Isn’t it annoying, always updating your devices? Update operating system here, update banking app there, update your firmware (what even is firmware?) here. Didn’t your device just get some updates the other week, why does it need more already? Don’t your updates always happen at the worst times too? Like right before you’re trying to leave work for the day or right before that important business meeting. Updates are just the wor…best!
Why updates are the best
Yes, updates can get annoying, be time consuming, and sometimes even break your devices, but they are still the best! Most updates for our devices are free and you can typically schedule when they happen. Updates are one of the best ways you can protect your devices.
Why updates are important
One of the biggest reasons why updates are so important is because they fix security vulnerabilities. This alone makes them extremely important, but there are other reasons too. Sometimes updates provide a better user experience, they can also implement useful new features, or they can allow for better customization. Maybe they are providing better battery, quicker processing power, or better connectivity.
What Really Important Updates Just Released?
iOS 14.7
Yes, another critical update to iOS. Although this is one of many iOS updates released this year, it is just as important as the previous updates in terms of fixing vulnerabilities in the iOS platform. Apple’s iOS 14.7 has arrived, along with some cool new features. But iOS 14.7 also comes with a warning to update now, because it includes some important security fixes for 37 iPhone vulnerabilities.
Printers
A high severity vulnerability, which has been present in HP, Samsung, and Xerox printer software since 2005, affects hundreds of millions of devices and millions of users worldwide. The vulnerability allows attackers with basic user privileges to elevate their privileges to SYSTEM and run code in kernel mode, potentially bypassing security products that would block their attacks or the delivery of additional malicious payloads.
A list of affected printer models using the vulnerable driver can be found in HP’s security advisory and this Xerox security mini bulletin.
HP, Xerox, and Samsung enterprise and home customers are urged to apply the patches provided by the two vendors as soon as possible.