The official Linux Mint blog recently issued a notice to remind users to install security updates. The Linux Mint team mentioned that these security updates are very important because they will fix vulnerabilities in computers and protect users from local and remote attacks, or attacks from malicious software. In addition, when the system is found to have vulnerabilities, developers will repair them in time, and these repair patches will also be provided via security updates.
However, internal statistics show that a large number of users did not install the security update. According to the report, it can be seen from inaccurate statistical results that only about 30% of users install official security updates in less than a week, but 5% to 30% of users are still running Linux Mint 17.x. Linux Mint 17.x reached EOL (End-Of-Life) in April 2019
Therefore, in addition to reminding users to install security updates, they also warn users not to run EOL releases, because these systems will no longer receive security updates, and there is a huge risk of attack.
Finally, the Linux Mint team also provides a tutorial to install the update.
Check your version of Linux Mint
Open a terminal and type:
lsb_release -r
Install timeshift
If your version of Linux Mint is 18.3 or higher, Timeshift is already installed. Otherwise, type the following commands in your terminal to install it:
apt update
apt install timeshift
Create a system snapshot
Run Timeshift and configure it it it’s the first time you run it (select the default options if you’re not sure).
Press the “Create” button to perform a system snapshot.
If anything goes wrong you’ll be able to come back thanks to this snapshot.
Apply all updates
Run the Update Manager.
Press the “Refresh” button to find available updates.
If a new version of the Update Manager itself is available, you will need to apply it first.
Press “Install Updates” to update your computer.
Automate snapshots and updates
Updates are indicated by a shield icon in your system tray. Unlike other operating systems which rely on frustration and which annoy you at the worst possible time until you perform updates, Linux Mint gives you a visual indication that updates are available but it’s up to you to decide when to apply them.
This setup is empowering and comfortable but it does rely on you to eventually apply the updates.
