According to a survey of over 200 different companies, cybercrime was perceived as the second-largest threat to small businesses in 2025.1 Another report found that 32% of all reviewed cyberattacks started with an unpatched software vulnerability.2
One of the simplest and most effective defenses businesses have against cybersecurity threats is keeping software up to date. These updates patch security flaws, strengthen defenses, and reduce the risk of costly downtime and data loss.
In this blog, we explain why software updates are critical for protecting your business from cybercrime, and how to implement smart update practices that set you up for success.
Software Patch vs Software Updates
Before we dive into the benefits of software updates, it’s important to know what they are and how they work. That begins with understanding the differences between a software patch vs software update.
Both aim at improving software, but they differ in scope and purpose:
What is a Software Patch?
A software patch is a targeted fix for specific bugs, errors, or security vulnerabilities. They are usually minor, quick to install, and released as needed when developers discover a critical issue.
What is a Software Update?
A software update is a broad upgrade that may include new features, performance enhancements, and other improvements, as well as security patches. They are often larger and released on a regular schedule.
There are two main types of software updates:
- Automatic updates install new software versions in the background with minimal user input, saving time and reducing risks.
- Manual updates require approval or action, which can lead to delays if not managed properly.
Some businesses may need a mix of both automatic and manual updates, depending on their workflow needs.
Why Software Updates are Critical for Cybersecurity
Keeping software up to date is one of the most effective ways for a business to fortify its cybersecurity defenses. Below are just a few reasons why software updates are so critical for improving safety, functionality, and security:
Reduce the Risk of a Data Breach
Software developers are constantly on the lookout for potential security vulnerabilities that hackers can take advantage of. When a security flaw is found, developers create a patch to fix it. The window of time between a vulnerability being discovered and patching the software is when businesses are most at risk of a data breach.
According to a report by Google, the average Time-to-Exploit (TTE) is just 5 days after a software patch is released.3 During this gap, cybercriminals target unpatched systems, trying to exploit the security vulnerability to distribute malware, steal data, or launch ransomware attacks.
This is why applying patches as soon as they become available and keeping software consistently up to date is critical to safeguard your business.
Protects Against Malware and Ransomware
Malware is a type of malicious software used by cybercriminals to steal or damage data, spy on users, and more. It can come in many different forms, with some of the most common being viruses, worms, spyware, and ransomware.
Ransomware blocks access to critical files and data until a ransom is paid to the attacker. According to Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), 44% of all reviewed breaches involved ransomware.4
Many malware attacks begin by targeting known security vulnerabilities in outdated operating systems. Regularly updating all software closes these security gaps and helps block malware from infiltrating your network.
Keeps Security Tools Operating Effectively
Behind the scenes, security tools like antivirus software constantly scan, detect, and block threats in real time. To maintain their effectiveness, these tools must be regularly updated. Each update provides new security definitions, patches for known vulnerabilities, and better detection, ensuring your defenses continue to respond to new vulnerabilities.
Software Update Best Practices for Businesses
While it’s clear that software updates are critical to maintaining strong cybersecurity, knowing how to manage them effectively is just as important. Many small businesses struggle with delayed patches and updates, both of which leave essential operating systems exposed to cyberthreats.
Below are some software update best practices for businesses, designed to support both cybersecurity and operational efficiency:
Create and Maintain a Software Inventory
You can’t protect what you don’t know you have. Businesses should keep a running list of all operating systems, applications, plugins, and cloud services used across your organization.
This makes it easier to keep track of what software needs updating and when, and harder to forget applications that require attention.
Back Up Systems Before Major Updates
While most updates go smoothly, unforeseen complications can cause potential downtime or even data loss. This is why performing a full system and data backup before every major update is so important.
If something goes wrong during the installation, you can quickly roll back to the previous version and restore your data, preventing a major loss of productivity.
Enable Automatic Updates
When it comes to software security, postponing updates for even just a few hours is like leaving the door wide open for hackers. Automatic updates are incredibly helpful at combating this risk.
