What is Patch Management in Cybersecurity?

All systems must be protected, whether they are staff laptops or userless PC-based devices, such as kiosks. Patching is a vital component of an endpoint security strategy in organizations.

According to research, conducted by The Ponemon Institute and ServiceNow, nearly half of the respondents report one or more data breaches in the previous two years, and sixty percent of compromised firms indicate that the breaches have been the result of an unpatched vulnerability. Unpatched software poses a significant cybersecurity risk to businesses, which lead to data breaches with far-reaching effects. However, dealing with patches and upgrades has grown more difficult and time-consuming. Fortunately, security threats are reduced by using effective patch management procedures.

Patch management is more advantageous than cumbersome. Having better access and control over devices, along with the ability to remotely patch and repair, provides the IT department and organization with additional flexibility. Patch management enables IT teams to remove bugs, increase productivity, and react rapidly to reported vulnerabilities.

You need patch management at your company as a software provider. Understanding the patch management procedure allows you to give the best service to your customers and safeguard your systems from software vulnerabilities.

In this article, we will discuss what patch management is, the importance and benefits of a patch management program, and the stages of the patch management process. We will also explain best practices for patch management deployment and best patch management tools.

What is Patch Management?

A "patch" is a modification or collection of updates issued by software developers to address known security flaws or bugs. This ensures that your IT assets are not vulnerable to abuse. Additionally, some patches bring new features and functionality to the application. Patches are often short-term remedies meant to be utilized until the next major software release.

Patch management is the process of discovering, procuring, testing, and distributing software updates, or "patches", to various endpoints, such as desktop computers, portable devices, Internet of Things (IoT), switches, routers, firewalls, and servers. Patch management entails remaining up-to-date on available patches, determining which patches are required for specific software and devices, testing them to ensure they are deployed correctly, and documenting the process.

The IT staff or an automated patch management technology or a mix of the two carries out the patch management process of a company. Effective patch management includes the following elements:

• Prioritizing the patching processes depending on the severity of the vulnerability.

• Reviewing security update patches

• Applying multiple fixes to all impacted endpoints.

• Testing patch compatibility

Because patch releases are based on known vulnerabilities, an efficient and timely patch management system is crucial for network security. The risk associated with utilizing outdated software increases as attackers more readily find and exploit system vulnerabilities.

What are the Types of Patch?

After a piece of software or hardware has been launched, patches are developed to address any vulnerabilities or flaws discovered. There are several varieties of patches listed below:

• Security Patches: A security patch is a modification that is made to an asset in order to address the weakness represented by a vulnerability. This remedial step prevents successful exploitation and eliminates or reduces a threat's capacity to exploit a particular asset vulnerability.

• Hotfix: A hotfix patch is intended to resolve a particular problem. In contrast to traditional patches, these hotfixes are written and distributed quickly to mitigate the impact of a software bug. Hotfixes may be applied while the software or system is still operating, without the need to quit or restart the application. A hotfix may not be shared publicly.

• Maintenance Release: Update between service packs or software versions that address various unresolved bugs.

• Point Release: A point release, sometimes known as a dot release, is a short or very modest update designed to address a bug or error in a piece of software without introducing new functionality.

• Service Pack (SP) or Feature Pack (FP): A collection of updates, bug fixes, and/or feature upgrades to a software application supplied in a single, installable package. Typically, they incorporate all the patches, hotfixes, maintenance, and security patches provided prior to the service pack and address a variety of lingering problems.

• Unofficial Patches: These patches are generated by a third-party or a user community, often due to a lack of support from the original software developer or because a software product has reached its specified end-of-life. Similar to a traditional patch, they are intended to fix bugs or software problems. Malicious persons are able to introduce unapproved fixes that generate security flaws.

• Monkey Patches: Similar to unofficial patches, a monkey patch (also known as a guerilla patch) is an update that extends or modifies the functionality of a plugin or software product locally without modifying the source code.

Why Do You Need Patch Management?

