6 Critical Security Updates You Should Never Postpone

Every time you click that “Remind Me Later” button, you’re making a decision that carries weight.

For some updates, postponing is relatively harmless. For others, that single click could be the difference between a secure system and one that’s vulnerable to the latest threats.

The tricky part? From the notification alone, they all look identical.

That notification doesn’t scream “URGENT!” even when it should.

It’s up to us to know which updates fall into which category.

Hackers specifically target systems that haven’t been updated, knowing those computers are vulnerable.

So how do you know which updates can’t wait? Let’s start with the most critical category of all.

Security Updates

When that notification mentions “security” anywhere in its description, install it immediately.

These are emergency patches for vulnerabilities that hackers actively target.

Security updates are released when software companies discover weaknesses in their systems.

Microsoft releases most security updates on the second Tuesday of each month (known as “Patch Tuesday“).

Other companies may have different schedules, but all security updates need your immediate attention.

Once these updates become public, the clock starts ticking.

The release effectively highlights exactly where vulnerabilities exist in non-updated systems.

Hackers move quickly once updates are released.

Their automated tools scan the internet for unpatched systems, making the window between update release and potential attack remarkably short.

How to identify security updates:

• Look for terms like “security patch,” “security update,” or “vulnerability fix” in the description
• Pay attention to update notifications that mention “CVE” followed by numbers (e.g., CVE-2023-12345) — these are standardized vulnerability identifiers
• Check if the update was released outside the normal schedule, which often indicates an emergency fix
• Watch for updates that require immediate restarts — these frequently address critical issues

Quick Tip: Security updates often contain words like “critical,” “important,” or explicitly mention fixing vulnerabilities. Never postpone these — not even for a day if you can help it.

Operating System Updates

Your operating system — Windows, macOS, iOS, Android — manages all hardware and software on your device.”

If it’s not secure, everything else on your device is vulnerable too.

Take Windows 10 and 11, for example.

Microsoft typically releases major updates twice a year with smaller security patches monthly.

Those twice-yearly feature updates? You can usually wait a few weeks to install them.

This gives Microsoft time to iron out any unexpected bugs.

But those monthly security patches? Install them immediately. Here’s why:

In 2017, the infamous WannaCry ransomware attack affected over 200,000 computers across 150 countries. Know what would have prevented it?

A security update Microsoft had released two months earlier. People who clicked “remind me later” found themselves locked out of their files and facing ransom demands.(Source)

Browser Updates

Your web browser is how you access the internet.

This makes browser security absolutely critical.

Browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari are updated frequently, sometimes weekly.

These updates aren’t just adding new buttons.

They’re patching security holes that could let unauthorized users access your computer through seemingly innocent websites.

According to Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG), in 2022 alone they discovered and patched 41 zero-day vulnerabilities across Chrome and other browsers. (Source)

These vulnerabilities were actively being exploited, putting users at risk until security patches were installed through browser updates.

Most browsers update automatically these days, but they still need to restart to apply the changes.

If you see that “update available” icon in your browser, DON’T put it off until tomorrow.

Quick Tip: If your browser constantly says it needs updating, it might be because you never close it. Try ending each day by closing your browser completely — this gives it time to install updates overnight.

Antivirus and Security Software

Your antivirus is only as good as its latest update.

These programs work by recognizing patterns of malicious code — called “virus definitions” or “threat signatures.”

New threats emerge daily, which means your antivirus needs constant updates to recognize them.

If your antivirus has an outdated list, it may fail to recognize the newest malware, leaving your system vulnerable.

Even threats that are just a few days old can go undetected without the latest updates.

There are two types of antivirus updates:

1. Program updates: These improve how the software functions, fix vulnerabilities, and enhance overall security. While not as frequent, they are still important.
2. Definition updates: These add newly discovered threats to the detection list. They are time-sensitive and should never be delayed.

Most modern antivirus programs update definitions automatically, sometimes multiple times a day.

However, if updates are disabled or postponed, the software becomes significantly less effective against evolving threats.

Keeping both definition and program updates current is essential for maintaining strong security.

Router Firmware

Here’s one that almost everyone forgets about: your router’s firmware.

Your router is the bridge between all your devices and the internet.

It’s also likely the least frequently updated device in your home — and potentially your biggest security liability.

Unlike your phone or laptop, most routers don’t nag you about updates.

