Patch Tuesday August 2016: it’s a summer harvest of security updates for everyone.
WordPress
I frequently talk about updating the WordPress core and plugins but when did you last update your theme? Updating the theme for security can sometimes break features on your web site (talk to your web designer).
However theme security is very important. Wordfence released a blog on which themes are hacker favourites.
If you’re using Genesis on your web site, it received an update (see screenshot above) as well as some of it’s child themes.
All the usual plugins (Yoast SEO, security plugins and JetPack) received updates in the past few weeks as well.
Java Jive
Oracle released a new Java version last month. Yes, you need to update Java as it is still required by some web sites to function.
A client asked me yesterday how often Java needs to be updated. Oracle releases Java updates every three months unless there is a significant security update they need to push out.
Apple
Apple released updates for iOS (all your iThingys), iTunes and some OS X updates as well.
It’s not just about security but also functionality. Yesterday I had a client where we couldn’t install the print app for her new printer because her iPad was so out of date.
Polish up your Apples with some updates this month.
Microsoft
Nine updates yesterday covering all Windows and Office products.
There was also a big Windows 10 update that caused problems for some computers. Avast antivirus decided it didn’t like the updates.
Also, increasingly I am getting calls from clients about Office software problems usually right after Office patches have been installed. Here’s a video on how to repair your Office installation.
Be sure to spend some time this week updating your web site and devices. An ounce of patching is cheaper than a pound of hacking.
