Why does updating software protect you from malware

  • One of the most common ways in which computers are infected with malware is by using security flaws in browsers, operating systems and other widely used applications.
  • Criminal organisations and hackers can scan computers attached to the Internet to find out if they have unfixed (unpatched) security flaws. If they find them, they can use that to install their malware.
  • Your computer may not be visible directly to the Internet maybe because it sits behind some kind of network device such as a router or hub. However, you may still be tricked into installing malware which will then try and use any unfixed security flaws to install itself.
  • Nowadays, malware is often available to use security flaws almost as soon as the software companies know about them. If you delay in installing security updates, your computer will be exposed for longer and more likely to get infected.