It’s fair to say that by now, everybody is well aware of the importance of maintaining rigorous cyber security measures, both at home and in the workplace. Indeed, the recent spate of high profile cyber attacks and data breaches have driven home the necessity of prioritising protection for our essential IT systems. And part of keeping this protection functioning at its best involves making sure that any software patches required are deployed as soon as possible. Thankfully, by using an automated patch management process, you can be assured that this vital task is being taken care of at all times.
What Is Patch Management And Why Should You Use It?
Patch management refers to the process of distributing and applying updates to software, typically in cases where vulnerabilities have been detected. The patch, once installed, will correct these errors (also commonly known as bugs) so that your IT systems remain safe.
It is sometimes the case that errors or vulnerabilities in software are discovered only after the product has been released. In this event, the developers will work fast to develop an effective patch so that the software’s users are not affected by the error. This, however, depends on customers acting in a timely manner themselves, and installing the crucial patch as soon as it is made available to them. Unfortunately, it is often a race against cyber attackers, too, who will strike fast in the hopes of capitalising on a software vulnerability. If the software users do not immediately install the necessary patch, then they remain at risk. Indeed, one vulnerability discovered in 2020 was found to be a staggering 21 years old.
The risk of vulnerabilities being exploited is on the increase. In 2020, Citrix remote access vulnerability attacks increased 2,066%, whilst Cisco, VPN, and RDP attacks increased by 41%, 610%, and 85%, respectively. And in 60% of data breaches, unpatched vulnerabilities were found to have been involved.
As a result, patch management is now a huge global market, which is expected to reach $979 million by 2024, suggesting that more and more people are waking up to its vital importance in maintaining cyber security. As a managed service offering, patch management offers organisations a host of compelling benefits. Patch management takes administrative control of all updates, for the OS, platform, or applications. An automated patch management process will scan devices for any missing patches, before installing them and generating a status report, all without the need for manual intervention.
5 Reasons To Use Patch Management
1. Security
This is perhaps the most compelling reason for using a patch management process. It helps keep your networks and OS safe.
2. Improved Productivity
Using a patch management process can reduce downtime caused by system crashes, allowing your team to carry on working without interruptions.
3. Extra Features
It’s not just about fixing bugs: a patch management process will also mean that you access the latest software updates and improvements as soon as they are released.
4. Meeting Compliance
A patch management process helps ensure that your organisation meets vital compliance requirements. Regulatory bodies stipulate that any patches are applied in a timely fashion, or you risk legal penalties. With a patch management process, you can be assured that this requirement will always be taken care of.
5. Control Of Your IT Infrastructure
Software companies will often stop releasing patches when a product becomes outdated, or the company ceases trading. Using a patch management process gives you an overview of all of your software, allowing you to identify – and replace – any products that are no longer receiving the appropriate tech support.
Choose Our Patch Management Service
At Reflective IT Solutions, our automated patch management is included as part of our Managed Service offering, which is the ideal solution for organisations looking for a comprehensive, effective IT solution. Our service is scalable, meaning that whatever the size of your business, our specialists can deliver the operational and technical capacity you require.
