Patch Management Overview: Benefits, Best Practices & Importance
- Manoj Kumar
- November 21, 2023
- MSP Blog
- 0
It is always a challenge to prepare for future trends in cybersecurity. Patch management is a vital component for maintaining a solid defense. A good Patch Management System recognizes risks or weaknesses in operational software that cause an interruption of workflow.
Most IT companies focus on patch management as an update strategy for their software. Patch management is IT experts’ coordination of processes and procedures to execute software upgrades and bug fixes.
These upgrades are vital for cybersecurity and MSP services to guarantee a company’s IT infrastructure has the most up-to-date security features. This blog highlights that one must choose an appropriate ConnectWise Automate Patch Management system well-suited for one’s environment.
These systems play an essential part in protecting digital properties and developing an effective cyber security plan.
What is Patching?
The term ‘patch’ refers to measures used to fix the software by repairing any issues, flaws, or shortcomings in the program. As such, these patches remedy issues that strengthen the whole software. Patches are also effective in eradicating malicious software applications and other digital dangers. In addition to better security, they can upgrade or add new items to software as soon as it is released.
What do you Know About Patch Management?
Patch management is a comprehensive process encompassing patch organization, selection, and application.
Patching is only a small part of it, as it incorporates the entire process of ensuring the security and proper functioning of the IT systems.
These include classifying applications, software, and operating systems vulnerable to cyberattacks and malfunctioning and selecting and testing optimal patches for applications.
Moreover, it has some essential features which may be slightly different from each other, depending on the environment. Like, MSPs have their own way, while other IT specialists handle it their own way.
For example, standalone systems (that run by macOS or Windows) automatically search the updates for patches and install them.
A system usually installs an update after locating one, requiring a user to restart his computer for the changes to become effective.
However, patching a system in larger organizations requires some specific steps. Software versions should not be consistent among companies if individual PC owners handle the updates of each of them separately.
MSPs typically deploy a patch management server that pushes out updates to every computer in the environment. The server performs a scan on hardware devices for any missing patches that will be administrated based on the network’s patch management policies.
Benefits or Importance of Patch Management to Know
Many big software companies regularly release patches for critical reasons. These are:
1. Security Enhancement:
Patch management aims to improve system security by mitigating identified vulnerabilities. Software systems that have not been patched act as a backdoor, allowing entry into systems that would otherwise be off-limits and may expose sensitive information.
2. Compliance Requirements:
Some industries have compliance requirements for periodic software upgrades. Therefore, patch management is vital in ensuring that organizations comply with these provisions without attracting penalties and legal liabilities.
3. Adding New Features:
Patches are sometimes offered to add additional features to the software. This is becoming increasingly common, particularly in the case of subscription-based cloud software, where updates and improvements are more regular.
4. Risk Mitigation and Bug Fixing:
There is always some emerging cyber threat, and it is revealed that there is a new loophole every now and then. Patch management addresses the various risks posed by these vulnerabilities by eliminating possible paths of exploitation. It also aids in the correction of errors or faults in software. This improves the software’s performance stability and eliminates users’ unpleasant difficulties.
5. Stability and Performance:
Patches not only cover security holes but also make software more efficient and stable. The regular update makes it better for users, fixes errors, and optimizes resources that are used by the app.
Demerits of Patch Management
While patch management is critical, there are certain obstacles to the process. Some of the drawbacks are as follows:
- Downtime: Patch installation sometimes requires system reboots, resulting in temporary downtime. This can be troublesome for organizations that must be available around the clock.
- Compatibility Obstacles: Patches may cause compatibility issues with current software or hardware in certain cases. Careful testing is necessary to guarantee that changes do not affect routine operations.
How does patch management work? (Steps Involved)
Patch management can be lengthy or only minute, depending on the situation. If a skilled and expert individual is in charge, the procedure proceeds smoothly and without errors. However, below are the steps included in the management procedure:
Look at Every Detail Closely
First, use a competent patch management system to review all of your applications. A complete system assessment is performed, allowing for the identification of weak points and problem areas and the necessity for patching. Furthermore, it ensures that the most appropriate solutions will be applied.
Find the Problems
All of the problems that have been found should now be organized according to their severity before being rectified step by step. Fix the important ones first and then the lesser issues next.
Test it Out
The patches are first confirmed if they can work with the software for the purpose of assurance. These tests can be done before employment or used in some systems and tested afterward.
Put the Patches in Place
After the systems have been reviewed and the endpoints are established, the patches come into the picture. In addition, a good manager should always inform you of other processes, like system updatings and patching services.
Get Regular Reports
Users provide feedback on systems through information. That means a working patch management system that is regularly maintained will function effectively. The reports also keep technicians up to date on how well the system has been performing.
Make Patches as Required
However, some patches can get outmoded with time and stop working for a specific issue. This helps to identify problems that may be recognized by regular reporting. However, implementing a proper patch management system means you no longer need to worry about patches and bugs.
Why do businesses prefer hiring a patch management service?
Patch management is necessary, although it is outside the scope of usual business or office tasks. Even though it is an extra task beyond regular business affairs, it requires significant time and resources. This is the main reason why many businesses choose to outsource patch management to a reputable service provider.
A patch management service provider, such as ConnectWise Automate patch management, has the tools, software infrastructure, and experience required to complete the whole patch management process.
Moreover, they update you with detailed reports on completed tasks, applied patches, bug fixes, and updates.
Why Patch Management is Important for MSPs?
Keeping your client’s software up to date and secure is an essential step in ensuring the security of their online systems. With careful preparation, MSPs may make a significant difference in safeguarding the clients’ networks.
Patch management is essential for MSPs, especially in sectors with strict regulations. Government and business entities in sensitive industries like banking and healthcare demand that enterprises adopt cutting-edge software. Updating software with the newest security features in these patches reduces the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks.