Cybersecurity is often seen as a one-off task, but it’s never as simple as a set-it-and-forget-it approach. New threats emerge, and vulnerabilities seem to pop up out of nowhere, often when least expected. When it comes to cybersecurity, the best defense a business can have is an ongoing patch management process.
What is patch management?
Patch management is a structured method of identifying gaps in software integrity and correcting them through targeted updates also known as patches. These patches can address minor glitches, performance issues, or most importantly, security vulnerabilities that could enable unauthorized access to your systems. Neglecting critical updates and regular patch deployment means known weaknesses remain active within your environment, increasing the risk of data breaches, system failures, and downtime.
What is the typical patch management life cycle?
A successful patch management policy follows a clear and repeatable cycle:
Identify and assess security vulnerabilities
Start by detecting weak points in your systems. These can range from unpatched applications to outdated firmware. Security scans and vulnerability assessments highlight which areas are most at risk and need immediate attention. The more frequently these scans occur, the more likely your team can catch vulnerabilities and threats before they become serious problems.
Evaluate available patches
After detecting security risks, the next step is to review and prioritize available patches. Vendors typically release these updates with notes on what they fix and how urgent they are. Updates that address security flaws should be prioritized over those that improve noncritical functionality. For instance, an update correcting a known exploit in your server software should be prioritized over one improving user interface speed.
Test and deploy patches
Testing patches is important to make sure that they’re compatible with your existing systems and don’t interfere with critical processes (e.g., causing downtime or data loss). It’s best to have a designated test environment where you can safely deploy the patches and ensure they work as intended before applying them to your live systems.
Once tested, patches should be installed in all devices across the company, preferably during non-peak hours to avoid disrupting regular business operations. It’s important to keep track of which patches have been installed, as well as any potential issues that may arise during the installation process.
Monitor and verify
Even after deploying patches, your job isn’t done. Ongoing monitoring is essential to check whether the patches were successfully implemented and that no vulnerabilities remain. This also includes verifying that the update didn’t create new problems, such as system slowdowns or conflicts with other software.
Why is patch management important?
Having a structured patch management plan in place is crucial for several reasons:
Protecting against cyberattacks
Software vulnerabilities can allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to your systems. These weak points can exist in operating systems, third-party applications, or even firmware, and they often go unnoticed until they are actively exploited. Regular patch management addresses these flaws by closing known entry points before attackers can take advantage of them.
Consider a scenario in which a customer database application contains a known vulnerability. If your team delays updating it, a cybercriminal could deploy automated tools to detect and breach the system, steal data, and disrupt operations. By applying the update as soon as it’s available, you effectively block this type of intrusion.
Patch management best practices also discourage opportunistic attacks that rely on common, unpatched exploits across many organizations. Cybercriminals often cast a wide net, hoping to snag businesses that haven’t updated widely used software. By staying current with patches, your business avoids becoming an easy target, reducing both the likelihood and potential severity of an attack.
Compliance requirements
Industries such as healthcare, finance, and eCommerce are bound by strict data protection laws that require timely action on software vulnerabilities. Regulatory compliance frameworks such as HIPAA and PCI DSS specify that businesses must maintain secure systems, which involves applying critical patches without delay. Ignoring these obligations increases the likelihood of data exposure and legal consequences. Regular patching shows a company’s commitment to compliance and accountability in handling sensitive information.
Improved system performance
While patches primarily focus on security, they may also include system performance improvements. Patches may provide feature updates that streamline processes, fix bugs, or improve functionality, which can contribute to a smoother, more efficient working environment.
Maintaining trust with customers
Today’s customers expect businesses to take security seriously, especially when personal or financial information is involved. Proactively applying software patches shows that your business is actively managing digital risks. On the other hand, overlooking updates can lead to system breaches that damage client relationships and brand reputation.
What types of tools are involved in effective patch management?
Instead of installing individual security updates manually, there are various tools your businesses can use to automate and streamline the patching process.
Vulnerability management tools
Vulnerability management software detects weak points in your digital environment. This highlights the areas of your system where patches need to be installed and configured first.
Patch management software
Built-in patch management tools such as Windows Update can identify missing operating system updates, apply patches with minimal disruption, and maintain detailed logs of what’s been addressed.
Azure Update Manager is also another solution that can automate patch management for cloud and on-premises computing environments. It comes with a dashboard that keeps a detailed asset inventory and software version logs, monitor update compliance and missing patches, and deploy critical security updates over the corporate network. These platforms also enable system administrators to schedule updates for all company-registered devices during off-peak hours, effectively keeping all devices protected at scale.
Mobile device management (MDM) software
MDM software, such as Microsoft Intune, function similarly to patch management solutions but specifically for mobile devices. MDM software allows system administrators to monitor and manage all company-registered mobile devices, ensuring they have the latest security patches and updates. Plus, companies can set conditional access policies where devices must meet certain security requirements before gaining access to company data, introducing an additional layer of protection.
The right patch management software and strong policies can protect your systems, data, and reputation. For businesses that need expert security teams to implement a tried and tested patch management strategy, Dynamic Solutions Group is here to help. We’re managed services providers that focus on patch management, asset management, endpoint management, and so much more. Contact us today to learn how we can support your company’s cybersecurity needs with effective patch management solutions.
