Understanding Patching

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What is patching? 

A patch is a piece of software designed to update a computer program or it’s supporting data to enhance performance and/or address vulnerabilities. Security vulnerabilities, commonly called bug fixes is a key outcome for most patches. 

Why is patching important? 

By not applying a patch you might be leaving the door open for a malware attack, including ransomware. Malware exploits flaws in a system in order to do its work. Unpatched defects in software may allow malicious websites, etc. to infect or compromise your computer with no action on your part. 

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Detecting vulnerabilities & weaknesses in software 
  • ‍Check your server or operating system provider’s website for updates. 
  • Vulnerabilities may present as missing encryption for sensitive data, a reduction in system performance, and incompatibility with other networks and applications. These vulnerabilities and weaknesses make your network susceptible to hackers and scammers looking to take advantage of unaddressed vulnerabilities and weaknesses. 

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Preventing compromises 
  •  Operating software is imperfect, so it is always important to keep your software up to date. 
  • Use an automated patching tool to keep your software updated. 
  • Use a traffic scanning tool to keep you from accessing infected web locations. 
  • Use an application that can block advanced forms of malware, which antivirus can’t detect or block. These will sometimes require payment. 
  • Use an antivirus in case you get infected. 
  • Remove software you no longer require or do not recognise. 
  • Regularly check your operating system and server sites for updates. 

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How to patch software 

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What are hackers interested in when they exploit flaws on your computer? 

When flaws are located and exploited they can give scammers just enough time to download keylogging software (as an example). Hackers are then able to capture passwords you enter on the device. This can include your banking passwords and also email passwords that give the hackers access to all of your contacts to become targets as well. 

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For additional support or information, contact IDCARE by submitting a Get Help Form or call 1800 595 160 (Aus) or 0800 121 068 (NZ).

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Disclaimer

Identity Care Australia & New Zealand Ltd (IDCARE) provides identity and cyber security incident response services (the Services) in accordance with the following disclaimer of service:

  • IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber incident community support service. IDCARE is a not-for-profit and registered Australian charity.
  • The Services provided do not constitute legal advice. IDCARE recommends that you consult your own legal counsel in relation to your legal rights and obligations, including but not limited to your legal rights or obligations under Australian and international privacy and data protection laws.
  • While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content provided, to the maximum extent permitted by law all conditions, terms, representations, and warranties (in each case, whether express or implied) in connection with the provision of the Services which might otherwise be binding upon IDCARE are excluded.
  • IDCARE’S liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person or organisation (including, without limitation, any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage) arising out of or in connection with the Services (including without limited liability for any negligent act or omission, or statement, representation or misrepresentation of any officers, employees, agents, contractors or consultants of IDCARE) shall be limited to the fees paid by you to IDCARE in respect of the Services. For the avoidance of doubt, this limitation of liability extends to any liability arising from any actions performed or not performed as a result of any recommendations made in the course of providing the Services.
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CONTACT US

IDCARE is here to provide you with specialist support and guidance when faced with a cyber and identity related issue. Contact one of our Identity & Cyber Security Case Managers to learn more about our Support Services and how we can help you.   

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Translating and interpreting service

IDCARE has access to the Department of Home Affairs Free Interpreting Service, delivered by the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National). Access to the Free Interpreting Service is provided to assist you to communicate with non-English speaking people who hold a Medicare card. Please note that the service does not extend to New Zealand citizens or residents who do not hold an Australian Medicare card, or to tourists, overseas students or people on temporary work visas.

Translating and interpreting service

New Zealand Relay provides services to help Deaf, hearing impaired, speech impaired, Deafblind and standard phone users communicate with their peers.
A TTY user connects to New Zealand Relay via a toll-free number and types their conversation to a Relay Assistant (RA) who then reads out the typed message to a standard phone user (hearing person).

The RA relays the hearing person's spoken words by typing them back to the Textphone (TTY) User.

National Relay Service

The National Relay Service (NRS) is an Australian government initiative that allows people who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or have a speech impairment to make and receive phone calls.

The NRS is available 24 hours a day, every day and relays more than a million calls each year throughout Australia.





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