You use Windows or macOS computers for email, invoices, accounting, POS or daily business work.
You use Windows or macOS computers for email, invoices, accounting, POS or daily business work.
Small business cyber safety
Out-of-Date Computer Risk Checker
Are old computers or apps putting your business at risk?
Check whether computers, browsers, Office, accounting apps, POS systems and remote access tools are being kept up to date. Based on public ASD/ACSC Essential Eight guidance.
Device updatesOld computer riskApp safetyPractical self-check
When to use this check
Use this when you want a practical business-owner answer, not a technical framework first.
You are not sure who checks updates for browsers, Office, PDF tools, accounting apps or remote access tools.
You are not sure who checks updates for browsers, Office, PDF tools, accounting apps or remote access tools.
You still have old computers, phones, tablets or unsupported software in the business.
You still have old computers, phones, tablets or unsupported software in the business.
Privacy: this checker runs in your browser and does not ask for sensitive details.
Answer the quick questions
Tick the statements that are true or risky for your business.
How this relates to the Essential Eight
This check relates to software updates. In Essential Eight language, it supports patching applications and operating systems.
Helps improve Essential Eight alignment step by step. This is a practical self-check, not a formal government certification or audit.
What this means for a small business
Out-of-date computers and apps can make email, invoices, customer records, remote access and daily business systems easier to compromise.
What to fix first
- Update computers, browsers, Office and PDF tools first.
- Review accounting, POS and remote access apps.
- Replace, isolate or retire old unsupported devices.
Why it matters
These basic checks help protect business operations and reduce avoidable cyber risk.
When to get local help
Your IT & Tech Mates can help review devices, updates and old software so the business has a safer, clearer update process.
Related tools
Use the hub and related tools to check the other parts of your small business cyber safety setup.
Cyber Safety Hub
Return to the hub and choose your business concern.
Small Business Cyber Safety Self Check
Start with the full five-minute check across logins, backups, updates, access and device safety.
Email & Login Safety Checker
Check two-step login and account access for email, cloud, accounting, website and social platforms.
Backup Safety Checker
Check whether files, invoices, records and job photos can be recovered if something goes wrong.
Staff Access Risk Checker
Review old accounts, admin access, shared passwords and contractor access.
Out-of-Date Computer Risk Checker
Check whether computers, browsers, Office, accounting apps, POS systems and remote access tools are being kept up to date.
Risky Office Attachment Checker
Check whether risky Office files, invoices, spreadsheets, supplier documents or attachments could put your business at risk.
Safer Browser & App Settings Checker
Check browser updates, extensions, downloads, password saving, PDF readers, remote access apps and common unsafe app settings.
Cyber Insurance & Tender Evidence Helper
Prepare a plain-English evidence checklist for insurers, suppliers, clients or tenders.
Small Business Cyber Action Plan Builder
Turn your answers into a simple action plan: first 3 fixes, this week, this month and later.
Need help turning this into real protection?
Your IT & Tech Mates can help set up two-step login, backups, updates, admin access, safer devices, and a plain-English cyber action plan for your business.
FAQ
Are automatic updates enough?
They help, but someone should still check failed updates, old devices, unsupported software and business apps that do not update automatically.
Should old computers be replaced straight away?
Not always, but unsupported computers should be reviewed because they may no longer receive security updates.
Is this a formal audit?
No. This is a practical self-check based on public ASD/ACSC Essential Eight guidance, not a formal government certification or audit.