While exploring vulnerability management services for your business, you may wonder, what is patch management? Keep reading to learn more about this service and how it can protect your business.
Definition of Patch Management
Patch management is the process of managing, distributing, and applying software updates known as “patches” to endpoints on a network. Patches are code changes that address security issues and help correct vulnerabilities in a system. When a bug is found in a piece of software, a patch can fix it. It can also go beyond software bug fixes to include new features and functionality updates. Patch management is an important part of vulnerability management, a broader strategy for finding and fixing the security vulnerabilities of a network.
Patch management can be either automated or manual. Automated patch management software is often the more beneficial option because it automates various stages of the patch management process, like monitoring and deployment, allowing you to shift your focus to other business needs.
How Does Patch Management Work?
The patch management process consists of scanning devices on a network for missing patches and then deploying new ones. An individual team or automated software completes the scan and then handles patch deployment, deciding which tools need patches and when they should be applied. We recommend following these patch management best practices.
1. Create a Patch Management Policy
A patch management policy lays a basic framework for your patch management process and sets clear rules for security teams. It should outline how and when to monitor, test, and deploy patches and also include disaster recovery procedures to revert bad patches.
2. Scan Networks Regularly
One of the most important parts of the patch management process is scanning your network so you can find missing updates and vulnerabilities. Before you can fix your problems, you need to know what and where they are in the first place. You should monitor the patch status of all your applications regularly so that you can quickly fix vulnerabilities as they arise.
3. Test Patches Before Applying
It’s best to try out new patches in a testing environment to avoid incompatibility or performance issues before they go live. This will minimize the chance of conflict. After testing, you can deploy patches into the production environment.
4. Document
Create reports that document every patching cycle. This makes it easier to analyze risk, prioritize, and optimize the process. It also creates a record of patch management compliance.
Why is Patch Management Important?
One of the most critical benefits of patch management is security. Consistent patching protects your operating systems against cyber threats and hackers who exploit vulnerabilities. Many patch management tools work across various operating systems, including Microsoft, Windows, and Linux. If you don’t patch your software, you increase your likelihood of cyber attacks and security breaches, leading to more downtime and less security and productivity. Cyberattacks are often hard to recover from financially.
Patch management is especially important for businesses with multiple servers. Manually managing a large number of patches is not only challenging and time-consuming but a risk. A managed service provider can offer patch management solutions that suit your business’s unique cybersecurity needs.
New susceptibilities pop up with every new endpoint, operating system, and piece of software your organization uses. Warwick’s security professionals have the cybersecurity and vulnerability detection tools you need to keep your business safe. Contact our experts today to find a solution that fits your business.
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