Keeping Smart Devices Updated
As you probably know already, it is important to keep your desktop or laptop computer and smartphones and tablets (iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, etc.) up-to-date with security patches – patches that help secure your equipment. Patches for desktop or laptop computers are usually released by Microsoft and Apple on a monthly basis. Many of Emory’s IT divisions make sure that these patches are installed on your behalf. For example, all Emory Healthcare computers and laptops are automatically updated with these patches. Emory Healthcare team members do not need to update their work desktop or laptop computers. If you are a student, or a University employee that is self-supported, it’s important for you to install these patches on your desktop or laptop on a regular basis. However, for everyone in the Emory community, including Emory Healthcare, your smartphones and tablets are not automatically updated; updates must be installed by the end user.
How to install security patches on your smartphones and tablets:
Smartphones and tablets are computers like any other and have security bugs that must be patched. New versions of smart device software, like Apple’s iOS, or Google’s Android operating system, are updated routinely. While these updates usually include new features, or fixes for usability bugs, they often contain security fixes as well. For example, when Apple released iOS 7 it contained a security flaw that would allow someone to access data on your phone even if you had a PIN enabled to unlock the device. Apple later fixed this security flaw in another iOS update. This is why it is important to stay up to date on all patches.
How to update:
If you have an iOS device you can check for updates by doing the following:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap General
- Tap Software Update
- If a new update is available you will be prompted to install it
The steps for updating an Android device may differ depending on the model of your device, but in most cases you can check for updates by doing the following:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap About Phone or About Tablet
- Tap Software Update or System Updates
- If a new update is available you will be prompted to install it
If you have a Windows Phone device you can check for updates by doing the following:
- In the app list tap Settings
- Tap Phone Update
- Tap Check for updates
- If a new update is available you will be prompted to install it
Special note to Emory Healthcare employees:
If you have any questions on installing security patches on your smartphones and tablets (e.g., when to install, how to install), please contact 8-HELP (404-778-4357).