Now’s a great time to update your technology and keep your business secure.
Do you have a small business and never update your software? You are not alone. Many small business owners (and even large companies) forget to update their apps, software, and computers. Recently, even hospitals were hit with ransomware and didn’t even know it because their systems weren’t up to date. Does this make you worried? Do you want to do something about it? If you are still unsure whether you need to do something, keep reading. Not updating puts your business at risk of many issues, not just ransomware. This post has been updated for 2026.
Did you know? About 80% of small businesses suffered at least one cyberattack or incident in the past year.
Topics
Key Takeaways
- Updating technology helps keep your business secure by improving security, performance, and compatibility.
- Many small business owners forget to update their software, putting their businesses at risk of ransomware attacks.
- Important updates include operating systems, antivirus software, and website plugins, all of which you should check regularly.
- Consider setting up automatic backups and using the internet safely to improve security.
- Tools like a checklist can help you keep your business secure and your technology up to date.
Benefits of doing app updates with your business
Are you still not convinced? Here are the benefits of keeping these areas of your technology updated:
- Improving Your Security – The more you update your technology, the better you will be. I know it may be costly, but you are not only protecting yourself but also protecting your clients (affiliate). You can pass an infection to another computer or calendar appointments through email.
- Improve Performance – Some apps do not work well on older systems. In the past, I found that my Antivirus app had significant issues with my Windows OS. I had to find another application that worked more quietly in the background so it wouldn’t hog my memory. By changing the app, my system now runs more smoothly.
- Protection against viruses—Viruses can spread in different ways. The more you reduce these risks, the more likely you are to keep your antivirus and malware applications up to date, include browser protection, and scan your email and messages.
- User functionality and compatibility – It helps your system keep up with technology. The more up-to-date your applications are, the fewer issues your system will have with other out-of-date applications.
Does this convince you yet? I hope so. Now, remember that several types of technology need updating. Here is a list of several that need regular attention and updates.
- Smartphone
- Tablet
- Laptop
- Desktop
- Website/Blogs
- Smart Cameras
- Smart Cars with displays
While some of these aren’t small-business-related, I wanted to show you that technology is everywhere and that it is easy to forget to update different devices. But, in this post, I will focus on your computer and website. Read on to determine the tasks to complete on your websites/blogs and your business computer.
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What do I need to update on my website?
Excellent plugins update regularly and keep their products secure. Update them as soon as you can. Here are several plugins you should update regularly.
Note: Always back up before updating ANY plugin. When you back up, note which plugin you updated so you remember what you changed in case there are conflicts with your theme.
- WordPress Plugin
- Theme update and associated plugins
- Anti-Virus software/malware you have installed on your site – i.e., Wordfence
- Plugins you use on your website, such as WP Rocket, Google Site Kit, etc.
Remember: before you install any plugin, make sure it is updated regularly. Some plugins are created and never updated. When that happens and WordPress releases new versions, you may find the plugin no longer works.
Need help with your WordPress site? Check out my Website maintenance service!
What do I need to keep updated on my business computer?
NOW, ON YOUR COMPUTER PRIVACY.
Make sure all the updates are automatic. Every computer should update regularly, especially newer ones. Nowadays, it should be set up that way. But if you don’t know whether yours updates automatically, check the list below and update it manually by opening the application and checking for updates.
- Operating System (OS)
- Antivirus software
- QuickBooks – business money management software
- Quicken (affiliate) – money management software
- Adobe Reader
- Java (optional)
- QuickTime Player
- Microsoft Office
- Browsers (keep plugins to a limit)
- Computerized credit card scanning system
- Tablet and the plugins on your tablet used for business
- The phone and its plugins are used for business.
- Communication apps like Zoom.
- Driver updates
- Backup software
- Cloud drives like OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive, etc.
Other tips that you may not have thought of to keep your business secure:
- Set up an automatic backup system and periodically check that it works. Some backup systems stop working without notifying you. Add a recurring monthly appointment on your calendar to check that it is still working.
- Treat the internet like a foreign city, and be careful where you go and what you do. Use Chrome’s Incognito mode when visiting areas you haven’t seen before. Have a separate computer just for browsing the web. Make sure the computer isn’t connected to any email and has strong, up-to-date malware protection installed.
- Clear your browser’s cache if you have issues with a website. You may need to enable two-step authentication for all your websites.
If this feels overwhelming, use the checklist below to review the different applications on your computer. Feel free to print it. Here are 12 critical updates to keep your business more secure.
Update your router and home/office Wi-Fi devices.
Business owners often overlook this. Do the following to keep your business more secure.
- Log into your router’s admin panel a few times a year and install firmware updates if you don’t have automatic updates enabled.
- Change the default admin password if you haven’t in a while. Every year or two works well.
- Set up a separate guest network for people and clients (affiliate) that visit you. It is a good idea not to have them on the same network as your business files.
Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere
Most sites offer this now, so go in, find it, and turn it on. It is one of the most important things to do, especially if you are a solopreneur. Usually, you can get a text sent to your phone or use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator (Android), Google Authenticator (iOS), or LastPass Authenticator.
If you have employees, add them to the list too.
Make sure every team member’s laptop, phone, and any other shared apps update automatically. This helps ensure there are no leaks and that someone doesn’t inadvertently bring in a virus or ransome/malware.
FAQ
Use automatic updates wherever possible; check manually at least monthly, and apply security patches within days.
It’s the most common way small businesses get hit with ransomware; attackers scan for known unpatched holes.
Yes, outdated plugins are a top hack vector; back up first, then update promptly.
Unsupported versions lose security patches and bank-feed compatibility; check support status.
Automatic updates and one shared checklist, plus a monthly 15–30 min review, or hand it off, are some ways to keep it doable and not overwhelming.
Yes, they do different jobs (cleans infections vs. blocks unauthorized traffic in).
Well, there you have it. By keeping your computer and apps updated, you can hopefully avoid security issues.
Now, let’s continue the conversation. Did I miss anything that you updated? How do you remind yourself to keep software up to date? Please feel free to leave a comment below.
Visit these posts to help you keep your business even more secure.
The Most Essential Security Practices to Keep Your Business Safe by Inc Magazine
10 Easy Ways to Make A Home Office More Secure
Mobile Security Tips To Keep Your Business Information Private
Tips to Make a Strong Password
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