Updating a smartphone reduces the chances of being hit by hackers: updates fix device flaws and protect against new threats
Despite appeals from numerous cybersecurity experts, there are still many users who ignore security updates for their smartphones. A dangerous habit, especially considering the continuous hacking attacks that have been discovered and that have also targeted mobile devices.
Downloading an update means reducing the chances of being hit by malware and viruses. If in the past these forms of computer infections mainly targeted computers, in recent years they have begun to spread to smartphones as well. And not only that. Today, any device that can connect to the Internet is potentially hackable. Hackers every day are able to find new vulnerabilities in the operating systems and applications used by users and exploit them as they please. Android, as well as iOS, is not perfect and therefore not completely immune to malware. And that's why it's crucial to download updates: they cover up flaws before they are used by hackers.
Why it's important to download updates
Although they are heavy and take a long time to install, it's important to always download security updates. Google, for example, continuously releases updates for Android and its own apps. And over time, versions of the green robot have been improved precisely to prevent cyber attacks. Recently, the California-based company said that today it's harder to be hit twice in a lifetime by lightning than by ransomware, the dreaded ransomware virus, on Android. And Nougat 7.0 is even more secure than Marshmallow. So, there's no reason to refuse to download the updates. They don't make big, seemingly visible changes and they protect our data.
Updates protect our data
If you still have any doubts about the importance of downloading a security update, think about the large amount of information contained on smartphones. You'd like to lose pictures, videos and all the contacts on your phone. What about passwords? Today's cell phone is much more than just an electronic device. We use it, for example, to manage our bank accounts. What would happen if malware managed to get hold of your bank credentials? Unfortunately, nothing good.
Hackers' weapons are getting more and more sophisticated
Threats have also become more and more sophisticated: a message can contain a link to malware. What about email attachments? Or apps downloaded from stores? If you think that apps found in official markets are completely safe, you're wrong. Despite the fact that they are checked at the source, some of these fraudulent softwares have still managed to penetrate Android.
Sometimes our superficiality is to blame: we download apps and open links even if they come from unknown sources.
Upgrading your smartphone means protecting yourself as much as possible from all these dangers. It's not just Google, smartphone manufacturers also update their devices with constant frequency. And the reason is always the same: updates fix flaws and protect against new threats.
In addition to updates, what can you do to protect yourself from hackers? Open your eyes, that is, avoid downloading apps from unofficial markets or clicking on links you don't know where they come from, and install a good antivirus.