Cybersecurity: Critical Updates You Shouldn't Ignore in 2024
Cybersecurity and software updates are now inseparable. Without proper update management, cybersecurity becomes merely theoretical and company data remains exposed.
In 2024, over 901 TP3T of successful cyberattacks exploited vulnerabilities in out-of-date software. This data reveals a key point: the first line of defense against ransomware, data theft, and intrusions is not an expensive firewall, but the simple discipline of continuously updating operating systems, applications, and firmware.
As threat actors automate scanning for known vulnerabilities, every unpatched system becomes an easy target. For businesses, professionals, and marketing teams, neglecting updates turns workstations, laptops, and even home routers into gateways for attackers.
Below, we analyze in detail the 12 essential updates to monitor in 2024, with a practical approach that can also be applied to business and digital operations.
Cybersecurity and the operating system: the foundation of every defense
There cyber security It starts with the operating system, the deepest layer on which all other defenses are built. An unpatched OS exposes the kernel and system privileges to exploits that can take complete control of the device.
On Windows, the path goes through Settings > Update & Security, where it's essential to keep automatic updates enabled. Patches include fixes for critical vulnerabilities, often already exploited in real attacks within hours of the advisory being published.
macOS users should go to System Settings > General > Software Update. Again, updates not only bring new features, but also close vulnerabilities in the system, drivers, and network services. Ignoring them means exposing all your credentials, data, and installed applications.
A correct approach includes:
- automatic updates active for OS;
- scheduled reboot (at least weekly) to apply patches;
- Monthly manual check for critical systems or machines used for business operations.
To delve deeper into the concept of software vulnerabilities and patching, the dedicated entry on Wikipedia, which explains how the updates fix bugs and vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
Antivirus, browsers and computer security in everyday life
Right after the operating system, the second pillar of the cyber security It is the update of the security solutions and tools we use every day to navigate.
Antivirus and antimalware definitions
Antivirus definitions must be updated daily to combat the thousands of new malware variants emerging every day. Windows Defender, natively integrated into Windows 10 and 11, requires cloud protection and automatic sample delivery to be enabled for maximum effectiveness.
Those using third-party solutions should ensure that automatic signature updates are always enabled. A signature database that's even a few days out of date can allow ransomware and Trojans already classified by security vendors to penetrate, drastically reducing protection.
Web browsers: the main attack vector
Web browsers are the gateway to the internet and online services, and are now the primary attack vector for most users. Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari receive security patches almost weekly to fix vulnerabilities that could expose passwords, banking data, and authenticated sessions.
Automatic updates are usually enabled by default, but require a browser restart to complete the installation. Delaying this step for days or weeks leaves critical vulnerabilities open, especially in business environments where advertising accounts, e-commerce dashboards, and CRM systems are managed.
On Safari, updates come through the macOS operating system itself, so they depend on the OS being updated correctly. For an up-to-date overview of the main browsing-related threats, it is useful to consult the reports of ENISA, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity.
Drivers, firmware, and hardware-level cybersecurity
There cyber security It's not just about software and apps, but also the components closest to the hardware: drivers, BIOS/UEFI, and firmware for storage and network devices.
GPU and network card drivers
Graphics card drivers should be checked at least monthly. Tools like NVIDIA GeForce Experience and AMD Radeon Software automate the search and installation of new drivers, but require notifications to be enabled. In addition to performance improvements for gaming and rendering, these releases include security fixes for GPU-level vulnerabilities that could allow privilege escalation.
At the same time, network card drivers impact both the stability of Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections and resistance to man-in-the-middle attacks. On Windows, they are updated via Device Manager or manufacturer utilities; on macOS, they are integrated into system updates and therefore follow the OS update cycle.
BIOS/UEFI and SSD firmware
BIOS/UEFI firmware updates control basic computer functions before the operating system even loads. Vulnerabilities at this level allow persistent attacks that survive OS reinstallation and can remain undetected for months.
Motherboard and laptop manufacturers release quarterly updates on their support sites. Installation must be performed carefully following the official instructions, with a stable power supply or a fully charged battery, to avoid bricking the system.
SSD firmware typically receives semi-annual updates that improve reliability, performance, and security. Tools like Samsung Magician, Crucial Storage Executive, and WD Dashboard automate verification and installation, reducing the risk of data loss and unexpected instability.
Critical applications, routers and peripherals: the hidden front
In the perspective of the cyber security, some applications and devices are often overlooked but represent priority targets for attackers.
