Companies face a spectrum of cyber threats. Cybersecurity risks are at a peak, with ransomware attacks, data breaches and other threats a regular occurrence. You can protect against these threat variables by establishing and enforcing a good patch management policy.
What is Patch Management?
Patch management refers to identifying software updates for IT infrastructure systems and applications, and then validating and downloading them. Doing so in a timely manner will address issues like software bugs, performance improvements, and security flaws. This kind of remote access makes sense, but we can only support it if the companies have their patch management policies under control (this is a fancy name for detailed manuals on how to install and execute updates). When you have an effective patch management in place, you are ensuring that your systems are patched regularly. This is a big step in protecting your sensitive data from known vulnerabilities.
Why all the Fuss about Patch Policies?
- Fewer security vulnerabilities: Patch management does the most essential job of all, making sure that your devices are less vulnerable to emerging exploits. There are always vulnerabilities in software and systems that cybercriminals exploit for malicious activities. Software providers can release an update as soon they find a vulnerability, but if these changes are not applied soon, enough the system remains open to attacks from an attacker. Any businesses that does not apply the update is vulnerable and may suffer significant downtime and financial loss. Implementing a solid patch policy minimizes the risk of exploitation by requiring that all patches are installed promptly.
- Ensuring Business Continuity: In addition to software bugs and performance issues that can lead to system crashes or downtime, unpatched systems are a prime target for hackers. These interruptions can have a significant impact on your business operations, leading to reduced output revenue and clientele. By keeping up with patch management processes and regular updates to software, you can help reduce the chances of system failures.
- Compliance: Many businesses are required to follow rigorous cybersecurity and data protection laws. Organizations must implement security measures to protect sensitive data to meet regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the US, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
- Protecting Sensitive Information: Unpatched systems may subject you to cyberattacks that can lead to private data being leaked to other users.
- Improved performance: The release of patches improves system performance and increases service efficiency by fixing security loopholes.
- Managing the Complexity of IT Environments: Almost every company has a complex environment. This is especially true in the case of devices and apps — it can get quite messy trying to patch a lot of different systems. A patch management policy provides an organized way to handle this, since it tells you how to decide which fixes should be patched and then tested in a safe area before being issued throughout the company. By adhering to a standardized process, organizations can keep systems secure and well-maintained, no matter how complex they are.
- Reducing Risk of Human Error: Human error is a behind many cybersecurity issues. For instance, a critical patch that an IT administrator applies incorrectly or fails to apply at all could derail a system. In contrast, patch management policies provide detailed instructions that provide guidance and application methods that help reduce human error. This means far fewer system crashes and security holes.
Nation-state and other bad actors continue to try to develop malware and other threats that can burrow inside of an unprotected network, wreaking havoc, disrupting operations, and stealing sensitive information. But Cyber Security professionals at eMazzanti can help you to set up Pup Patch Management and other useful digital defenses that will help to keep your systems at running at their peak, while securing sensitive information.