Keeping Systems and Software Up-to-Date: The Easiest Win

When it comes to cybersecurity, small businesses often assume they need complex, expensive solutions to stay safe. But as Sean Mack, founder of CXO Advisor, explains, one of the simplest defenses is also the most powerful: keeping systems and software up-to-date.

“Software out-of-date, software vulnerabilities are the way in,” Mack says. Attackers aren’t looking for the hardest challenge—they’re looking for the easiest target. Unpatched software provides exactly that. Once attackers exploit a vulnerability, they can gain a foothold, move laterally through systems, and ultimately take control.

Neglecting updates doesn’t just expose businesses to hackers; it also undermines customer trust and compliance. Outdated systems can jeopardize sensitive data and put the business at risk of regulatory fines. Worse, the cost of recovery after a breach is often many times higher than the cost of staying current in the first place.

Building an Update Routine

The good news? Updating systems and software is manageable with a routine:

• Schedule regular patch cycles (monthly or quarterly).
• Use automated tools to push updates consistently.
• Keep an inventory of all systems and applications to ensure nothing gets overlooked.
• Prioritize critical systems that handle sensitive data or connect to the internet.

For some small businesses, maintaining this level of discipline can be a challenge. Limited staff or lack of technical expertise often lead to gaps. Mack reminds businesses that they don’t have to go it alone:

“They’ve got folks like us they can turn to. Absolutely. We’re here to help.”

Watch the ISMG.Studio interview: Cybersecurity Checklist Every Small Business Should Follow.

• Regularly update all systems and software to patch vulnerabilities.
• Recognize that attackers actively target unpatched systems.
• Treat patching as a routine but critical part of hygiene.
• Seek outside support if you can’t manage it internally.

In cybersecurity, sometimes the simplest steps are the most impactful. By keeping systems and software up-to-date, small businesses can drastically reduce their risk exposure. At CXO Advisor, Sean Mack and his team work with organizations to implement these foundational practices—ensuring that even the smallest businesses can defend themselves against opportunistic attackers. Because sometimes, the easiest win is also the most important one.