You’ve seen the reminders. The update pop-ups. The restart notifications. The little red dots on your apps and devices quietly say, “Something needs your attention.”

And like most small business owners, you’ve probably hit “Remind me later” more times than you’d ever admit. We see it constantly here at Joe Apps – and not because business owners don’t care about security.

It’s because updates feel inconvenient. It’s just too easy to put off.

But here’s the truth: ignoring software updates is one of the fastest ways Canadian businesses expose themselves to cyberattacks, data loss, system failures, and massive recovery costs. And the cause-and-effect relationship is more direct than most realize.

Before we go deeper, if you already suspect your systems are outdated, Joe Apps can audit and update everything for you – safely, quickly, and without downtime. But first, let’s talk about what ignoring updates actually causes.

#1: Outdated Software Has Known Vulnerabilities

When a software company releases an update, part of that update almost always includes a security patch. That patch fixes weaknesses that cybercriminals already know about. So when you don’t update, your business becomes an easy target – because attackers know exactly where to look.

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security stresses the importance of applying updates promptly, noting that many breaches exploit well-known, already-patched vulnerabilities.

#2: Unsupported Systems Stop Receiving Security Updates

Windows 7. Old versions of macOS. Legacy accounting software. Unsupported operating systems and apps don’t just “age”-they stop receiving updates entirely.

And once that happens, your business is on its own. No more security patches. No more bug fixes. And no more help if something breaks.

Statistics Canada’s Cyber Security Survey shows that recovery spending among Canadian businesses keeps climbing – hitting over $1.2 billion in 2023, double the cost just two years earlier. Unsupported systems contribute heavily to those rising costs.

Joe Apps regularly replaces outdated systems for clients. Not because the old ones “don’t work,” but because they can’t be secured anymore – no matter how careful a business is.

#3: Ignoring Updates Leads to Compatibility Issues

Not every issue has to do with bad actors. Even when ignored updates don’t lead to cyberattacks, they will almost always cause operational issues. And the call usually starts with “everything was working just fine a couple of days ago…”

Delaying updating your software can lead to:

  • Frozen applications
  • Broken integrations
  • Disconnected printers
  • Failing backups
  • Confusing error codes

While there isn’t a villain in a black hat behind these problems, they are still eating away at your team’s productivity. Our team is filled with experts at repairing your integrations and applications, and more importantly, making sure your updates are happening on time. Even preventing the “little” issues as much as we can pays off in the long term.

#4: Skipping Updates Violates Data Protection Expectations

If your business handles personal information from customers, employees, or clients, you’re subject to PIPEDA, Canada’s federal privacy law. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner expects businesses to implement “reasonable security safeguards,” including keeping software updated.

Ignoring updates can be seen as failing to protect personal data. That’s not a place any Canadian business owner wants to be.

So… How Does Joe Apps Prevent All of This?

This is the part small businesses love hearing, because it’s where everything gets easier. At Joe Apps, we can manage the entire process automatically!

Automatic Patch Management: We ensure every device, app, operating system, and security tool stays updated – without interrupting your workday.

Testing Before Deployment: Some updates break things. We test updates first so your business avoids surprises.

Monitoring for Vulnerabilities: Joe Apps tracks new threats and applies fixes proactively.

Replacing Unsupported Systems: We identify and replace outdated tech before it becomes dangerous (or expensive).

Documented Compliance Support: We help Canadian businesses meet federal privacy expectations with clear, audit-ready documentation.

Your Business Doesn’t Have to Stay at Risk

Ignoring updates isn’t a small oversight – it’s a business risk. A preventable one.

If your systems feel sluggish, if you’ve been clicking “Remind me later” too often, or if you simply don’t know whether everything is current, Joe Apps can take this off your plate completely.

We help small businesses across Ontario and BC stay protected with smart, automated cybersecurity and tech support built specifically for Canadian needs. Reach out today, and let Joe Apps eliminate the risks before they impact your business.