Cyber threats are constantly evolving and having effective patch management is more crucial than ever.

Patching as it is sometimes known, involves the timely application of software updates to fix vulnerabilities, enhance functionality, and protect systems from potential exploits. Neglecting patches can leave organisations exposed to security risks that could compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations.

In this blog, we’ll explore the fundamentals of patch management, its significance in safeguarding your IT infrastructure, to ensure your systems remain secure and up-to-date.

Patch management is the process of overseeing and applying updates, known as patches, to software applications and operating systems within an organisation. These patches are typically released by software vendors to fix security vulnerabilities, address bugs, and improve functionality. The patch management process involves several key steps, including identifying the software that requires updates, assessing the available patches, testing them in a controlled environment to ensure compatibility, and deploying them to all relevant systems.

This ongoing process is crucial for keeping software up to date, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, enhancing system security, and maintaining optimal performance across an organisation's IT infrastructure. By effectively managing patches, organisations can protect themselves from potential threats and minimise the risks associated with outdated software.

Patch management is important for several reasons, primarily centered around security, compliance, and system performance. One of its key roles is to protect systems from vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cyber attackers, who often target outdated software to gain unauthorised access. By regularly applying patches, organisations can significantly reduce their risk of data breaches and cyber incidents. Additionally, many industries have regulations and standards that require organisations to maintain up-to-date software for compliance purposes; neglecting patch management can lead to hefty fines or legal consequences.

Furthermore, patches often include performance improvements and bug fixes, which can enhance the overall functionality and reliability of systems, ultimately contributing to a smoother and more efficient operation. Overall, effective patch management is essential for maintaining a secure and resilient IT environment.

Patch management involves a systematic process of identifying, acquiring, testing, and installing updates or patches for software applications and operating systems.

It begins with scanning the IT environment to identify the software in use and determine which patches are available and necessary for each system. Once the relevant patches are identified, they may be tested in a controlled environment to ensure compatibility and stability before being deployed across the network.

After successful testing, the patches are rolled out to the production systems. Continuous monitoring and reporting are essential to track the status of deployed patches and address any issues that arise. This proactive approach helps maintain security and software integrity, ensuring that systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.

A study by security firm Bromium reports that, on average, organisations have to issue an emergency patch five times a month, with each patch taking 13 hours. The research also said: “53% of businesses have had to pay overtime, or bring in a third party issues response team, to issue patches or fire-fight a security issue in the past year”. This reportedly costs businesses an average of £15,630.

Patch management is a crucial aspect of cyber security that offers several significant benefits for organisations. By systematically updating software applications and systems, businesses can protect themselves from vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyber criminals.

Timely patching helps to enhance system performance and reliability, reducing the likelihood of crashes or data loss. Additionally, a robust patch management strategy ensures compliance with industry regulations and standards, minimising the risk of legal repercussions. Overall, effective patch management not only safeguards sensitive data but also promotes a more secure and efficient technological environment.

In short, yes. Performing regular patches is critical for the smooth running of your IT suite and ensures that any bugs are fixed. If your business does not have it’s own IT department, or perhaps your IT department is over stretched, there is an option to Outsource your patch management, sometimes also referred to as Managed or  Co-managed Patch Management.

As a managed service provider, Gather have a dedicated team of IT professionals that can perform patch management for your business, leaving you time to focus on your business.