No computer program, application, or software is perfect. During a software's lifespan there will be countless bugs, issues, and coding flaws that need to be updated and patched to ensure the best experience for the user. While some of these updates may simply address a graphical bug or user experience issue, some patches are crucial in securing that application for the businesses that use it. This is why it's important for every business to have and implement a patch management solution to remediate any vulnerabilities found in the tools that make your job possible.
What is a Patch?
A patch is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. All a patch really does is address a security bug, flaw, or glitch that has the potential to be exploited by bad actors and cyber criminals. These patches come in the form of code snippets that are pushed out to the application in order to fix the error. Patches are quick fixes to maintain an application until the next version is released.
What is a Patch Management Solution?
By extension then, patch management is the process of documenting, planning, and implementing patches on an enterprise level. These patches are usually pushed out on a network wide basis rather than to individual machines. Most businesses have dozens of computers, a few servers, and other hosts that work together to form the organizations network. Applying a patch to one of these devices while leaving the rest vulnerable doesn't address the overall security risk to your network. This is why patch management is implemented to many different hosts at the same time. All it takes is one weak link in the network to bring down the whole of the IT infrastructure.
Tenets of Patch Management
There are a few basic tenets and rules to follow when implementing a patch management solution. Organization must plan, document, and track the patches they apply and the effects they have on their security posture. There are a few things to consider when developing a patch management solution.
- Know Your Vulnerabilities: You can't know what you need to fix if you don't know what's broken. Scanning your network for vulnerabilities can reveal compromised hosts or devices that you never knew were at risk. This gives you a better perspective on what needs to be addressed in your patch management solution.
- Document Your Changes: Like any changes you make on your network, it's important you document any changes, patches, or fixes you apply to your machines. That way, if a vulnerability still exists, or something breaks you can better narrow down the potential issue.
- Prioritize Critical Assets: Not all business assets are created equally. Some devices and application are much more critical to your business operations than others. When faced with a lack of resources or time, it's important to prioritize critical business assets that you can't live without.
- Be Consistent: Patch management isn't just a one and done solution and vulnerabilities are being found everyday. Stay up to date on the latest updates regarding the applications and tools you use in your organization. The best way to secure your assets are to know when they might be vulnerable.
The Benefits of Patch Management
Every organization should have a solid patch management plan, but in case they aren't convinced there are a multitude of benefits that come with consistent patch management.
- Staying Secure: More often than not cyber criminals are able to breach an organization via a flaw or vulnerability that could've been patched. Practicing good patch management will boost your organizations security posture in the long run.
- Increased Workflow and Productivity: Some updates and patches to your software may be simple quality of life changes that make using the tools easier and efficient. Making sure you're working with the best version of a software can increase your productivity and efficiency.
- Compliance: Many security frameworks including NIST's cybersecurity framework, HIPAA, and PCI require organizations to have some form of patch management implemented within the company. Not having a patch management solution could cost you business, contracts, or have you facing legal trouble.
Next Steps
If your organization wants to start taking patch management seriously, or wants to improve upon their existing practices contact CorpInfoTech today. We offer patch management solutions for SMB's that have a real desire to bolster their security posture. We are able to scan your organization for vulnerabilities and apply the patches necessary to make sure that unwanted eyes are poking around your network. If you're ready to get secure and stay secure, contact us today!
CorpInfoTech (Corporate Information Technologies) provides small to mid-market organizations with expert I.T. services including compliance assessment, cybersecurity penetration tests, and comprehensive business continuity planning services. CorpInfoTech can help organizations, quantify, create, refine, and mitigate the risks presented by business threatening disasters in whatever form they may be disguised.
