Many people are unaware outside of security circles that the majority of computer infections do not come from highly skilled hackers targeting individual users for malicious purposes. Instead, most malware infections stem from using outdated and insecure software. Attackers exploit this common behavior of people neglecting to update their software, making it easier for them to infiltrate systems. For more effective protection, ensuring software is regularly updated is crucial in preventing potential cyber threats from gaining access to personal information or causing data loss. This practice helps to create a safer online environment, reducing the risk of falling victim to cyber attacks.
Unfortunately, just telling people they need to keep their software up to date doesn’t put much of a dent in the problem. The reason is simple: Keeping track of the current version of every software program installed on your computer and checking for updates every day is a huge hassle, not to mention a gigantic time drain. If only there was a way to automate the process so that you don’t even need to think about it…
Secunia has solved the problem with their Personal Software Inspector (PSI). After Secunia PSI is installed, it will scan your computer to determine what programs you currently have installed and compare them against its database of current software versions. If any of your software is found to be out of date, it will automatically attempt to update the software for you, freeing you to do more important things like looking at funny pictures of cats or watching the latest South Korean pop videos on YouTube. If Microsoft Update is installed on your computer Secunia PSI becomes even more powerful, with the ability to update Microsoft’s software products using their own automatic update features. When closed or minimized, Secunia PSI will continue to run in the system tray, keeping watch for any updates available for software on your system.
Secunia PSI can be downloaded from Secunia’s website: http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/