It is estimated that there are 3.5 billion smartphone users worldwide. This is expected to increase to 3.8 billion by next year. However, when we get that notification to say that a new update is available, we are all guilty of dismissing it until the very last moment.
This is because most people don’t realise just how important these updates are. Yes, they have a habit of popping up when you are in the middle of something. But this is why you should always update your operating system as soon as one is available.
What is a smartphone operating system?
An operating system is the software which manages computer hardware and software resources, supplying a user interface, common services and utilities for managing the computer. Therefore, the smartphone operating system is, in other words, the software which makes your phone usable.
The most common smartphone operating systems are Android and Apple’s iOS. Smartphone operating systems are constantly being analysed and updated, making the updates themselves essential to the safety and stability of your phone.
Why should you keep it updated?
Smartphone updates will enhance and improve your operating system. Therefore, if the operating system detects a security hole in its code, the update will be used to patch it. If you delay downloading the update, then your phone is not fully protected from cyber-attacks.
Cyber criminals can exploit vulnerabilities in operating system code and downloaded applications. Data breaches such as this could lead to identity fraud and theft, among other things. And once you have been hacked once, it can be hard to trust your phone ever again.
This is because traditional security models are based on the assumption of trust. We all assume that our network should be trusted, and our network trusts that we are the correct user, and that we will behave appropriately.
One way to improve security is to remove the concept of trust from a network all together. This new concept, zero trust, is when trust is built in. To get onto the network; a user might be needed to authenticate their identity. Once you have been authenticated, however, you are free to use the network. Apps like this can easily be downloaded if you are worried about your device security.
As well as finding vulnerabilities, updates can also improve user experience and bugs within your applications. By updating your phone as soon as it becomes available, it can make your smartphone work much more effectively.
Updating your smartphone operating system can improve user experience and automatically update your apps. If you leave apps for too long, they might cease to work. It is also possible that if you don’t update your operating system, you will not be able to download the latest versions of your essential apps.
Therefore, as tempting as it is to keep dismissing that update notification, resist the urge! Keeping your smartphone operating system updated can make your phone function better, smarter, and safer. To keep your device secure, make sure you always update.
Photograph by Alok Sharma