← Years 5–6 Digital Systems

Keeping software updated

A new version of a program that fixes security weaknesses so attackers cannot use them to reach your data. It covers operating system updates, app updates and automatic updates.

Part of: 5-6 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems & Security — Module 50, 7-8 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems and Security — Module 73, IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 5.3 Cyber Security — Module 36, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Networks and Cyber Threats — Module 29, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Cyber Security Threats and Vulnerabilities — Module 86

Understanding Keeping software updated in Years 5–6 Digital Systems

What it does: Running an app update installs the newer version of that app, which includes the security fixes. Choosing automatic updates means security fixes are installed as soon as they are available, without waiting for you. Updates patch security weaknesses so attackers cannot use them to get at your data. An old version may still run, but it could still contain a weakness that attackers can use. Weaknesses in old software are often known, which is why updating is important. The broken code skips the update, which keeps the weakness open. Installing the update closes it.

Common mistakes: When an update is available the program should install it so the security weakness is fixed. ignore_update() leaves the device open to attackers. It should be install_update(). A single = is needed to store the value 12 in latest. == compares values, so latest is never created and the operating system update check fails.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 41–52) and word search (Modules 21–52).

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Learning

Duo

Why do software updates matter for security?

They only change how the app looksThey fix weaknesses that attackers could use to reach your data

Matches

ignore_update("Operating system")

↓

Ignoring an operating system update leaves security weaknesses unfixed, so attackers could use them to reach your data. You should install it.

Applying

Meanings

Term

software update

Meaning

A new version of a program that fixes security weaknesses so attackers cannot use them to reach your data. It covers operating system updates, app updates and automatic updates.

Practice

turn on automatic updates

Testing

Gaps

("Install the update now")

Check Answer

Spots

2if update_available:

3 ignore_update()

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Quick Questions

1. Why do software updates matter for security?

A. They only change how the app looks

B. They fix weaknesses that attackers could use to reach your data ✓

Updates patch security weaknesses so attackers cannot use them to get at your data.

2. Which is the safer choice when your device says an operating system update is ready?

A. Install the update soon ✓

B. Ignore it for months

Operating system updates fix weaknesses in the software that runs your whole device, so installing them soon keeps your data safer.

3. True or false: Only the operating system needs updates, apps do not.

A. False: apps need updates too ✓

B. True: apps never need updates

App updates fix security weaknesses in individual apps, just as operating system updates do for the device.

4. What does turning on automatic updates do?

A. Stops your device from ever getting updates

B. Installs updates for you so fixes are not missed ✓

Automatic updates install new versions without you having to remember, so security fixes arrive quickly.

5. A game app on your tablet has a new version with a security fix. What should you do?

A. Update the app ✓

B. Keep using the old version because it still works

An old version may still run, but it could still contain a weakness that attackers can use.

Match the Pairs

OS update → A new version of the operating system that fixes security weaknesses so attackers cannot use them to reach your data

automatic updates = ON → The device installs new versions by itself, so security fixes arrive without you having to remember

Updating an app fixes security weaknesses that attackers could use to reach your data → update_app("Messages")

Keep your device protected by letting it install security fixes on its own → set_updates("automatic")

ignore_update("Operating system") → Ignoring an operating system update leaves security weaknesses unfixed, so attackers could use them to reach your data. You should install it.

set_updates("off") → Turning automatic updates off means security fixes are not installed on time, leaving your data open to attackers. Turn them on instead.

Key Term

software update

A new version of a program that fixes security weaknesses so attackers cannot use them to reach your data. It covers operating system updates, app updates and automatic updates.

Fill in the Blanks

1. print("Install the update now")

Hint: Type the function that shows a message on the screen

2. autoupdates = True

Hint: Type the Boolean value that switches automatic updates on

3. def install(): print("Patched!")

Hint: Type the keyword that defines a new function

4. for app in ["maps", "chat"]: print(app)

Hint: Type the keyword that repeats the step for each app in the list

5. outdated = current < latest

Hint: Type the comparison operator that checks the installed version is older than the latest version

Spot the Error

Question 1

A update_available = True

B if update_available:

C ignore_update()

D print('Device is safer')

Line C — When an update is available the program should install it so the security weakness is fixed. ignore_update() leaves the device open to attackers. It should be install_update().

Question 2

A os_version = 11

B latest == 12

C if os_version < latest:

D print('Update the OS')

Line B — A single = is needed to store the value 12 in latest. == compares values, so latest is never created and the operating system update check fails.

Question 3

A app version = 2.1

B new_version = 2.3

C if new_version > app_version:

D print('Update the app')

Line A — A variable name cannot contain a space. It should be app_version so the app update check can use it.

Question 4

A auto_updates = True

B if auto_updates:

C print('Installs by itself')

D prnt('Data stays protected')

Line D — The function name is misspelled. It should be print, otherwise the program stops with an error.

Question 5

A update_ready = True

B if update_ready = True:

C print('Installing now')

D print('Restart if asked')

Line B — An if statement needs == to compare values. A single = is for assigning a value, so this line is a syntax error.

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