You have to check manually. And let me tell you, based on my home visits to help friends and family with tech problems, I estimate that 85% of home routers are running outdated firmware.

This widespread neglect creates significant security risks.

In 2018, the FBI recommended that everyone reboot their routers after discovering the VPNFilter malware had infected over 500,000 home routers.

A firmware update would have prevented this infection entirely. (Source)

Here’s how to check if your router needs updating:

1. Find your router’s IP address (typically printed on the device, often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
2. Type that address into your web browser
3. Log in with the admin credentials (also usually on the device)
4. Look for a section called “Firmware” or “Update”
5. Check for and install any available updates

Quick Tip: Some modern routers update automatically, including brands like Netgear, TP-Link, and Linksys. Even so, it’s a good idea to check for updates at least every three months.

Smart Home Devices

Got a smart thermostat? Security camera? Voice assistant? Smart TV?

These Internet of Things (IoT) devices are convenient, but they’re also new entry points into your home network.

In my testing, smart home devices are among the most vulnerable to exploits when not updated.

Many manufacturers are new to the security game and don’t have decades of experience building secure systems.

Outdated smart home devices can be easily compromised, giving unauthorized access to your home network, personal information, and even control of your devices.

In December 2019, a disturbing series of incidents made headlines when hackers gained access to Ring security cameras installed inside homes.

In one case, an 8-year-old girl in Mississippi was terrified when a stranger accessed her bedroom camera and spoke to her directly through the device. (Source)

Regular updates fix these vulnerabilities and protect your privacy and safety.

Many smart devices update automatically when connected to Wi-Fi, but some require you to use their companion app to check for and install updates manually.

Make a habit of opening those apps monthly and checking for updates.

The Updates You CAN Delay (Sometimes)

Not all updates need immediate attention. Here are a few you can usually postpone without significant risk:

• Feature updates for non-security software (like adding new tools to your photo editor)
• Major operating system version changes in the first month of release (let others find the bugs first)
• Driver updates for hardware that’s working perfectly fine
• Optional Windows updates labeled as such by Microsoft

Even for these, I don’t recommend delaying more than a month. Today’s optional feature could interact with tomorrow’s security requirement.

The Small Price of Updates vs. The Huge Cost of Neglect

Updates can be annoying. They take time, sometimes require restarts, and occasionally change how things work just when you got used to them.

But let’s put this in perspective. In my decade of helping people recover from malware and hacks, I’ve never once heard someone say, “I wish I hadn’t installed that security update.”

I’ve heard countless variations of, “I wish I hadn’t postponed that update.”

The average security update takes 3-7 minutes to install. The average time to recover from identity theft is 6 months.

Those minutes seem like a bargain now, don’t they?

The ONE Update Alert That Changed My Mind Forever

Years ago, I was that person who would postpone updates for weeks. Then something happened that changed my attitude forever.

I had been postponing a “not-important-seeming” update for my email for about three weeks.

One morning, I discovered someone had accessed my email account from another country and sent phishing emails to everyone in my contact list.

The update I’d been avoiding would have patched exactly the vulnerability they exploited.

What really drove this home was reading about it afterward.

The update notification had simply said “Security improvements and bug fixes” — but a security bulletin later revealed it had patched a critical authentication vulnerability.

It took me days to repair my reputation with contacts who received those malicious emails.

It took mere minutes to install the update that would have prevented it.

Since then, I have a new rule: Security updates get installed immediately, no exceptions.

The Bottom Line on Updates

When it comes to updates, timing matters. Here’s my simple rule of thumb:

1. Security updates: Install immediately
2. Operating system patches: Install within days
3. Browser updates: Install immediately
4. Antivirus updates: Install immediately
5. Router firmware: Check quarterly
6. Smart home devices: Check monthly

I understand the temptation to click “remind me later.”

We’re all busy, and updates rarely seem urgent in the moment.

But taking a few minutes now can save you from hours (or days) of frustration later.

So the next time that update notification appears, resist the urge to postpone.

You might avoid a catastrophe.

Right Now:

• Check your router firmware (and update it if needed).
• Restart your browser to apply any updates.
• Install any pending security updates on your system.

What’s your update strategy? Are you an “install immediately” person or a “remind me forever” person?

Have you ever regretted postponing an important update?

Share your experiences in the comments below!

And if this article saved you from clicking “remind me later” just once on an important security update, I’ll consider my mission accomplished.