Web Application Updates and Security

In today’s healthcare industry, the need to access a myriad of healthcare and hospital websites is critical to any organization’s success. Applications and programs are regularly installed locally on computers to facilitate functionality with outside websites. And to function properly, applications need to be updated on an ongoing basis and computers need to avoid malicious threats and viruses during the update process. For example, it’s not uncommon to begin a morning with an update bubble from Adobe or Java informing that “It’s Time!” Third party updates can be unintuitive and often deliberately confusing. Moreover, they can also be hazardous. There is hope, however – keeping Adobe Flash and Java updated in a safe manner can be quick and easy. Below are a few tips.

• Only update what is necessary. Downloading extra applications with required updates can add unexpected changes to default settings.
• When updating Java, uncheck the optional checkboxes. By unchecking the optional checkboxes, a user can avoid, for example, Adobe installing Google Chrome as the browser.
• Avoid software update popups that read “Safe Searching” or include promises to “Speed up your computer.” These types of updates can be malicious in nature and open the door to the extreme malware in the market such as Trojans, Rootkits, and worms.
• Be cautious of coupon distribution websites that require a download. Common coupon websites, such as Groupon, will not typically require a download. Unfamiliar websites that require a download, however, may not be websites that can be trusted.

Searching the Internet to find information or solutions to unknown problems is a common business practice. During the search process, it is important to be equipped with updated applications and avoid some of the common pitfalls. Please don’t hesitate to contact Precision if we can help you keep your computers safe on the web. Please contact Precision’s IT Helpdesk at (314) 881-5299 or Helpdesk@precisionpractice.com.