CYBER Streetwise is urging people and businesses to always download the latest software and app updates as soon as they are available.

Software and app updates contain vital security upgrades which protect devices from viruses and hackers. CESG says they are the most important thing businesses – and the public – can do to protect themselves from cybercrime.

CESG, the cyber security arm of GCHQ, strongly recommends individuals and businesses regularly update software on all devices using the internet to ensure the latest security mesaures are installed, giving more protection from viruses and other cyber threats.

A new Ipsos MORI survey revealed the majority of people in the South East don’t always download the latest software updates for their mobile phone (68 per cent) or for their computer (64 per cent), as soon as they are available. The most common reason for not downloading the latest software updates for their computer (29 per cent) was it was “too time consuming,” with 19 per cent for mobile software updates.

Yet it only takes a few minutes to download software and app updates versus the time it can take to recover from a cyber hack.

The poll also found most people did not know a lot about the security benefits of downloading the latest software updates for computers (77 per cent) or mobile phones (74 per cent).

Detective Sergeant Dave Hull, from Surrey and Sussex Cyber Crime Unit, said: “We would urge all residents and businesses to download the latest software updates from verified vendors to protect against viruses and hackers.

“Simple cyber security techniques such as this can make it extremely difficult for an attacker to obtain data or compromise systems. Software updates address security vulnerabilities and are designed to plug the gaps which hackers exploit to gain access. Anyone who goes online is a potential target and the consequences of not taking appropriate security steps could be potentially devastating to the reputation of firms and/or individuals and their financial future.”

• Go to www. cyberstreetwise.com