Update Before the Trucks Roll

The office computer has been asking for an update all week. Morning dispatch is a bad time to discover that somebody finally clicked it.

Kevin’s latest digest makes a useful point: a security fix only helps a device after the update is installed. Putting it off leaves the old weakness in place. CISA’s software-update guidance also urges prompt installation and automatic updates where available.

For a propane office, put that work on the calendar before the phones get busy. Have whoever handles your computers check the dispatch machine, office laptops and driver phones. Ask which updates are waiting and whether a restart is still needed. Pick a time that leaves room to confirm the morning’s tools work.

Turn on automatic updates where your software provider supports them. For equipment with a fixed work schedule, ask the provider how to keep updates from interrupting a route. A router or device that no longer receives security fixes needs a replacement plan.