Productivity suite and malicious documents
Microsoft Office has historically been a target for macro-based attacks and compromised documents. Patches arrive through the built-in update system, accessible from File > Account > Office Updates in any application in the suite.
Keeping Office up to date dramatically reduces the risk of malicious macros being executed via email or downloaded from compromised websites. The same goes for other productivity tools and PDF readers, which should be checked at least once a month.
Home routers and network infrastructure
Router firmware is often the most overlooked and, at the same time, the most critical point. A compromised router exposes the entire home or office network, allowing traffic interception and lateral attacks on all connected devices: PCs, smartphones, printers, NAS, and smart TVs.
Most consumer manufacturers release quarterly updates, accessible from the web administration panel, typically at addresses like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. In Europe, where the GDPR imposes stringent standards on personal data protection, keeping your router up to date is even more important for those managing online businesses and customer databases.
Printers and peripherals
Printer and peripheral drivers may seem less critical to direct security, but outdated drivers can cause system instability, which in turn facilitates exploits. Windows Update often includes optional drivers for common peripherals, accessible from the Optional Updates section, while manufacturers' websites offer the latest packages.
A semi-annual check of printers, scanners, and USB peripherals reduces the risk of crashes during production activities, marketing campaigns, or sensitive document management.
An effective maintenance schedule
To make the entire process manageable, it is useful to define a structured maintenance calendar:
- Critical and automatic: OS, antivirus, browser – automatic updates always active, with scheduled restarts;
- Monthly: GPU drivers, PDF readers, productivity suites – manual check and centralized update, if possible;
- Quarterly: BIOS/UEFI firmware, router, network software – control via admin panels or manufacturer tools;
- Half-yearly: SSD firmware, printers, peripherals – complete infrastructure audit.
The goal is not compulsive updating, but a sustainable discipline that keeps risk levels under control, especially in business environments with many endpoints.
Cybersecurity: Impact on Marketing and Business
There cyber security It's no longer just an IT issue, but a strategic factor for marketing, sales, and customer experience. A breach due to outdated software can block digital campaigns, compromise advertising accounts, and render CRM and e-commerce platforms inaccessible.
For marketing teams, workstations and laptops are critical tools: they manage social media accounts, Business Manager, advertising platforms, and automations. A single piece of malware, spread by an out-of-date browser or a vulnerable Office document, can steal credentials and disrupt entire workflows.
From a reputational perspective, a customer data leak (even caused by a poorly updated router or server) can permanently damage brand trust. Under the GDPR, breaches can also result in significant fines and reporting requirements, directly impacting the company's image.
Integrating update management into marketing and business processes means:
- provide update policies for all devices used by the team (on-site and remotely);
- standardize supported browsers, tools, and operating systems;
- automate updates as much as possible, reducing manual intervention;
- train staff on risks and good patch management practices.
An updated infrastructure allows you to make the most of solutions marketing automation and digital communication, without turning every new integration into a potential entry point for attackers.
How SendApp Can Help with Cyber Security
There cyber security It's also a matter of reliable platforms aligned with the standards of major technology players. In the customer communications space, choosing solutions based on official APIs and up-to-date infrastructures drastically reduces the attack surface.
SendApp Official It integrates with the official WhatsApp Business API, hosted on enterprise infrastructures that are constantly updated by the provider. This approach reduces the risk associated with uncertified software, outdated plugins, and homemade integrations that often lack adequate security updates.
For day-to-day management of conversations and teams, SendApp Agent It allows you to centralize chats, agents, and workflows, preventing individual employees from using outdated personal devices to manage customers and leads. Centralization also means you can apply unified policies, audits, and access controls.
With SendApp Cloud, WhatsApp's advanced communications automation runs on a managed and constantly updated cloud infrastructure. This reduces reliance on local servers, custom scripts, and legacy software, often forgotten and unpatched, which over time become the weakest link in the entire corporate digital ecosystem.
Integrating SendApp into your communications strategy means combining marketing effectiveness, automation, and a more mature approach to security. Companies can focus on lead generation, nurturing, and customer care, knowing that the technology base follows the required update cycles to maintain a high level of protection.
To establish a solid WhatsApp Business communications strategy, aligned with security and update best practices, the next step is to seek dedicated consulting and test the platform in a real environment. This way, updates aren't just an IT checklist item, but become a true enabler for growth and business continuity.