It is impossible to regulate the rise of cyber dangers. However, you have total control over your organization's weaknesses and manage them effectively. Poor patch management has contributed to some of the greatest cyber attacks to date. Patch management plays a crucial part in safeguarding the security of an organization. The primary reasons to deploy a patch management system are as follows:

• Reducing Downtime and Enhancing Features: Patches enhance an organization's overall performance by eliminating downtime caused by obsolete or unsupported software, in addition to bolstering its digital security. In certain instances, patches provide new features and advantages, which improve the efficiency of a firm.

• Compliance: Patch management must be often mandated by industry or government authorities, as well as other regulatory bodies. Incompatibility with patch updates may result in fines, sanctions, or other punishments.

• Securing Endpoints & Networks: Patch management is a crucial component of a company's cybersecurity vulnerability and patching strategy. Unpatched software programs and operating systems are now one of the major sources of security breaches. A rapid and timely patch management strategy, as well as additional monitoring, detection, and repair tools and procedures assist in mitigating the risk of such situations. A contemporary patch management approach must secure all network-connected endpoints, independent of ownership or location.

What are the Advantages of a Patch Management?

Organizations get the following profits from patch management programs:

• Enhanced Features: Patches are used to upgrade your technology with enhanced features and usefulness. This gives your firm a method for deploying your newest software developments at scale.

• Regulations: Many firms are required to comply with municipal and federal data protection rules. These requirements may include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for patient records, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for personal information gathered during consumer contacts, and similar laws. Regulatory agencies might levy monetary penalties on organizations if it fails to apply patches and, as a result, fails to fulfill compliance criteria. A successful patch management strategy assures compliance.

• Lowered Security Risks: When you patch vulnerabilities regularly, you assist control and mitigating the risk in your environment. This safeguards your firm against possible data breaches.

• Satisfied Users: If your company provides a product or service that needs users to utilize its technology, you are aware of how crucial it is that the technology works. Patch management is the process of correcting software flaws, which keeps your systems operational. Software that is well-managed and has up-to-date patches functions more efficiently and increases staff productivity.

What are the Steps in the Patch Management Process?

It would be a losing strategy to install new updates on all of your organization's assets as soon as they become available without assessing their effects. Instead, one should adopt a more planned approach. Patch management should be handled using a thorough, cost-effective, and security-focused organizational procedure. It is strongly advised that you develop a strategic strategy that achieves a balance between patching frequency and patch priority.

Efficient patch management process phases are explained below:

1. Create a complete inventory of your manufacturing systems: This is the only method to accurately track what assets exist in your ecosystem, whether on a quarterly or monthly basis. You will have a thorough understanding of existing operating systems, version kinds, and IP addresses, as well as their geographic locations and organizational "owners" if you practice careful asset management. The more often you keep your asset inventory, the better informed you will be, as a general rule.

2. Develop a strategy for standardizing system and operating system versions: Standardizing your asset catalog, while tough to implement, makes patching quicker and more efficient. You need to reduce the number of your assets to a reasonable level in order to quicken the remediation process when new patches are published. This helps you and your technical staff save time on remediation.

3. Compile a list of all security measures used by your organization: Monitor your firewalls, antivirus software, and vulnerability management tool. You need to be aware of where they are located, what they're safeguarding, and the assets they're related to.

4. Comparing disclosed vulnerabilities to your stock: Using your vulnerability management solution to determine which vulnerabilities exist for which assets in your ecosystem will enable you to comprehend your organization's security risk.

5. Categorise the risk: Through the use of vulnerability management solutions, you can simply determine which assets are vital to your business and, therefore, prioritize remediation efforts.

6. Test: Apply the updates to a representative sample of lab environment assets. Stress-test the computers to guarantee that the fixes won't create any problems in the production environment.

7. Apply the splints: After prioritizing what has to be remedied first, you should begin patching to lower the risk in your environment. Additionally, more sophisticated vulnerability management technologies have the capacity to automate the time-consuming aspects of the patching procedure. Consider rolling out the updates to batches of assets; despite having tested them in a lab setting, there may be unanticipated impacts in production. To ensure that there won't be widespread problems, it is prudent to test the waters first.

