What can be a consequence of not applying patch updates in an operating system?

Not applying patch updates in an operating system can lead to increased vulnerability to security threats. Operating system developers regularly release patches to address newly discovered security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers or malicious software. These patches may also fix bugs that can cause system instability or inefficiency.

By neglecting to update the operating system with these patches, users leave their systems exposed to potential attacks, which could result in data breaches, unauthorized access, or other malicious activities. Moreover, as cyber threats evolve, not having the latest security measures in place can make a system more susceptible to exploitation. Therefore, regularly applying updates is a critical practice for maintaining system security and integrity.