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c11y - Cyber Security

🛡️ Application & OS Updates Playbook

Contributed by:
gil.dev

Windows (Desktop & Server)

Section titled “Windows (Desktop & Server)”
  • Objective: Ensure the operating system (Windows Updates, Service Packs) and all third-party applications are fully patched and up-to-date.
  • Tools:
    • Settings -> Update & Security
    • Control Panel -> Apps & features
  • Common Actions:
    • Run Windows Update: Go to Settings and “Check for updates.” Install all pending OS updates.
    • Update Applications: Check versions of installed third-party software (e.g., Google Chrome, Notepad++, Firefox). Open the applications and use their built-in “About” or “Help” menus to check for and apply updates.

Linux (Mint 21 & Ubuntu 22)

Section titled “Linux (Mint 21 & Ubuntu 22)”
  • Objective: Ensure the operating system and all installed packages are fully patched and up-to-date.
  • Tools:
    • Terminal
    • Update Manager (GUI)
  • Common Actions:
    • Run System Updates: In the terminal, run sudo apt update (to refresh package lists) followed by sudo apt upgrade (to install updates).
    • Update Specific Apps: The above command usually updates all packages. If a specific app (e.g., Chromium, OpenSSH) is held back, you may need to update it specifically.
    • Configure Automatic Updates: Check the graphical “Update Manager” or “Software & Updates” to ensure the system is set to automatically check for and install important security updates.