Update roundup: Windows, iOS, macOS, Google, Adobe and more
When it rains, it pours — and I’m not talking about the weather! A bunch of operating systems, apps and programs just released critical security updates. To make your life easier, I rounded up the most important ones right here.
Before we dive in, if you see the term “zero-day,” that means it’s important. A zero-day flaw is one hackers know about and are taking advantage of right now.
Microsoft
The September 2023 Windows security update includes fixes for 59 known issues, like security bypasses and information disclosure vulnerabilities, and patches for two zero-day flaws.
- Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Adobe
Download the patch here to fix a zero-day vulnerability in Acrobat and Reader.
- Go to Help > Check for Updates, or download the full Acrobat Reader installer.
Yikes. This is the fourth zero-day fix for Chrome this year. The good news is your Chrome browser should automatically check for updates and install them after a restart.
- To double-check in Chrome, hit the three dots in the top right corner, then Help > About Google Chrome.
The Android September 2023 update is out, too.
Skip the keyboard: How to dictate in Microsoft Word and Google Docs
Old science fiction shows depicting the future made a big deal out of voice control. Much of it came true! Decades later, we can ask questions and control devices with our voice, thanks to virtual assistants and smart home technology.
Adobe Flash is dead — Forget that and you could end up with malware
As time passes, support for older programs and apps slows down or stops completely. If you’re still running Windows 7, you really need to upgrade to get the latest security patches from Microsoft. Here are three great new features from Windows 11.
Update your PC! Microsoft patches 63 flaws - including a zero-day
Every computer user should mark the second Tuesday of every month on their calendar. If you don’t know why it’s because most software developers push out critical updates to various apps and operating systems.
While these can sometimes include new features and graphical overhauls, it generally plugs security vulnerabilities and flaws that hackers can exploit. September is essential if you have a Windows-based computer, as Microsoft patched 63 flaws with its latest release.
5 ways to think like a hacker to protect your money
You’re never 100% safe from cybercrime, but that doesn’t mean you should roll over and let it happen. You can take steps to reduce your chances of falling victim to hacks.
Cyberattacks are a constant threat. The more we rely on our devices, the more vulnerable we are. Think about how much sensitive information you have stored in your smartphone. Scary, huh? Tap or click here for three ways to secure it from hackers.
10 secret keyboard tricks to save you time every single day
Touchscreens are ubiquitous in modern tech, but physical keyboards are still prominent in gaming and office work applications. Along with a tactile feel, keyboards offer shortcuts to help you get more done in less time.
How to find and delete large files on your devices
Many things can make your devices, whether they be phones, tablets, or computers, start to run slower. One of these things is having lots of large files.
It takes memory to store big files, and power. You can do a few things to improve the battery power of an electronic device — tap or click here to extend your battery life.
Bad news if you have one of these older iPhone or iPad models
Apple recently held its Worldwide Developers Conference, and this year’s event was software-heavy.
Among the significant changes coming with the next iOS is the ability to recall recently sent text messages and emails. It’s about time, Apple! Tap or click here to check out our WDCC22 highlights.
Quick tip: Transform your iPhone into a white noise machine
With every new iOS, Apple introduces more features, tools and security updates. Developers are constantly pushing the envelope to compete with each other, and one way to keep users excited is to put on a show.
Apple’s 2022 Worldwide Developers Conference took place recently. Highlights of the keynote are new operating systems for the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. With iOS 16, you’ll finally be able to unsend text messages! Tap or click here to check out our roundup.
Time to update Chrome again - Steps to get the emergency patch
We always advocate keeping your software, browsers and operating systems updated. But no, you are not reading the same article from last week about a high severity flaw that needs patching in Google Chrome.
It is, in fact, another flaw that needs to be patched. This is the third zero-day vulnerability that Google has faced this year.
Sneaky new spyware is hiding in Microsoft help files - What to watch for
Phishing scams are some of the most prevalent schemes cybercriminals have up their sleeves these days. These attacks can come in many forms including phone calls, text messages and emails.
A current trend is spoofing high-profile companies to trick you into thinking you’re dealing with someone that you do business with. A recent example is when criminals sent emails pretending to be invites to Zoom meetings. Tap or click here for details on this sneaky trick.
Ukraine cyberattacks could be sign of things to come - Secure your systems
Your accounts and devices are always at risk for cyberattacks. You could be personally targeted or be one of thousands or millions of victims if a company you have an account with is hacked.
The Red Cross was recently targeted by cybercriminals, exposing more than half a million people’s data. Tap or click here for our report.
Update Chrome now to patch another zero-day flaw being used in attacks
Updates to software and operating systems aren’t anything new, often released with varying degrees of severity. But when an update rolls out to correct a single zero-day exploit, you know it’s serious.
While details are a bit sparse, Google quickly made an update available to fix another recently discovered vulnerability in its Chrome browser. This comes just over two weeks since Google’s last update patched 27 other Chrome issues.
Here's why your Google Photos app keeps crashing
The war between iPhone and Android smartphone users will likely never see an end, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It all comes down to your preference, and there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between a phone running on iOS or Android operating systems.
3 simple tech resolutions you can actually keep
If you have ever made a New Year’s Resolution, you know how difficult it can be to keep. But just because 2021 has been just as much of a mess as the year before, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use tech to go into the new year.
Emergency update for Chrome - Patch now to fix zero-day flaw
Operating systems and browsers are constantly receiving updates. Some are needed for cool new features, but others fix newly discovered flaws. Tap or click here for a Windows update that fixes 55 bugs and significant vulnerabilities.
Chinese hacking contest reveals weaknesses in iPhones, Windows and other tech we use every day
Operating systems and software are put through thorough testing before public release. That doesn’t mean flaws don’t fall through the cracks. Hackers can exploit some of those flaws, forcing the developer to issue a quick update to patch them. Tap or click here for signs your device has been hacked.
If you use these older phones, you'll lose access to WhatsApp in two days
Updated Oct. 30, 2021 – Access to WhatsApp will be gone for certain devices starting Nov. 1, 2021, so you must act fast. Read on for all the details.
There are plenty of ways to keep in touch with friends and family. But there probably isn’t another platform as popular as WhatsApp. An estimate from June this year pegged the global userbase of service at around 2 billion.
5 freebies from Apple anyone can get
Apple’s new line of iPhones is releasing this week, along with updated iPads and a new Apple Watch later this fall. The release is preceded by the launch of updated operating systems across the line: iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and watchOS 8.
Millions of iPhone users will soon lose access to Outlook - How to make sure you don't
There is a real danger when you use outdated software, whether on your computer or your mobile phone. Operating systems get updated frequently, and they usually include security updates and new functions.
Known as Patch Tuesday, Microsoft updates its operating system on the second Tuesday of every month. Google and Apple don’t usually follow this trend, but they still update their mobile phones regularly.