Why Regular Software Updates Are Critical for Your Business Security and Performance
Let’s face it — most of us have clicked “remind me later” more times than we’d like to admit when a software update pops up. But when it comes to business systems, shrugging off updates isn’t just lazy — it can be risky, even costly. At Gray Area Consulting, we often see how skipping updates opens the door to cyber threats or slows down performance in ways that chip away at productivity.
Security: Your First Line of Defence
Think of software updates like locking your doors at night. Most vulnerabilities in systems are discovered after attackers have already found a way through them. When developers push out updates, they’re often plugging these holes — known as security patches.
If you delay or ignore updates, you’re essentially leaving the door wide open for cybercriminals. These attackers actively scan networks for known vulnerabilities and exploit them before businesses get around to patching them.
One of our clients, a Brisbane-based law firm, learnt this the hard way. They missed a critical update on their email server, and a phishing attack slipped through, costing them days in recovery and thousands in remediation. It could have been avoided with a simple update.
Performance: Keeping Your Systems Running Smoothly
Aside from security, updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. Think better speed, more stability and fewer crashes. If your team is constantly battling slow systems or buggy behaviour, it could be that your software is out of date.
It’s a bit like driving a car that’s overdue for a service — it’ll run, but you’re not getting the best out of it and you’re risking bigger issues down the track.
Compliance Matters Too
Depending on your industry, staying up to date with security patches may also be a compliance requirement. If you’re in finance, healthcare or other regulated sectors, outdated software could not only expose you to cyber risks but also land you in hot water with regulatory bodies.
We cover more about this and how cybersecurity impacts financial services in our article here.
How to Stay on Top of Updates Without the Headache
We get it — managing updates across multiple devices can feel like herding cats, especially if you’ve got a hybrid or remote team.
Here are a few tips we recommend to clients:
- Use a centralised update policy: If you’re using Microsoft 365 or another cloud platform, set up policies to automatically push updates to all devices.
- Work with a managed IT services provider: Companies like us monitor and deploy updates for you, so you’re not relying on individual staff members to click ‘update now’.
- Regular reporting: Have visibility on what’s been updated and what hasn’t. This is key for accountability and compliance.
Need help with setting this up? Learn more about our Managed IT Services, where we take care of updates, patching and security monitoring for you.
Don’t Forget Third-Party Software
It’s easy to focus on major platforms like Windows or Office, but third-party tools such as Adobe Reader, Zoom, or even Chrome extensions can be vulnerable too. In fact, browser extensions are a growing security risk — we dive into that in more detail here.
Make sure your IT team or provider includes these in your update strategy.
Automation is Your Mate
Where possible, automate. Most operating systems and cloud platforms allow for background updates that don’t interrupt your team’s workflow. This reduces the chances of someone delaying or forgetting to install a critical fix.
Software Updates and Business Continuity
Regular updates also play a role in disaster recovery and business continuity. If your systems are outdated, they may not be compatible with newer backup or recovery tools. Keeping everything current ensures your continuity plans are solid. Our guide to building resilience touches on this in more depth.
A Better Way Forward
We won’t pretend that updates are exciting — they’re not. But they are essential. Whether you’re a small business or a growing team, staying on top of updates is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your digital assets and keep your team productive.
If your business is struggling to manage updates or you’re unsure where your vulnerabilities lie, it might be time for a chat. At Gray Area Consulting, we help businesses across Brisbane and beyond stay secure, productive and worry-free.
Get in touch with us today for a no-pressure consultation.
