As technology advances and cyber threats increase, patch management has become an essential part of the day-to-day administration of the IT infrastructure. Patch management refers to identifying, acquiring, testing, and installing patches or updates for software and applications. In this article, I discuss the importance of implementing regular patch management in IT.
The Consequences of Ignoring Patch Management
Failure to implement or ignore a patch management strategy can lead to various consequences, including security risks, data loss, and system downtime. Cybercriminals can exploit outdated software and application vulnerabilities, leading to data breaches and other security incidents.
Not patching your systems on time can also result in system failures and crashes, leading to significant financial losses. In addition, companies may face legal and regulatory consequences for failing to implement adequate patch management processes.
As an IT professional, you even risk being fired for not patching your systems or understanding the importance of keeping them up to date. If vulnerabilities are exploited on your watch, you will face the pressure of being blamed for the breach of your company’s infrastructure.
If you live in a small country like The Bahamas, where I live, everyone in the industry will know why you were fired. In our community, bad news travels quickly to other IT professionals.
Benefits of Regular Patch Management
Regular patch management offers several benefits, including improved security, cost savings, stability, performance, and peace of mind. Compliance with regulations is also critical, and patch management ensures systems meet industry standards and regulations. Let’s discuss these benefits in more detail.
Improved Security
The first and most important benefit of regular patch management is improved security. Cybercriminals are developing new techniques and tools to exploit vulnerabilities in software and applications daily. Fixing these vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other security incidents.
Regular patching ensures that systems and applications are up-to-date with the latest security features, reducing the risk of cyber attacks. It is essential to remember that cybercriminals are always looking for vulnerabilities to exploit, and not patching your systems can leave your business open to attack.
Increased Stability and Performance
Regular patch management also ensures that systems and applications run smoothly, reducing the likelihood of system failures and crashes.
In general, patches address issues that may cause instability or performance issues. Failing to patch systems can lead to slow applications, crashes, and other business operations problems.
In addition, patching ensures that applications are compatible with new operating systems and other technologies, leading to increased stability and performance.
Compliance with Inhouse Security and Compliance Team
Compliance with regulations, especially your in-house security and compliance team, is critical for companies operating in various industries. For example, companies in the healthcare industry must implement security measures to protect patient data.
Similarly, companies in the financial industry, like banks, must implement security protocols to protect credit and debit card data. Regular patching ensures systems meet industry standards and regulations, helping companies avoid penalties and fines.
I remember in my last place of employment, the company implemented a security and compliance team. At first, I rejected the need for a team to tell us what to do about security issues. After working closely with the compliance team, I finally accepted the idea. Working with the in-house compliance team taught me so much about security.
Now, in my present place of employment, I can spot issues about systems that I usually would not have been able to see without being exposed to the security aspects of IT.
Cost Savings
Regular patching can help companies save money by reducing the need for costly emergency repairs. Failure to patch systems can lead to system failures and crashes, resulting in significant downtime and financial losses. Emergency repairs can be expensive, and regular patching can help companies avoid these expenses. In addition, regular patching can also extend the life of systems and applications, reducing the need for expensive upgrades.
Steps for Implementing a Patch Management Strategy
Every good patch management strategy must have a good and robust third-party Patch Management Software in its arsenal of tools.
WSUS is suitable for patching Microsoft systems but cannot patch third-party software running on these systems. It also cannot patch other operation systems that are not Microsoft.
Patch Management Plus, a software by Manage Engine, offers solutions to patch Microsoft, Linux, and even Mac Operating systems. If you have less than one hundred desktops and servers and are not concerned with patching third-party applications, WSUS will be a good fit.
To implement a patch management strategy, companies should identify their systems and applications, prioritize patches, test patches before deployment, schedule patch installations, and monitor and evaluate the patch management strategy.
Identifying systems and applications is critical, allowing companies to determine which applications need patching. Prioritizing patches is also crucial, allowing companies to focus on critical patches that address high-risk vulnerabilities.
Testing patches before deployment ensures that patches do not cause system failures or crashes. Scheduling patch installations ensures that patches are installed during non-critical times, reducing the risk of downtime.
Lastly, monitoring and evaluating the patch management strategy ensures that companies can identify any areas that need improvement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, regular patch management is an essential aspect of IT infrastructure. Failure to implement an adequate patch management strategy can lead to significant consequences, including security risks, data loss, and downtime. Regular patching offers several benefits, including improved security, increased stability and performance, compliance with regulations, and cost savings.
To implement a patch management strategy, companies should identify their systems and applications, prioritize patches, test patches before deployment, schedule patch installations, and monitor and evaluate the patch management strategy. By prioritizing patch management, companies can ensure that their systems and applications remain secure and stable, helping to protect business operations and reduce the risk of financial losses.