8. Monitor your progress: Reevaluate your assets to guarantee effective patching.

Figure 1. Patch Management Process Steps

How Frequently Should Patch Management be Performed?

The recommended strategy is to apply the patch as soon as the system manufacturer makes the update available. However, this may not be viable if the application's uptime is governed by a service level agreement (SLA) and it is needed year-round. In such circumstances, your approach mostly relies on the system's resiliency, compliance obligations, the company's risk tolerance, and vendor suggestions.

What is a Patch Management Tool?

Patch management technologies ensure that the software stack and IT infrastructure of a business are current. Patch management tools function by monitoring software and middleware solution upgrades. Then, they notify users of required updates or perform updates automatically. These solutions are used by businesses to alleviate the obligation of updating apps and remediating identified vulnerabilities placed on employees.

A patch Management software must provide the following features:

• Notify users of new software updates or patches automatically

• Inform administrators of endpoints and users that are running outdated software

• Maintain a database containing update information for software, middleware, and hardware

Ensure that the patch management software you choose can deploy patches across several operating systems and devices, such as desktops, laptops, tablets, etc. when picking patch management software. There should be an automatic way to save time, and you should be able to generate reports on the status of the most recent patch updates. Additionally, you should verify the availability of crucial features such as an intuitive dashboard, integration possibilities with other products, an auditing system, simplicity of setup and usage, thorough scanning capabilities, and detailed reporting.

What are the Top Patch Management Tools?

The best patch management solutions available in the market are listed below(alphabetical order):

1. Atera

2. GFI LanGuard

3. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus

4. Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (formerly Microsoft SCCM)

5. NinjaOne Patch Management

6. SuperOps

7. SolarWinds Patch Manager

These top patch management tools are explained in more detail below:

1. Atera: Atera is a remote monitoring and management system developed for IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs). The platform offers IT automation, custom scripting, network discovery, ticketing, reporting, real-time notifications, and patch management. Administrators automatically discover and distribute fixes on macOS and Windows servers and workstations via a single interface. Additionally, they reboot remote systems if required.

Atera is capable of patching operating systems, applications, and drivers. Zoom, Chrome, Dropbox, Microsoft Office, and Adobe applications are all supported. Administrators may construct automated profiles for installing or upgrading patches en masse, omitting certain fixes as needed. In addition to patching, a single profile might comprise duties such as installing software packages, updating Windows versions, and managing storage devices.

The Atera platform provides various extensive patching-specific reports. Administrators may, for instance, prepare a report based on Microsoft knowledge bases and apply missing fixes with a single click right from the report. Administrators may also check patch status and action log information. Atera provides monthly and yearly subscriptions for the Pro, Growth, and Power subscription programs. Each of the three options supports patch management.

The main advantages of Atera are as follows:

• It includes several PSA capabilities, making it ideal for helpdesk teams and expanding MSPs.
• The minimal UI makes it simple to display the most important metrics.
• It includes a time tracking option for maintenance tasks and the ability to monitor SLAs.
• Its cost flexibility makes it an alternative for small enterprises.

Atera's primary limitations stem from its heavy emphasis on MSP-related technologies; other firms may not be able to leverage multi-tenant capabilities.

2. GFI LanGuard: GFI LanGuard is endpoint protection software that allows administrators to examine software vulnerabilities and apply patches on local and remote PCs, servers, and virtual machines. Additionally, administrators may monitor their networks for missing updates and other vulnerabilities. LanGuard supports Windows, macOS, and Linux devices, as well as apps from over 60 third-party suppliers, including Adobe, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Oracle, Mozilla, VMware, and many more.

Administrators configure LanGuard to automatically scan their networks or execute scans on demand. They distribute fixes from the central interface or install agents to specific computers, therefore dispersing the processing burden. In addition, administrators choose which patches to apply, automatically download missing patches, and revert patch updates if a problem occurs.

