Why software updates matter
Every so often, security researchers discover holes in an operating system or app that criminals can exploit. Companies release "updates" or "patches" to fix those holes. An out-of-date device is like a house with a door that's known to be unlocked — updating closes that door.
- Turn on automatic updates for your operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)
- Keep your web browser updated — it's one of the most common entry points
- Update apps regularly, especially ones that handle email, messages, or files
Backups: your safety net
A backup is a copy of your files stored somewhere separate from your main device. If ransomware ever locks your files, a good backup means you can simply restore them — the ransom demand becomes irrelevant.
✅ The 3-2-1 backup rule
- 3 copies of your important files (the original plus two backups)
- 2 different types of storage (e.g., an external hard drive and a cloud service)
- 1 copy stored somewhere separate from your home, such as the cloud
Simple ways to back up
- Turn on automatic photo backup on your phone (most phones offer this built in)
- Use a cloud backup service to automatically save your documents and photos
- Periodically copy important files to an external hard drive kept unplugged when not in use
Keeping a backup drive permanently plugged in means ransomware can encrypt that backup
too. Disconnect external backup drives when you're not actively backing up.
✅ Quick tips
- Turn on automatic updates wherever possible
- Set up at least one automatic backup method today
- Keep at least one backup disconnected from your main device
- Test occasionally that you can actually open a backed-up file