Update roundup: Windows, iOS, macOS, Google, Adobe and more

September 14, 2023

By Kim Komando

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.

Google

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.

• Open Settings > System > System update.

Apple

For newer iPhones and iPads, download iOS 16.6.1 to secure your device from the latest zero-day vulnerabilities.

Have an iPhone 6, 7, SE or an iPad Air 2 or iPad mini? Download iOS 15.7.9 and iPadOS 15.7.9 to fix the same problem. You know it’s bad when Apple updates even its old gear.

• If you have automatic updates enabled, you’re all set. To check: Settings > General > Software Update.

Apple also released security updates for its older operating systems, macOS Big Sur 11.7.10 and macOS Monterey 12.6.9.

• Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.

A few more …

Linux nerds, this one’s for you. Atlas VPN discovered a zero-day in its Linux client that can expose the user’s actual IP address. No fix is available yet, so if you’re using Atlas VPN, stop for now.

The source code editor Notepad++ also released version 8.5.7 to fix four security vulnerabilities. Download the updates here.

Phew, that was a lot of updates to tell you about. I know it’s not the most exciting topic in the world, but hey, I’m looking out for your cybersecurity!