LanGuard has a web-based reporting interface that allows administrators to export reports to PDF, RTF, and CSV formats. They plan automated email delivery of reports. Administrators install numerous LanGuard instances for big networks and produce consolidated reports based on data from those instances. LanGuard is licensed annually, per node, with cost dependent on the number of nodes and if the product is acquired in conjunction with other GFI products.

The main advantages of GFI LanGuard are as follows:

• It has built-in vulnerability assessment that leverages patch information to assist security teams in assessing risk.
• It has a simple and efficient user interface.
• It has support for Microsoft, Linux, and Apple platforms.
• It includes patching support for major third-party software such as Adobe, Java, and Runtime

The main drawbacks of GFI LanGuard are as follows:

• need more patch scheduling features.
• need more current support for more recent third-party programs.

3. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus: ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is on-premises or cloud-based software for complete patch management. It automates patch distribution on Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints and supports server and desktop systems, as well as virtual machines and mobile devices. Patch Manager Plus is compatible with over 850 third-party programs. Although the majority of them are Windows apps, the platform may also support a significant number of macOS and Linux programs.

Using the unified web interface, administrators may check endpoints for missing updates and test fixes before deployment. ManageEngine further offers pre-built, tested, and deployable packages to facilitate the patching of third-party programs. In addition, administrators tailor deployment rules to match their unique business needs, and they select which installation and restart options to execute on an endpoint when distributing a patch, software update, or service pack.

Patch Manager Plus features auditing and dynamic reporting tools to assist with vulnerability analysis and remediation. Through patch status dashboards and patch management reports, the platform delivers real-time patch management analytics. Patch Manager Plus is offered in three different versions: Free, Professional, and Enterprise. Up to fifty endpoints are supported by the Free edition. The pricing of the other two editions is contingent upon the subscription plan and whether the edition is on-premises or in the cloud. There are a few feature variations between the two deployment choices, but overall they provide comparable functionality.

The main advantages of ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus are as follows:

• It is installable on both Windows and Linux, making it more versatile than alternative on-premise choices.
• It is flexible deployment possibilities across multiple platforms.
• It offers more apps than most patch management solutions.
• It provides comprehensive reporting, excellent for corporate management or MSPs.

However, ManageEngine requires time to properly study and understand.

4. Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager: Formerly known as System Center Configuration Manager(SCCM), Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager is now a part of the Microsoft Endpoint Manager brand, which also includes Intune, Desktop Analytics, Autopilot, and other capabilities under the Device Management Admin Console. Configuration Manager is an on-premises solution for controlling the local network and internet-connected PCs, laptops, and servers. In addition to its other functions, Configuration Manager can handle software upgrades.

Configuration Manager is a collection of tools and resources for monitoring and implementing software upgrades on client systems. It connects to Microsoft Update to get update information and works with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to administer updates. Microsoft Update allows administrators to schedule or manually initiate synchronizations. Additionally, they may monitor client PCs for update compliance prior to sending updates. Configuration Manager offers an intuitive wizard for deploying software update deployment packages.

Configuration Manager's upgrading features are largely designed for Microsoft applications. However, administrators may utilize the Configuration Manager console's Third-Party Software Update Catalogs capability to subscribe to third-party catalogs, publish their changes to a software update point, and then deploy the software to client PCs. Before deciding on a course of action, companies should carefully consider Microsoft's license requirements for Configuration Manager or speak with a Microsoft representative.

5. NinjaOne Patch Management: NinjaOne Patch Management is a component of the NinjaOne IT operations platform, which consists of a suite of cloud-based remote management and monitoring services. Administrators patch Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, as well as over 135 third-party Windows programs, using NinjaOne Patch Management. As long as they have an internet connection, managed endpoints may be on or off the corporate network.

Patch Management by NinjaOne automates the detection, approval, deployment, and reporting of patches. Administrators have total control over the patching of each endpoint. They may authorize and schedule patch deployments in accordance with their requirements. In addition, they build patch rules that optimize and automate the patching of endpoints at scale. Additionally, administrators execute deployments ad hoc as necessary. The platform provides a unified interface for detecting and resolving software vulnerabilities.

