Why Patch Management is Essential for Cybersecurity 

As the digital landscape grows increasingly complex, organisations face constant cybersecurity threats. One of the most effective ways to mitigate these vulnerabilities is through diligent patch management.  

Patch management involves a systematic approach that empowers IT and operations teams to identify, prioritise, test, and implement necessary patches or updates for software, firmware, drivers, and APIs throughout an organisation’s infrastructure. This comprehensive process applies to various assets, from employee desktops and dormant endpoint devices to cloud-based storage systems, which must be secured and updated. Patch management is often seen as a key component of vulnerability management. By neglecting patch management, organisations expose themselves to various cyber threats, including malware infections, data breaches, and ransomware attacks. 

In this article, we will explore the importance of patch management and delve into best practices for implementing an effective strategy. 

Start with the basics of understanding patch management 

A “patch” is a specific update or set of updates provided by software developers or vendors to fix technical issues or known security vulnerabilities.  Occasionally, these patches may also include new features and functions for the application. For instance, Microsoft regularly releases patches for its Windows operating systems and applications like Office. These patches are typically rolled out every month (the second Tuesday of each month), a day known as Patch Tuesday.

It’s important to know the difference between patches and software updates. Patches are smaller, targeted updates designed to fix specific problems in software, such as security vulnerabilities or bugs. Software updates, on the other hand, often introduce new features or enhancements. While both are important, patches are crucial in resolving problems and preventing cyber threats. They’re essentially temporary fixes that bridge the gap between regular software updates. 

Decoding the process of patch management

Here are the key steps to understanding the patch management process and ensuring its effectiveness. 

• Inventory: Identifying every piece of hardware, driver, and software within networks to determine what requires patching accurately. 

• Prioritization: Assessing the seriousness of vulnerabilities and their potential risk to rank the urgency of updates. 

• Testing: Evaluation of updates on a test server before rolling them out.  

• Deployment: Systematically applying updates across the organisation. 

• Verification: Ensuring that updates have been properly and effectively applied. 

• Reporting: Track patching progress. Document your system’s condition before and after installing patches to identify any patch-related issues. 

Benefits of patch management in your cybersecurity stack

Beyond the core security advantages, patch management offers several other benefits for organisations: 

Prevents downtime: Security breaches can lead to costly downtime and operational disruptions. By promptly applying software updates and patches, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of breaches and ensure their servers remain functional and accessible. This proactive approach helps maintain business continuity and avoids the financial and productivity losses associated with unplanned outages. 

Ensures compliance: Many industries face stringent security regulations, like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). These regulations frequently mandate that organisations keep their software up to date to safeguard sensitive information. For example, the PCI DSS mandates firms that handle cardholder data (CHD) to apply patches on all assets used in transaction processing routinely. Similarly, HIPAA requires covered companies to routinely apply fixes to all systems that handle sensitive protected health information (PHI). Non-compliance with these standards can lead to significant penalties and harm an organisation’s reputation. A well-crafted patch management strategy ensures all devices adhere to these compliance standards. 

Enhances system performance: By keeping your software updated, you can take advantage of new features that improve network connectivity and overall performance. This can lead to a faster and more efficient computer experience. 

Efficient resource allocation: IT teams manage numerous hardware and software components. By prioritising and managing patches, they can optimize resource allocation and improve overall efficiency. 

Patch management software options

Many patch management software options are compatible with popular operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux. These programs keep track of missing and available patches on various devices. When patches are available, the software can automatically apply them in real time or according to a set schedule. This automates the process, eliminating the need for IT managers or device users to manually search for and install new patches. Prominent patch management software options include Atera, Automox, GFI LanGuard, Kaseya VSA, ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus, and SolarWinds Patch Manager. 

Overcoming challenges of implementing patch management

While patch management is generally a beneficial practice, its implementation can present challenges and limitations. In some cases, the technology may be too old to support patch updates. If that happens, a disaster recovery plan is crucial for safeguarding data and ensuring smooth software operation. This plan might include using an older version of the software, moving your data to a newer software system, or removing unprotected data to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks. 

Before rolling out a patch to your entire organisation, consider a “soft launch.” This involves testing the patch on a small group of users (around 5%) to identify and address potential issues before a full-scale deployment. Many patch management systems offer built-in features for automated soft launches, streamlining the process. 

Distilled 

Patch management is a cornerstone of effective cybersecurity, regardless of a business’s size. Neglecting to apply software updates can leave organisations vulnerable to cyberattacks, exposing sensitive data, damaging reputations, and incurring significant financial losses. Businesses can significantly enhance their security posture and protect their valuable assets by prioritising patch management.