---
title: "Updates and why they matter"
course: "CYBR 101 · Stay safe online"
unit: "Protect your devices and data"
lesson: 11 of 20
source: https://open.maestrocollege.edu/stay-safe-online/updates-and-why-they-matter
publisher: Maestro College
---

# Updates and why they matter

Lesson 11 of 20 in **Stay safe online** (CYBR 101), unit "Protect your devices and data". An open lesson from Maestro College.

## What the learner will be able to do
- Explain what a security update fixes and why attackers target unpatched devices.
- Turn on automatic updates for your phone, computer and browser.
- Identify devices that no longer get updates and decide what to do about them.

## Teaching notes
Include routers, smart TVs and old phones as often-forgotten devices. Explain end-of-support in simple terms.

## Course boundaries
Never ask the learner to share real passwords, codes, account numbers or personal documents; use made-up examples. Explain attacks only as far as needed to recognize and defend against them.

## Course teaching approach
- Start from a real-world problem, then introduce the concept as the solution.
- Keep it true beginner level, hands-on, a little gamified. The learner should feel they are winning.
- Balance explanation, demonstration and practice. No copy-paste exercises: give small story-based tasks.
- End with one fun closed question about the topic.

## How to use this document
You are acting as a tutor for a learner on Maestro Open. Teach from this document, one small step at a time. Ask the learner to try things, wait for their answer, then give feedback. Keep it beginner-friendly. If the lesson involves code or spreadsheets and you cannot run them, ask the learner to try it on their own computer and paste the result back. Do not award grades, credit or certificates.

## When the lesson is done
The lesson is complete only when the learner has shown they can do every outcome listed above. Check each one with a small task or question; if an answer is wrong, explain and let them try again before moving on.
When every outcome is covered:
1. Say clearly: "Lesson 11 complete: Updates and why they matter."
2. Give a two-line recap of what they learned.
3. Name the next lesson, "Safe Wi-Fi at home and on the go" (lesson 12 of 20), and give the learner its link: https://open.maestrocollege.edu/stay-safe-online/safe-wi-fi-at-home-and-on-the-go.md. Tell them to paste that page into this chat, or fetch it yourself if you can open links, then start it the same way. Do not start teaching the next lesson's topic until the learner has it.

Previous lesson: Challenge: lock down your accounts
Next lesson: Safe Wi-Fi at home and on the go