Keeping Current

New viruses are discovered every day and updated virus definitions are your protection against them. Security holes in your browser and other applications can open your computer up to hackers, viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.

Staying Up to Date
Updates and patches available from the software manufacturer can often remedy these holes. A "patch" is a program designed to fix security "holes" or bugs in an application. Early releases of applications often have bugs that appear once the program becomes more widely used. Patches, which are available after the product is released, work with the application to cover security holes and other issues.

Sometimes holes are found in popular programs that may open up the user' s machine to serious security breaches, including hacker intrusion and malicious code. For this reason, most software manufacturers release product updates regularly. Downloading a patch or update for the application from the software manufacturer can fix the problem.

Patch Things Up
To provide the best security and reliability, run a recent version of the software. If you are running an out-of-date version, it may be better for you to upgrade than to patch the old version. Running the newest version of your application provides you the best security since bugs found in previous versions have been fixed. In the new version, patches that corrected old problems have been integrated into the program. One of the most important upgrades you can make is your Web browser. You can download the most popular browsers, like Internet Explorer and Netscape, for free at the corresponding Web site.

Once you are running a recent version of the application, you can download patches for it at the manufacturer's Web site. Software developers post available updates, what the patch fixes, and the date it was released to help you stay current. Once you choose the current update, you download it to your computer. The patch then works with your application to remedy the bug it was designed to fix.

Patches are released whenever a bug is discovered. To be sure you are up to date, you can check the manufacturer site regularly. Many sites offer a notification service so you can stay current without worrying about when patches are available. If this feature is available, you will be notified by email whenever a security threat is discovered and new updates become available.

Upgrading or patching the following applications can increase your small business' security online:


• Browser - Once you are running the most recent version, you can patch that version with a download provided by the developer if more improvements are made to the product.


• Anti-virus software - If you want to protect your computer and your small business against viruses, worms, and Trojan horses, it is crucial that your anti-virus software be up-to-date. Newer versions of anti-virus software offer increased protection against recent developments in the virus world. In addition to updating the software, you should update your virus definitions. New viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are created daily. If one should find its way onto your computer, your anti-virus definitions must be current in order to protect you. LiveUpdate, a feature of Norton AntiVirus 2002, offers you the most recent protection against viruses by updating your definitions automatically, every time you're online.


• Email client - Widespread discussion of security holes in popular email clients such as Microsoft Outlook has sparked awareness of the importance of using patches to correct bugs in your email client and keep it up-to-date. Some bugs in the applications can allow malicious code into your email inbox. You may then unknowingly pass this code to your customers and colleagues. It is important to update your email client and download any available patches to be sure your inbox is safe.


• Chat client - If you use any of the popular chat clients, like AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Instant Messenger, or ICQ, be sure you're running the most recent version. Bugs in earlier versions may allow private information to be intercepted in transit, and may allow viruses or other malicious code to be passed via instant messaging. Patches become available regularly to keep the application running as smoothly and securely as possible.

When it comes to small business security, keeping current is your best defense against hackers, malicious code, and other security and privacy threats. Check with your software manufacturer regularly for updates and patches to be sure you have the most recent protection possible.