Episode 16: Cybersecurity Myth #6 — “Updates Aren’t That Important”
Welcome to another episode of FamilyCyber.ie — where we share simple digital safety habits and online privacy tips for those of us who want to make life harder for the digital Voldemorts out there.
🟢 This episode is based on the original Spanish version of CiberseguridadParaFamilias.com. It’s been translated using AI so more people can access these tips in English.
We continue our special Cybersecurity Myths series, and today we tackle a very dangerous belief:
❌ Myth #6: “Updates aren’t that important.”
We’ve all seen those update notifications and thought: “I’ll do it later.” But delaying updates can leave you unprotected, since many of them fix security flaws that cybercriminals love to exploit.
🔎 Why is this a myth?
Updates don’t just improve design or add new features. Often, developers find vulnerabilities that could let someone break into your device without permission.
If your computer, phone, or tablet has an unpatched vulnerability, it becomes an easy target for hackers.
📌 Real-life example
In 2017, the WannaCry virus affected over 300,000 computers in 150 countries. Microsoft had released an update months earlier to fix that vulnerability — but many people ignored it. If they had updated, they could have avoided the attack completely.
🔒 How to protect yourself
✔ Enable automatic updates on your operating system, browser, and antivirus.
✔ Don’t ignore update notifications on your phone, tablet, or computer.
✔ If a program stops receiving updates, replace it with a more secure alternative.
📌 Practical analogy
Imagine your front door has a faulty lock. The manufacturer offers to replace it for free, but you decide not to because “no one has tried to break in yet.”
That’s exactly what happens when you skip security updates.
💡 Conclusion
Updates might seem annoying, but they are one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your digital security.
✅ Don’t wait to become a victim — updating your system is your best defense against cybercriminals.
If you found this episode helpful, share it with your family and friends.
Remember: In cybersecurity, the best defense isn’t just technology… it’s knowledge.
🚀 Don’t miss the next episode in our Cybersecurity Myths series!
📌 This has been another episode of FamilyCyber.ie — where we share simple digital safety habits and online privacy tips for those of us who want to make life harder for the digital Voldemorts out there.