Every business that’s powered by technology has the fear of cyberattacks and data breaches. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach report, the average global cost of a data breach is around $4.88 million. Since a lot of threats emerge from software patch mismanagement, your patch management game needs to be strong.
Software patching is a monotonous practice but having best practices in place can simplify the job a lot. In this blog, API Connects- a leading cybersecurity and automation solutions provider in New Zealand- will share top patch management best practices to help you protect your network against potential vulnerabilities, and data breaches.
Let’s first understand what patch management is.
What is Patch Management?
Patch management is basically the application of patches in operating systems, software, and applications whenever a vulnerability is detected. This process fixes vulnerabilities, enhances security, and improves performance. By applying software patches, engineers address security flaws, fix bugs, and add new features.
Patch management is crucial for cybersecurity as outdated software can be exploited by hackers. By working with patch management best practices, engineers identify, test, and deploy patches systematically to ensure minimal disruptions to business operations while keeping systems secure and up to date. Automation makes patch management less cumbersome.
Patch Management Best Practices
The process of manual patch downloads, dull installations, and testing are no longer required since automation took over. However, following best practices of patch management ensures that your IT infrastructure stays protected and minimizes security risks.
Here’s a breakdown of the best practices for software patch management to help you streamline the process and stay ahead of threats.
1. Create Patch Management Policies
Having a proper set of rules and regulations decided for patch management forms the beginning of an effective software patch management strategy. Make sure that your policy includes:
- Criteria: A proper structure should be implemented to define a critical patch and when patches should be executed.
- Timing: Install patches when fewer people are working to reduce interruptions.
- Notifications: Set up alerts for patches applied outside of scheduled maintenance windows to address failures promptly.
2. Inventory and Consolidate Your Systems
You need a clear view of your IT environment before you apply patches. Make a list of all software, operating systems, and hardware in your organization. This step helps you know which patches matter to you and are relevant.
Pro Tip: Minimize software sprawl by consolidating applications. The fewer applications you use, the fewer patches you need to manage.
3. Categorize and Assign Risk Levels
It’s important to note that not all patches require the same level of urgency. Start by prioritizing and categorizing which patch needs more focus. Make sure to categorize first which are based on maximum vulnerabilities. Ensure that complex system security patches always take priority over small and minor bug fixes.
Pro Tip: Keep your security software, operating system, browsers, and apps up to date to lower your chances of falling for phishing scams.
4. Monitor Vendor Patch Announcements
Software companies often release security fixes, and staying in the loop is key. Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday, for example, rolls out important updates every second Tuesday of the month. Adobe and Oracle stick to similar timetables.
Consider subscribing to vendor mailing lists or using patch management software to track and deploy updates efficiently.
5. Automate Patch Management
Hand-patching can be slow and eat up time. Setting up automatic patch management helps make sure patches are put in place as soon as they become available, reducing the risk of security breaches.
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6. Anticipate Patch Exceptions
Sometimes, a software or system patch might not be immediately compatible with your system. In such cases, take precautions to protect your environment, such as limiting internet access or restricting user permissions until the patch is fully tested and implemented.
7. Test Patches First
A patch might either open new vulnerabilities or impair functionality. Always test patches in a controlled environment prior to wide distribution across the organization.
For a safe test with no impact on business operations, have a lab environment that mimics your product. This greatly minimizes the chances of disruption.
8. Create a Backup
Always backup your system before applying any patch. Whenever trouble arises, the system can be restored to its previous state, lessening downtime and data loss. A basic software patch management practice but it can help you avoid a lot of trouble.
9. Apply Patches ASAP
Once a patch is tested and approved, don’t delay deployment since cybercriminals actively look for vulnerabilities in systems. Sooner the patches are applied, the better the protection of your systems.
10. Document New Patch Applications
Keep detailed records of patch deployments, including:
- Which patches were applied
- When and where they were implemented
- Any changes made to system settings
This documentation helps IT teams track patch history, troubleshoot issues, and maintain compliance with security policies.
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Patch Management Best Practices: Final Thoughts
Implementing these patch management best practices strengthens your organization’s security posture, reduces vulnerabilities, and ensures smoother system performance. Whether you’re managing a small IT environment or an enterprise network, being familiar with software patch management best practices will help keep cyber threats at bay.
Want to simplify your patch management process? Need expert guidance with automation and cybersecurity? Email us at enquiry@apiconnects.co.nz to schedule a consultation with one of our engineers. We will help you choose the right technologies and capabilities.
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