Updates and patching

Purpose

Updates and patches can provide your software with new functionality, but the most important purpose they serve is to fix security vulnerability that could place your system and work at risk.

Audience

FACULTY RESEARCHERS ADMIN STAFF IT STAFF STUDENTS

On this page

Initial considerations

Evaluate possible institutional options.

• Consult with your local IT group about whether an institutionally managed system would meet your needs. These systems are managed by technical experts at the University, divisional, or departmental level, allowing you to focus more on the task at hand, rather than maintaining the security of unmanaged systems.

  • https://uoft-infosec-cf.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ISH/pages/4948958/Contact+us#Information-Technology-(IT)

Be aware of ongoing vulnerabilities that might impact your systems.

• Security alerts and advisories inform you of possible vulnerabilities to your system and can provide you with recommended mitigations, including recent security patches. 

  • Cyber security alerts and advisories

What can I do?

Use supported version of operating systems and configure automatic updates.

Windows

• Automatic updates are enabled by default within current versions of Windows and cannot be disabled.

MacOS

• https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/mac-help/mchlpx1065/mac

Linux

• Distribution dependent. Contract your local IT group about how to setup automatic updates.

  • https://uoft-infosec-cf.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ISH/pages/4948958/Additional+help#%F0%9F%96%A5%EF%B8%8F-Information-Technology-(IT)

Android

• https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/113412?hl=en

iOS

• https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204204

Regularly patch and update your software and applications.

• Configure automatic updates where available.