One constant Internet feature is a never-ending stream of security updates from a multitude of vendors. I write about patching frequently because I find this process so annoying and the public's response so accepting of the current situation.
Each vulnerability until patched is at least one way that you are at risk of identity theft, outright theft or loss of privacy. When you consider the number of patches, the fact that patching can be incomplete and how long the vulnerabilities existed before receiving a patch, it is fair to say your system is never secure. And it only takes one time for malware to be planted.
Most significantly for me is the loss of time, slow response speeds, uncertainty and the constant diligence required that drags on our lives. You could leave your back door unlocked all the time and nothing would happen, but knowing that it is unlocked makes a vacation to the Caribbean less relaxing.
Do a search on the words "Apple security update", "Microsoft Patch Holes", "Adobe Security Update", "Firefox Security Update" or "Linux Security Update", . . . you get the picture. Millions of results.
And we are going backwards. The patches in recent years have become more numerous and critical and are in many cases opening new holes as they close old ones. And this process is increasingly affecting cell phones and other handheld devices.
Expect the problem to get worse. Hacking is moving from the teenage level into state sponsored spying (including the US Government) and "crime that is organized". Lots of people benefit from your insecurity.
We rely on operating environments that can never be made secure. The OS and the hardware do not have the needed design elements. Until we address those problems my advice is to be careful with how you use the Internet (and your cell phone) and be diligent about software updates.
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