare many businesses and even individuals face regularly. Backing up data and important files into a safe folder or a separate app can keep your data safe from being stolen, hacked, or used as blackmail. This is an easy fix, as many apps, including Google Drive, that are free, can back up your files, data, and more. Taking good precision in backing up your data can feel like a safety net protecting you by restoring your data without having to deal with hackers.

Cyber attacks are dangerous and can impact businesses and individuals, but taking steps like updating your devices and app’s software as well as backing up data can prevent any data from being taken into the hands of hackers.

Work Cited

https://www.forbes.com/cybersecurity/. 

https://assets.sophos.com/X24WTUEQ/at/sbqqvwxz3jksrbmfgnbj9pkp/sophos-ransomware-experience-infographic.pdf.

https://cybelangel.com/exchange-server-vulnerability-puts-data-at-risk/.com.

https://itupdate.com.au/assets/veeam/2024-ransomware-trends-report.pdf.

https://www.google.com/search?q=sotfware+update&sca_esv=d8f8ca26d9b374a1&udm=2&biw=1440&bih=778&sxsrf=AHTn8zruDPbNv45CPZsAZX3tlWCmoO004w%3A1745126441841&ei=KYQEaPWEM6GA0PEPpcKd-Qc&ved=0ahUKEwi1vZ3N7uWMAxUhADQIHSVhJ38Q4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=sotfware+update&gs_lp=EgNpbWciD3NvdGZ3YXJlIHVwZGF0ZTIKEAAYgAQYsQMYCjIKEAAYgAQYsQMYCjIHEAAYgAQYCjIKEAAYgAQYsQMYCjIGEAAYAxgKMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKMgcQABiABBgKSL0-UJESWNc8cAJ4AJABAJgBigGgAYgLqgEEMTYuMrgBA8gBAPgBAZgCB6AC2APCAgYQABgHGB7CAgoQABiABBhDGIoFwgIFEAAYgATCAggQABgHGAoYHsICBhAAGAoYHpgDAIgGAZIHAzUuMqAHqiKyBwMzLjK4B70D&sclient=img#vhid=xZMw4wA0fz2LeM&vssid=mosaic.

40341&q=backing+up+data&udm=2&fbs=ABzOT_CWdhQLP1FcmU5B0fn3xuWp6IcynRBrzjy_vjxR0KoDMs-NPkvpfnC0-Nvsd7HFz32b6_vVeH3Eh5LTn6vYQxgOy79dkH6TeiZNM9aLPSHRc_BP7cnXB3hd8uXfVFAe6IQ6Ka_X7RCU8q0-OmXhDGh3rGTFuTIKfg2el-46Msvf5ADl-KFLuOGuSsnArSAHEpRjx4v_feYy0o- T8Pi5OULCIlJPBw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjGhMLM7uWMAxW_weYEHSxRNAQQtKgLegQIGRAB&biw=1440&bih=778&dpr=2#vhid=o-37OdvNt3Q1bM&vssid=mosaic .