It’s been your time to shine as a cybersecurity superhero as we’ve observed Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) this October! Have you taken the 2025 quiz yet?

Every superhero needs to keep their gear in top shape to fight off villains. The same goes for your devices (computers, phones, tablets)—keeping your operating system (OS) and applications updated gives you the latest tools to fend off cyberattacks. 

Did you know about these security risks of outdated software?

• Vulnerabilities Are a Weakness in Your Armor: Running outdated software is like having cracks in your armor that villains (hackers) can exploit.
• A Hero’s Tale of Warning: You may recall hearing about these news stories from recent years, which are all notable cybersecurity breaches resulting from delayed software updates: Marriott International data breach (2018), Equifax data breach (2017), “WannaCry” ransomware attack (2017), Target data breach (2013). There are many more similar examples, and scary stories aren’t limited to the spooky season.

Why are updates so important?

• New Gadgets and Upgraded Powers: Updates patch those cracks in your defenses. Sometimes they also give you new tools or improved performance, just like a hero upgrading their gear.

How can you make updates easier to apply?

• First, enable automatic updates to keep your systems battle-ready without having to think about it.
• Second, make sure to check all your devices for updates—don’t leave any hero gear behind!

Stay powered up and don’t give the bad guys a chance! Make sure your gear is always up to date.

When facing tech troubles, don’t hesitate to visit our Tech Hero Hub (aka the ITS Support Center)—your team of tech heroes is here to help you defeat any digital villains that come your way!

Finally, don’t miss your chance to take the CSAM quiz and see how well you can defend your digital world!

—Becky Klein, ITS