Turn on automatic updates on every device and app in your home. CISA says many updates fix security risks, attackers do not wait, and "Remind me later" can leave a known flaw open. Automatic updates install without anyone remembering to do it.
What CISA advises
CISA's guidance is short:
- Watch for update notifications and install all of them, especially for web browsers and antivirus software.
- Install critical updates quickly.
- Enable automatic updates in device or app security settings.
- Updates also fix bugs, improve performance and add features.
CISA's example is a user who kept choosing "Remind me later". Malware exploited a known flaw in her old operating system, which led to locked accounts and unauthorised bank withdrawals. A repair shop removed the malware, updated the system and switched on automatic updates.
A household inventory
Most families forget at least one device. Walk through the house and list:
- Phones and tablets, including old ones that kids still use.
- Laptops and desktops, including the school laptop if you control it.
- Game consoles and streaming boxes.
- The home router.
- Smart speakers, cameras and toys.
For each, check that automatic updates are on, and note any device that no longer receives updates. Retire or isolate those.
Make it routine
- Pick a monthly date for a five minute check.
- Show older kids where the setting lives, so they handle their own.
- Do the same for the grandparents' devices on your visits. See protecting parents and grandparents from tech support scams.
After an update
After a big update, glance at your parental control settings to confirm they are still as you left them.
When a scan is the right step
If you think a device is infected, the FTC advises updating security software and running a scan. If you manage a small organisation, the same idea applies at larger scale; see automatic updates policy for small organizations.
Quick check
Is it safe to wait a few weeks to update?
CISA says to install critical updates quickly, because attackers do not wait.
Where do I turn on automatic updates?
CISA says to enable them in device or app security settings. Exact menus differ by device, so check the manufacturer's help page.
Sources
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026.
