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Key points
- Software updates can help strengthen the protection of your devices to ensure your device runs smoothly and has the most up-to-date protection available.
- Automatic software updates can help reduce the likelihood of a criminal getting into your device and alert you to suspicious activity, such as accidentally downloading a corrupted file or app.
- You can turn on automatic software updates in your device’s system settings or by typing in ‘automatic software updates’ in your device’s search bar.
Keeping your devices secure doesn’t have to be complicated. Many of us use our phones, tablets or computers every day - whether it’s checking our bank account, sending messages to our loved ones or shopping online.
One practical way to help protect your personal and banking information is by keeping your software up to date. Software updates can improve how your device runs and help fix security gaps that scammers and hackers may try to exploit.
This guide explains what software is, why updates matter, and how automatic updates can help you stay safer online.
What is software?
Software helps your device work - whether it’s your phone, tablet or computer. It allows you to do everyday tasks like checking your bank account, sending messages or browsing the internet.
Every app on your smart device is a form of software. The ANZ App, for example, is software that lets you check your balance, transfer money and manage your account on your phone.
Why is it important to update your software?
Software updates are important because they help your device work properly and stay safe. They can:
- Fix problems, like apps freezing or running slowly
- Improve how your device performs
- Add new or improved features
Most importantly, updates help protect you from scams, viruses and hackers. They fix security gaps that criminals could use to access your device or personal information.
Some updates include critical patches, which are urgent fixes for serious security issues. Installing these as soon as possible helps reduce the risk of cyber-attacks.
Turning on automatic updates makes things easier, as updates are installed for you without needing to remember.
If your device isn’t updated, it may be more vulnerable to harmful software (malware) that can:
- Steal your personal or banking information
- Lock your files
- Slow down or damage your device
Keeping your software up to date, especially with automatic updates turned on, is a simple way to help protect your information and stay safe online.
How to set up automatic software updates
The easiest way to turn on automatic updates is through your device settings:
- Go to your device settings
- Select ‘Software update’, ‘System’, or ‘Updates’ (this may vary depending on your device)
- Turn on automatic updates
You can also try typing “automatic updates” or “auto updates” into your device’s search bar to find this setting quickly.
Alongside automatic updates, you may also consider using security software to help keep your device safe. Security software can:
- Detect and remove viruses or other malware
- Help filter spam calls, messages or emails
- Alert you to suspicious activity
- Back up your files if your device is compromised
How to stay safe with automatic software updates
- Keep your device ready. Updates usually install automatically, depending on your device settings, when your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has enough battery. Keeping your device charged and connected can help updates complete without issues.
- Check your settings occasionally. It’s a good idea to occasionally check your device and apps to make sure updates are still enabled.
- Be cautious with update prompts. Only install updates through your device settings or official app stores. Be careful of random pop-ups or messages asking you to update.
- Back up your information. Regularly back up your files to an external drive or secure cloud storage. This can help protect your data if something goes wrong.
- Get help if needed. If your device detects something unusual and you’re unsure what to do, contact the device manufacturer or a trusted IT professional.
