WannaCry and the importance of Windows updates

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock then you know that a huge IT security breach affected the NHS and numerous other organisations around the world. One of the reasons the virus spread so rapidly was because Windows computers weren’t getting regular Windows updates. These are the updates you see when you shut down your computer and you get the message installing updates.

 

Ask yourself, is your computer getting the latest Windows updates?

The answer needs to be a big resounding YES. Keeping Windows up to date with the latest updates is vitally important to keeping your computer safe. I’ll say it again;

Keeping Windows up to date with the latest updates is vitally important!

The Wannacry malware that recently brought the NHS and numerous other companies and individuals down is mainly because the computers weren’t getting regular Windows updates.

So think to yourself when was the last time you saw your computer installing updates? If it seems it has been a long time then you should do a manual check. Let us show you how.

Windows 10

1. Click on Windows Start button and select Settings.
2. Click on Update and security.
3. Check what it says under Update status
4. If the date of the last check wasn’t recent then click Check for updates.

Windows 7 and 8

1. Go to Windows Start menu and open the Control Panel.
2. Click System and Security and then Windows updates.
3. Click check for updates. 

If you get an endless spinning wheel then you need to fix the Windows update program. This is explained very well in the following How to Geek article.

Windows XP and Vista

If you are running XP or Vista then you really need to update to a new Windows operating system. Although Microsoft issued a patch for XP don’t assume they will do it next time a serious attack comes along.

Both operating systems are old, out of date and not secure. It’s time to move onto Windows 10 or at least Windows 7.

 

Conclusion

Wanncry has come and gone but it won’t be long before another security hole is found which hackers will take advantage of.  The best way to beat them is to keep Windows up to date and install a decent internet security suite.