ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – Following the recommendations from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024, the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command is emphasizing the importance of prompt software updates to defend against cyber threats. Recent breaches show how unpatched software leaves systems vulnerable, so CISA urges organizations and individuals to "Secure Our World" through four key actions, including timely software updates.
Recent cybersecurity Incidents: The cost of delayed updates
The MOVEit Transfer breach in July 2023 is a stark example of the risks posed by delayed patching. MOVEit Transfer, a software used by businesses and government agencies to securely transfer large files, was exploited by the ransomware group CL0P after a vulnerability became public. Although the vendor released a patch quickly, many users failed to apply it. As a result, attackers accessed financial and personal data, impacting numerous organizations.
Similarly, Fortinet VPN software, a widely used tool for establishing secure remote access and a key cybersecurity vendor for enterprises and governments, experienced a significant breach in early 2024. Cybercriminals exploited a vulnerability in the software despite Fortinet issuing a patch months earlier. Organizations that delayed the update faced malware infections and data breaches that disrupted operations for days.
These incidents echo the notorious WannaCry ransomware attack of 2017. WannaCry spread rapidly across networks by exploiting a Microsoft Windows vulnerability, shutting down hospitals, banks, and businesses worldwide. While a patch was available before the attack, many organizations failed to apply it, resulting in system-wide disruptions and billions in damages.
Why timely software updates are critical
Applying software updates ensures that security vulnerabilities are patched before they can be exploited. Once a vulnerability is disclosed, hackers actively scan networks for unpatched systems. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, organizations that delayed patching increased their incident containment time by 74 days on average compared to those that applied updates promptly. This delay not only heightens security risks but also increases recovery costs.
Organizations that lag in applying updates also risk non-compliance with industry regulations, leading to fines or loss of trust. CISA warns that neglected patches can lead to ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, and data theft, making regular updates a vital component of any cybersecurity strategy.
Best practices for staying secure
CISA recommends several actions to improve patch management and minimize vulnerabilities:
- Enable automatic updates for operating systems and applications whenever possible to reduce reliance on manual intervention.
- Implement patch management policies to test critical updates in a controlled environment before full deployment.
- Conduct regular security audits to identify unpatched systems and ensure compliance.
- As part of a broader cybersecurity awareness program, train personnel on the importance of software updates and the risks of delay.
Supporting the "Secure Our World" campaign
The National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 campaign promotes four key practices: use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, recognize phishing attempts, and apply software updates promptly. For the CECOM workforce, adopting these practices ensures not only personal security but also strengthens mission-critical systems and operational readiness.
"Applying software updates is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent cyberattacks," CISA stated. "A single patch could stop a potential breach."
With cyber threats increasing in frequency and sophistication, a proactive approach to patching is essential for maintaining resilience. For more information about the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaign and additional resources on software security, visit www.cisa.gov.
Social Sharing