Patch management involves identifying and deploying software updates, also called “fixes” or “patches,” to various endpoints, including computers, mobile devices, and servers.
Patches are typically distributed by software developers to fix known security vulnerabilities or technical issues. They also allow you to add new features and functions to the application. These short-term solutions are intended to be used until the next version of the software is released.
The patch management process can be handled by the IT team, an automated tool, or a combination of both. To be effective, the patch management process must include the following steps:
Testing patch compatibility and installation on all affected endpoints
An accurate and effective patch management strategy is essential to ensure network security because these patches are designed to address known vulnerabilities. The risk associated with using outdated software will be even greater if cyber adversaries are able to more easily identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems.
Do you want to know which fixes to apply first? See what CrowdStrike researchers have to say about the latest patches released for major vulnerabilities.
Why is patch management necessary?
Patch management is an essential part of the vulnerability management strategy to ensure its cybersecurity. Unpatched software applications and operating systems are one of the leading causes of security compromise today. A fast and accurate patch management process, combined with monitoring, detection and remediation tools and processes, helps reduce the risk of such incidents.
In recent years, migration to the cloud as well as the rise of remote working and the use of personal devices at work have made stricter patch management policies more essential than ever. A modern patch management process must protect all endpoints that connect to the network, regardless of ownership or location.
In addition to strengthening cybersecurity, patches help businesses improve overall performance by minimizing downtime due to outdated or unsupported software. In some cases, patches provide new benefits and add functionality that improves operational efficiency.
It is also important to note that, in many cases, patch management is made mandatory by industry or government bodies or other regulatory bodies. Failure to comply with this obligation may result in fines, sanctions and other penalties.
It may seem natural to apply patches to keep an organization’s operations and assets secure and protected. Yet the number of cyberattacks due to unpatched systems continues to rise, meaning many businesses still don’t have an effective patch management process in place to deploy updates quickly and efficiently.
Patches are typically distributed by software companies to fix known security vulnerabilities. This makes them high on the IT security team’s priority list. However, testing and deploying these fixes is typically left to the IT team, who often have other priorities, so fixing vulnerabilities often takes a back seat. Many IT teams prioritize system operations over security and focus their efforts on short-term improvements in system productivity rather than identifying potential weak points. Given the increasing risks posed by poorly patched systems,
The security team often provides a long list of systems to patch to the IT team, so the IT team can quickly become overwhelmed. It’s almost impossible for businesses to patch every system. Collaboration between the two teams is therefore necessary to determine where to focus often limited resources. Prioritize which software and systems should be protected, regularly assess vulnerabilities, and check for corresponding patch updates. Since resources vary from organization to organization, the patching strategy should be based on the type of vulnerability, level of risk, and potential business impact.
Many companies do not have formal patching policies or enforcement mechanisms to ensure that necessary updates have been made. As noted above, IT teams don’t always have the time or resources to apply patches on a regular basis. Furthermore, the lack of formal rules does not encourage teams to give the required attention to this task, especially when they are also responsible for the operation and integrity of the network. Companies must implement clear and binding rules for applying patches so that the IT team prioritizes this task and assumes its responsibilities in this area.
Given the role patching plays in an organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy, a precise and consistent process for patching operating systems and software applications should be in place.
At the same time, it is unrealistic to task an already overburdened IT team with such tedious tasks as manual vulnerability monitoring, testing, and patch deployment. To further complicate matters, migration to the cloud as well as the widespread use of teleworking and the use of personal devices in the office require most companies to adopt automated vulnerability management and patching solutions to accelerate the process.
Be First to Comment