Tap Dancing on the Edge

The next time you see a software notification on your phone, don’t ignore it. Here’s why.

Software is flawed. There are security holes in almost every application or game we use.

There are minor flaws, which can lead to local loss of data. There are greater flaws, which can lead to hardware damage or serious privacy violations.

Hackers work around the clock trying to find these flaws and invade our devices and lives. Luckily, the developers of the applications we use are also at work. This is why most software has updates and patches.

Unfortunately, not all patches are great. Some introduce new bugs and new security problems.

So how do you tread this fine line between cutting edge software and unstable updates? It’s hard. From experience, in most cases I give updates a few days in the wild before installing them. I make an exception when I’m informed the flaws being fixed are severe.

The most important thing I can say, however, is this: don’t hold off software updates for too long. Don’t ignore them. You may be missing out on great new features. But more importantly, you maybe missing out on a safer experience.

So don’t let hackers beat you to it. Update your software.