With NinjaOne Patch Management, administrators have real-time access to patch statuses, allowing them to rapidly identify which devices are vulnerable. In addition, they are able to develop and distribute reports including comprehensive compliance information for endpoints. The monthly, per-device membership rates for NinjaOne ensure that customers only pay for what they need. For a personalized estimate, prospective consumers should contact the firm directly.

The main advantages of NinjaOne Patch Management are as follows:

• It provides platform-independent web-based administration.
• It can install and remove apps and fixes secretly while the user works.
• It is simple to plan patch management and other automatic maintenance operations.

The main disadvantage of NinjaOne Patch Management is that it lacks mobile device support.

6. SuperOps: SuperOps.ai is a contemporary, robust, cloud-first platform designed for MSPs to manage client endpoint networks with ease. The RMM offered by SuperOps.ai has robust patch management that enables MSPs and IT teams to maintain client endpoint networks safe and up to date. Remote desktop administration, community scripts for powerful automation, patch management to keep endpoints up-to-date, system tray icons for improved accessibility, and a great deal more are a few of the straightforward features that help technicians be as productive as possible.

Some features of SuperOps are given below:

• Automate the deployment of vital software and fixes based on predefined scheduled schedules.
• Patch matrix helps establish approval procedures for various patches depending on their severity.
• Reporting at the granular level to assess the state of patch health across client networks.
• Management of third-party software, including installation, patching, maintenance, and removal of software from client endpoints.
• Features for comprehensive remote desktop administration, including Registry Editor, Terminal, and Remote File Explorer.
• Modern, user-friendly, and straightforward user interface.
• All in one location: PSA, RMM, Remote Access, Patch Management, Reporting, Community Scripts, Third-Party Integrations with Webroot, Bitdefender, Acronis, and Azure, as well as much more.
• A native, contemporary mobile application for iOS and Android smartphones.

The main advantages of SuperOps.ai are as follows:

• It is based on a continually updated software inventory
• It has a SaaS package that offers storage space for patch installations
• It provides an automated method that frees up employees and thereby lowers expenses

The main disadvantage of SuperOps.ai is that it only patches Windows desktops and servers.

7. SolarWinds Patch Manager: SolarWinds Patch Manager is patch management software for Microsoft and non-Microsoft applications. It integrates with and extends Microsoft WSUS and Microsoft Endpoint Manager in order to patch offline physical and virtual servers and workstations. Using prebuilt, pretested update packages, administrators may automate patching activities, which simplifies patch management procedures, from researching updates to deploying them in endpoint settings.

Patch Manager provides administrators with comprehensive control over the patching process. They are able to define which servers and workstations should be patched, depending on OS systems or IP ranges. They choose which fixes to deliver and when, as well as define distinct patching schedules for various endpoint groups. In addition, administrators develop packages that specify certain pre- and post-deployment tasks. Additionally, patch management offers prebuilt and pretested packages for third-party apps.

Patch Manager provides a unified online interface for all patch management operations. The UI features a dashboard displaying patch progress and built-in reporting. For example, administrators may access information on patch compliance, the most recent available patches, the top missing patches, and a general health summary. In addition, they create bespoke reports to satisfy unique company requirements. SolarWinds provides both subscription and perpetual license options for Patch Manager. Both categories are determined by the quantity of managed endpoints.

The main advantages of SolarWinds Patch Manager are as follows:

• Direct integration with SCCM facilitates patch distribution
• Many third-party patching solutions are supported
• Even on bigger networks, a simple dashboard makes it simple to follow and visualize the development of patches.

