Patch

A patch is a small software update that fixes a security hole or bug, and installing it quickly keeps attackers from using the flaw.

Patch: A patch is a piece of software released to fix a problem, most often a security flaw. When researchers or attackers find a hole, the maker writes a patch. Until you install it, your device remains open to anyone who knows how to use that flaw.

On Android, security patches arrive as monthly system updates and as app updates through the Play Store. Many Indian users delay updates to save data or because a message pops up at a bad time. Meanwhile, criminals read the public notes of each patch to learn what flaw to attack on phones that have not updated. Old phones that no longer get patches slowly become a bigger risk with each passing month.

Check Settings, then About phone, then the security patch date. If it is more than several months old, update at once on Wi-Fi. If your phone no longer receives updates, treat banking and sensitive work on it with extra care and plan to replace it. Updating also brings new protections, not only fixes, so the benefit is larger than it looks.

Tips

• Open Settings, About phone and check your security update date every month.
• Install updates on Wi-Fi at night instead of postponing them for weeks.
• Switch on automatic app updates in the Play Store, and update your computer's browser as well.

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