If the computer or smartphone announces an update, this often results in an exasperated groan. After all, updates take time. But it is time well invested.
Many users ignore system or software updates on smartphones, computers and other devices, making themselves vulnerable. Because the updates often close security gaps that cybercriminals can misuse as a gateway. Anyone who uses outdated systems and applications runs a significant security risk, warns the North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice center.
In order not to miss any updates and not even get into the situation of being able to refuse updates, the settings on a device and its applications should be set in such a way that newly available updates are installed automatically.
Permissions through the back door?
However, there is a small downside when it comes to auto-updates, especially with smartphones and tablets: With an update, an app can suddenly claim new, sensitive authorizations, for example for access to the microphone or contacts.
In the case of auto-updates, however, it is not always guaranteed that users will notice the extension of the scope of authorization or can decide before the update is installed whether they want to grant the newly required authorization, the consumer advocates explain. Therefore, you should check the permissions of the apps at regular intervals.
This works on Android under “Ideas>app>Show all apps>select an app>Permissions‘ and on iOS under “Ideas>privacy>App Privacy Report“.
Also read: Android or iOS – which operating system is better?
There is a software warranty obligation
To ensure that devices do not end up on the scrap heap just because they no longer receive updates, one also applies in the EU for devices sold since January 1, 2022 Software Warranty.
Problematic in practice: The EU directive does not oblige the manufacturer, but rather the seller of a device to provide software updates and to inform about them.