Update your software, or it could cost you

Edition: US - Today's top story: Why installing software updates makes us WannaCry [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 16 May 2017 [[The Conversation]Academic rigor, journalistic flair]( Editor's note The WannaCry ransomware attack still circling the globe could have been prevented if people updated their software regularly. University of Maryland computer scientist Elissa Redmiles [explains why people don’t]( (not even computer experts), and how her research is working to impress upon people the real-world importance of keeping computers and smartphones up to date. After video spread across the internet showing security forcibly dragging one of its passengers off a plane, United Airlines vowed to alter some of its policies to ensure an incident like that never happens again. But a few rule changes won’t cut it, argue Michele Gelfand and Virginia Choi of the University of Maryland. Their advice? [Loosen up](! Jeff Inglis Editor, Science + Technology Top story People don’t want to be interrupted to update their software. irin73bal via Shutterstock.com [Why installing software updates makes us WannaCry]( Elissa Redmiles, University of Maryland People don't want to endure the interruptions and inconveniences of keeping their computer software up to date. Research tells us why, and how we might fix the problem – and protect ourselves. Economy + Business - [Why United's culture needs to loosen up to avoid more PR fiascos]( Michele Gelfand, University of Maryland; Virginia Choi, University of Maryland United Airlines' recent stumbles suggest its culture is too 'tight' and constrained by rules, leaving employees little room to make judgement calls. Politics + Society - [The FBI: With great power comes great scandal]( Douglas M. Charles, Pennsylvania State University An FBI historian tells stories from the agency's ups and downs over 109 years and four dismissed directors. 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Shrestha, UNSW Two years after the second earthquake rocked Nepal in 2015, the recovery efforts have been stalled by political instability and money mismanagement. [The Conversation is a non-profit and your donation is tax deductible. Help knowledge-based, ethical journalism today.]( [Follow us on Twitter.]( [Join us on Facebook.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly](. We’ll miss you. 625 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139 USA