Besides Windows, installed applications can also pose a threat. Hackers can damage your computer with the help of exploits-security loopholes in such applications that expose your computer. The only solution is to eliminate all known loopholes by updating to the latest versions of each program.

Many sensitive programs such as virus scanners have automatic update functions right from the beginning. For such programs, you just have to check whether the feature has been activated. All other applications can be updated using UpdateStar or Secunia PSI. The former recognizes a number of applications while the latter specializes in security updates. The tool that you should use depends on the programs installed. The more each one knows about what you are running, the better.

The functioning of both tools is identical. After installing and starting the tool, check which applications are available on the hard disk and whether they are up-to-date. If not, then get the latest updates from the Internet and eliminate any existing leaks.