The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and its Security Summit partners recognize there are heightened risks to taxpayers due to artificial intelligence (AI). Hackers now have powerful new AI tools that continue to probe your smartphone and computer software to find vulnerable areas. With the increasing use of AI by hackers, it is essential for everyone to keep their smartphones and computers updated. Many successful attacks by hackers have occurred because individuals or companies did not have updated software.

Smartphone and software companies regularly publish updates to their operating software. Because there are millions of lines of software code, it is important to continue to counter hackers by improving each software program. These regular updates to software programs substantially reduce the risk that hackers could invade and control your smartphone or computer.

There are two dominant operating systems for smartphones. These two systems offer regular updates to smartphone software. Some updates require acceptance by the user. Once notified of an update, you should promptly accept and install the update as soon as possible.

The average smartphone user has around 80 applications (apps) on their phone, many of which require regular updates. If you have an iPhone, there is both a manual and an automatic procedure for installing updates. For the manual option, select the App Store and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. You can then choose to update each individual app, or you can select “Update All”. The Update All command may take an extended period to complete the updates.

Another option is to go to Settings, then click “Apps” and select “App Store”. From this screen, you may choose to automatically install updated software on the “App Updates” tab. This will enable most apps to be regularly updated on your iPhone. Similarly, android users can check for system updates through their Settings as well as set their preference for apps to auto-update.

If an app is not updating, you also have the option of deleting the app and then downloading it again from the App Store. The newest release of the software may be easier to keep current.

Your computer runs an operating system. Many operating systems will automatically update when you turn off your computer. This makes it easy to keep your software updated. Updates can occur almost every day.

You typically will also want to update major applications, including word processing, email or spreadsheet programs. A virus protection program generally updates each time you restart your computer. Most virus programs allow you to also scan your computer’s hard disk to determine if there are any offending files.

Another level of protection is updating your passwords. Many individuals use a password program to store all their passwords. Some programs will require a new password every three to six months.

Editor’s Note: With the increased use of AI by hackers, everyone needs to be more vigilant about updating software. Some programs on the cloud are automatically updated by the software providers. However, many users need to check their settings to ensure their smartphone and computer are promptly updated.