So many clients hate running Software Updates. I have to admit there have been maybe two bad Software Updates since I’ve been doing consulting professionally, but that being said clients should run their own Software Updates. Here’s why:

NOTE: I use the word “virus” in this post but neither of these two items are actual viruses in the meaning that no damage is done to your computer. One is a malware, the other is a trojan.

Over the last month, the idea that Mac’s don’t get viruses have gone down the tubes. Last month the Flashback tool was released. It was a fake Adobe Flash installer that just caused your web browser to go to porn sites via an exploit in Java. In order to get this virus, you not only had to download the fake installer, but install it and put your password in to authenticate the installer. Of all Mac users, roughly 600,000 people were infected. None of those 600,000 people were any of my clients, so that was good for me but the plethora of email about it was enough to think they did get it. Apple was a little slow on the uptick about it, but finally released a Java update that fixes, and removes the Flashback tool. But I guarantee that if I go to the majority of clients they will have not run that Java update.

Just last week, a new Trojan was exploited for the Mac. This one, named LuckyCat, installs itself into Microsoft Office. It actually takes screen shots and downloads your data to a remote computer. This one is clearly more dangerous than the Flashback, but like Flashback it runs on a Java exploit. This means if you still haven’t run that Java update you are exposed to this “virus”.

So what’s the answer to protected yourself? Apple knows about these issues, so they release Software Updates! RUN THEM! The longer you wait for your consultant to come and run them for you, the longer you are leaving yourself prone to issues. It’s quicker for you to run the Software Update then it is for the consultant to undo the damage done thanks to the virus.