Stop putting off that software update

6 May 2022 | 4 min read

“Oh no, not another software update…”

It’s true that software update notifications sometimes pop up at inconvenient times, and you get tempted to click the ‘remind me later’ button.

But, ignoring them can leave your mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and smartwatches vulnerable to attackers who might steal your valuable data.

That’s why we encourage you to keep an eye on your devices’ software updates, as they include security updates that fix any vulnerabilities found.

Read on to understand the risks that come with outdated operating systems (OS) and how backing up your data is one solution for managing your business securely.

Mobile operating systems (OS) – what are they?

Operating systems (OS) are the software that our devices run on in order to operate. In the past decade, operating systems have allowed basic mobile phones to be turned into know-it-all, do-it-all machines, also known as smartphones.

With faster speeds and more storage space, working from a mobile device has become a reality for many small businesses as it makes it easy to get more things done while on the go.

Why are software updates so important

With a mobile app for almost everything that we can think of, device manufacturers and app developers roll out software updates regularly that contain bug fixes, new features or performance improvements. They often include security patches and the latest safety features that fight cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Let’s get a bit deeper into it, shall we? Software updates are so important because they:

Improve security. It’s one of the most important reasons for updating, as hackers can find vulnerabilities in your software and use them to their advantage to access and steal crucial data that supports your business, in order to defraud you or others. Therefore, the new security features included in a software update make it harder for these hackers to get their hands on what’s not theirs

Give you a better user experience. When software updates are launched, they introduce the newest features and improved compatibility with various devices and applications. They help your device work more efficiently, and even give it a performance boost!

Increase productivity. There’s nothing more annoying than having the app you’re using crash while you’re in the middle of doing something important. Outdated software can set you back – that’s why you should keep it up to date. Updates remove bugs and improve performance, allowing you to be more productive

Remember to keep your operating system running on the latest version: the sooner you hit the ‘update’ button, you’ll feel more confident that your device is secure and working smoothly.

💡 Most iOS and Android devices give users the option to auto-update their operating systems as well as apps, so make sure that auto-updates are enabled and you won’t have to take action every time.
Keep in mind that some devices or apps might need a bit of help from you to manually update them so they won’t stop working all of a sudden.

Data backup: a solution that has your back

It’s basically a copy or archive of the information stored on your mobile devices, used to restore information in case of data loss. Think of it as your digital disaster recovery plan. For businesses, the data you might want to backup includes customer databases, business plans, contracts and Companies House documents.

💡 Data loss can occur from hard drive failures, cyber-attacks or by simply spilling a cup of tea on your device. That’s why a data backup is a lifesaver, storing all your e-valuables in a secure location called ‘the Cloud’ (we’ll explain that in more detail below), and you can access them from any device.

Cloud backup storage for iOS and Android

Ever written a proposal that you saved in Google Docs? Or taken photos using your iPhone or Android smartphone? Then you’ve used cloud storage more than you probably think.

With cloud data storage, you can back up your business and personal files, emails and databases to a remote server, which is securely encrypted for optimal peace of mind. As your data is backed up regularly, this then allows you to access these files and pick up where you left off.

💡 A few examples of cloud services include Google Drive, Apple iCloud and Microsoft OneDrive, all of which are compatible with smartphones. You can easily back up your iPhone using iCloud, and your Android devices to Google Drive and Google Photos.

It’s also worth mentioning that with the rise of the hybrid work environment, using an effective and reliable cloud backup service can really help protect your company’s data.

Some of the key benefits that you get when using cloud storage for your mobile devices include:

💸 Cost-effectiveness: It’s often cheaper per GB compared to using external drives

🔒 Security: Cloud storage solutions usually offer an added layer of security to prevent any unwanted visitors from accessing your files

🔑 Accessibility: Access your files from anywhere, via an Internet connection

😌 Recovery: If your device malfunctions or is lost, you can easily access your files in the Cloud

⏲ Saving time: When you make any changes to a file, it’ll sync automatically and update across all your devices

How Tide protects your data

We’re ISO/IEC 27001 certified. So, you can rest assured knowing we meet international standards when it comes to keeping your information safe.

👀 Did you know
You can register your company with Tide, right from your smartphone. It’s fast, easy and free! Not only that, but when you register, you’ll get a free business bank account to help you better manage your finances.

Wrapping up

It’s always a good idea to back up your data before updating your OS, as an update could potentially fail, leaving the data on your smartphone either damaged or lost.

Photo by Clint Patterson, published on Unsplash

Sources used for this article:

Tide blog: How to keep your small business safe from fraudsters
Tide blog: Debunked: 6 common myths about screen locks
The Haker News: Apple issues patches for 2 actively exploited zero-Days in iPhone, iPad and Mac devices
Apple support: Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
Google support: Check and update your Android version
Apple support: iPhone User Guide – Back up iPhone
Google support: Back up or restore data on your Android device
Tide blog: Celebrating 1 year of being ISO/IEC 27001 certified
Tide page: Company registration
Tide page: Open a business bank account

All sources checked as of 6 May 2022.

Christelle Khalil

Midweight Copywriter