What is patch management and how does it work?Patch management consists of scanning computers, mobile devices or other machines on a network for missing software updates, known as “patches” and fixing the problem by deploying those patches as soon as they become available. Patches are a type of code that is inserted (or patched) into the code of an existing software program. It is typically a stop-gap measure until a new full release of the software becomes available.
Why is patch management important?Proper patch management can greatly improve an enterprise’s security by addressing the vulnerabilities in its software and operating systems. Here are a few reasons why patch management is a critical expenditure in almost any IT budget:
Patch management step-by-stepInstalling the latest updates is not the most effective process of patch management. In fact, every tool should follow a detailed set of steps to ensure that the end result is economical, efficient and effective. Here are some keys steps to developing an up-to-date inventory of the existing devices:
Though these steps may vary, the larger point is the updates should not be installed as they become available. Instead, they should go through a process laid down by the organization. Such a process-oriented approach will also make it easy to follow some of the best practices of patch management. Patch management best practicesPatch management is typically high on an administrator’s to-do list. If done incorrectly patch management can be a risk for the organization instead of a risk mitigator. A few simple best practices however easily eliminate all of these risks as well as ensure that the process is finished quickly and efficiently. Here are some best practices for patch management to help an organization enhance its security and to stay updated on all the latest additions made to any software:
Patch management policyHaving an established and documented patch management policy will help your organization protect itself from viruses and security vulnerabilities. But what should a patch management policy include, apart from deploying patches?
Getting started using patch management software tools
Over the last few years, automated patch management tools have emerged to take this pressure off administrators and to improve the overall efficiency of downloading and installing patches across different devices. As a result, every organization can update all its endpoints with the latest patches and with little human interference, regardless of its hardware specifications and geographical locations. But how do you choose the right patch management software, given the large number of patch management tools available today? Here are some capabilities that should be present in any good automated patch management software:
Case studies for patch management
Bayview Medical Clinic
FrugalBrothers
Software Related Posts
May 23, 2022 Cyber EssentialsWhat you need to know about Cyber Essentials and how it can help your business. Read more...
Aug 12, 2021 How email to fax and fax to email worksStreamline business processes by incorporating fax with email Read more...
Oct 28, 2019 Security Compliance and Patch ManagementDiscover why many government agencies and industry associations have mandated patch management compliance - and how you can respond Read more...
Aug 14, 2019 Linux patch management software and strategiesDiscover the unique challenges to patch management in Linux Read more...
Aug 14, 2019 Windows Patch Management Best PracticesImprove security by systematically addressing vulnerabilities in your Microsoft software and operating systems Read more...
Aug 14, 2019 Patch Management Audit Checklist by GFI SoftwarePerform regular and systematic patch management audits to evaluate the success of an organization’s patch management program Read more... TypeProductsWhat name do we give to attacks that occur before a patch is available?A zero-day vulnerability is a software vulnerability discovered by attackers before the vendor has become aware of it. Because the vendors are unaware, no patch exists for zero-day vulnerabilities, making attacks likely to succeed.
What important role does systems monitoring perform in support of incident management?Incident management systems use monitoring system outputs (and other relevant inputs) in order to quickly detect, prioritize, diagnose, and resolve performance issues that are disrupting normal service operation.
Which of the following means that the information as a set is reliable complete and correct?Accuracy. As the name implies, this data quality characteristic means that information is correct.
|