A good rule of thumb is to set security-critical software to update automatically. This includes applications like operating systems, antivirus software, and web browsers. This ensures patches are installed as soon as they’re released, minimizing your exposure to known threats.
Schedule Regular Manual Updates
If there are any systems that can’t auto-update, make sure to set a schedule for manual updates, and have them process during off hours to minimize disruption.
This means it’s best to install major updates during nights, weekends, or other periods when system usage is at its lowest.
Upgrade or Replace Unsupported Software
Unsupported software refers to a program or system that the developer no longer provides official support for. That includes security updates, patches, or technical assistance.
End-of-support (EOS) software is an application that is no longer being updated or receiving support from its manufacturer. This also means no one is working to fix bugs or patch vulnerabilities. End-of-life (EOL) software is similar but is no longer being sold. Both types lack ongoing support.
As you can imagine, this makes unsupported software a prime target for bad actors. In fact, 48% of Known Vulnerabilities cataloged by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are found on unsupported software.5
To safeguard your business from cyberattacks, it’s important to upgrade or replace unsupported software as soon as possible.
Train Staff to Recognize Fake Software Updates
A fully trained employee can mean the difference between a strong cybersecurity strategy and a devastating data breach. Sometimes clicking on one bad link is all it takes to put an entire organization at risk.
Cyberattacks are more sophisticated than ever, and fake software updates are one of the most common tactics. Phishing emails, ads, and pop-ups may prompt employees to urgently update their software with the intention of installing malware or stealing data.
According to Verizon’s 2025 DBIR, 60% of the breaches they reviewed were caused by things people did (human element), like clicking on a bad link or falling for a scam.4 Even the most well-meaning employees can unknowingly contribute to breaches without the right training.
With routine cybersecurity training, you can keep employees educated about the latest tactics and best practices, turning them into your first line of defense against cyberthreats.
Consider Managed IT Services
Running a business requires juggling lots of priorities, and software management can easily fall by the wayside. From vulnerability alerts and software patches to data backups and manual updates, an IT managed service provider (MSP) can handle the entire process for you.
By outsourcing this responsibility, your team can stay focused on core business goals while maintaining a stronger, more consistent security posture.
Get Software Support for Your Business from True IT
With cyberattacks happening more frequently than ever, there’s no room for compromise when it comes to maintaining your business’s cybersecurity strategy. Software updates are critical for keeping your IT infrastructure safe, functional, and secure against devastating cyberthreats.
At True IT, we have years of hands-on experience providing businesses with managed IT services. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us online to claim your FREE IT consultation and get the support you need to keep your organization safe, compliant, and secure.
References
- VikingCloud’s 2025 SMB Threat Landscape Report: Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses, Big Cybersecurity Risks. (n.d.). https://go.vikingcloud.com/l/1000211/2025-03-14/3cnp1/1000211/1741984240VMSYEP7P/_Report__2025_SMB_Threat_Landscape_March25.pdf
- Sophos. (n.d.). 2025 Ransomware Report: Sophos State of ransomware. SOPHOS. https://assets.sophos.com/X24WTUEQ/at/9brgj5n44hqvgsp5f5bqcps/sophos-state-of-ransomware-2025.pdf
- Mandiant. (2024, October 15). How low can you go? An Analysis of 2023 Time-to-Exploit Trends. Google Cloud Blog. https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/time-to-exploit-trends-2023
- Hylender, C. D., Langlois, P., Pinto, A., Widup, S., Verizon DBIR team, Verizon Threat Research Advisory Center (VTRAC) team, & U.S. Secret Service. (2025). Verizon 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report. https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/T21f/reports/2025-dbir-data-breach-investigations-report.pdf
- McManus, C., & McManus, C. (2025, May 6). Understanding the Hidden Cyber Risk from Tech Debt and EoL/EoS Security Gaps. Qualys. https://blog.qualys.com/product-tech/2024/07/09/understanding-the-hidden-cyber-risk-from-tech-debt-eol-eos
Comments