The most effective way to prevent a computer from being hacked or infected with malware is to keep it, and the software on it, up-to-date. Viruses and other malware are almost always designed to exploit known weaknesses in software. Prompt application of updates stops malware from being successful.
Workstations and Laptops
College-owned computers, and the software on them, are updated centrally via ITS. These updates are usually applied once per month, but may occur more frequently if there are updates that fix critical problems or security flaws.
Smart Phones, Tablets, and other Portable Devices
The same rules apply to mobile devices that apply to workstations and laptops. Mobile devices are increasingly being targeted by malware authors, and prompt application of updates mitigates the risk. You should keep your mobile devices up-to-date in the same way you keep your computers up-to-date.
- Apple iOS device (iPad, iPhone, iPod) update instructions
- Android devices: Settings, About phone, Check for system updates.
- Windows phone update instructions
Servers & Network Equipment
ITS employs various technologies to keep servers up-to-date. In many cases, servers are configured to automatically apply updates. Where that is not possible, servers are on a recurring patch-cycle established by ITS to ensure that no server goes too long without receiving security updates.
Institutional Applications
Institutional applications are patched as-needed. In some cases, patching in a timely manner is not possible. In such cases, ITS deploys other layers of technology to minimize or eliminate the risk of delaying software updates.