However, SolarWinds Patch Manager is not ideal for home laboratories or small networks since the product is enterprise-oriented,

Tool	Best for	Platforms	Free trial	Price
Atera	Small to medium-sized MSPs, IT Consultants and internal IT departments.	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.	Free Trial is available for all features, on unlimited devices	$99 Per Technician, for Unlimited Devices.
GFI LanGuard	Small to Large businesses	Windows,Mac, & Linux.	Available for 30 days.	Unlimited: $24/node Starter: $26/node Small: $14/node Medium: $10/node. Large: Get a quote.
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus	Small to Large businesses	Windows,Mac, & Linux.	Available	Professional & Enterprise. The price starts at $34.5 per month.
Microsoft SCCM	Small to Large businesses	Hyper-V, VMware.		Datacenter Edition: $3607 Standard Edition: $1323.
NinjaOne	Small to Medium-sized businesses & Freelancers	Windows & MacOS	Available
SuperOps	Small to medium-sized MSPs, IT Consultants and internal IT departments.	Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.	Free trial is available for 21 days, with all features and unlimited endpoints.	Starts at $59/month/technician.
SolarWinds Patch Manager	Small to Large businesses	Windows	A fully functional free trial is available for 30 days.	It starts at $6440
Table 1. Comparison of Path Management Tools

What are the Challenges of Patch Management?

The increasing prevalence of assaults on unpatched systems shows that many firms do not have an adequate patch management procedure in place to release updates promptly and efficiently. Common challenges to an organization's capacity to release updates are explained below:

• Poor or Lack of Patch Policy: Numerous companies lack explicit patching strategies and enforcement tools to guarantee that required updates are implemented. Companies should develop a clear and compelling patching policy to guarantee that the IT staff prioritizes and is responsible for patching activities.

• Lack of Prioritization: Information security teams often provide IT departments with a lengthy list of patch-required systems. This might overburden the IT department. Organizations are practically incapable of patching everything. IT and information security teams must collaborate to identify where to allocate limited resources.

• Lack of Communication Between Cybersecurity and IT Teams: Typically, software providers offer patches to fix known security flaws. This places them high on the information security team's list of priorities. However, patch testing and deployment are often the responsibility of the IT department. Many IT firms may emphasize system operations above security, resulting in a focus on measures that will increase the productivity of systems in the near future rather than evaluating possible vulnerabilities.

What are the Best Practices for Patch Management?

There are several effective solutions available on the market today that aid in addressing the ongoing issues of continually monitoring for vulnerabilities and applying patch updates. Consider the following recommendations for deploying effective patch management and maintaining a robust defense against attackers.

• Utilize vulnerability management technologies to prioritize patch deployments: Not all solutions for vulnerability management are made equal. When constructing a patching strategy, it is essential to examine the vulnerability management system your business employs to make more informed choices about how to repair vulnerabilities. Consider whether solutions give the greatest vulnerability coverage (continuous scanning, network-only scanning, etc.) and if there are patching priority tools. The difference between a solution that delivers these functionalities and one that does not might have a significant impact on the time required to repair vulnerabilities, particularly critical or high-priority ones.

• Leverage a risk-assessment framework: Cybercriminals constitute a very serious and persistent danger to the majority of enterprises, which fail to recognize this reality. Specifically, they may not understand the significance of vulnerabilities existing in some applications or systems, which might create exploitable significant holes. Consequently, a Risk Assessment Framework (RAF) is a helpful method for identifying which vulnerabilities and accompanying fixes help security teams prioritize which systems are most important to repair. Information Security and IT teams should collaborate to develop a risk assessment template that specifies patching strategies and service-level agreements for mitigating major or significant threats. This group then generates a list of patching priorities and any operational risks connected with such choices.

• Create a team devoted to managing vulnerabilities: With appropriate resources, organizations should consider devoting information security and IT professionals completely to vulnerability and patch management. This team is responsible for detecting vulnerabilities and rapidly releasing fixes, driven by the methodology for risk assessment. A fundamental advantage of this strategy is that information security executives may provide metrics to measure the program's efficacy and suggest areas for improvement and more investment.

• Select centralized software for patch management: Manually upgrading patches and monitoring reports is an impractical endeavor. As an organization expands, manually installing fixes becomes more complex and impractical, making important mistakes more likely. This is why it is preferable to use patch management software that provides a central interface with patch deployment, reporting, and customization options.

• Test patches prior to deployment in a pilot environment: In some situations, some patches have caused system instability and failure. Therefore, it is strongly advised to test the patches in a pilot set of endpoints before deploying them to production devices. As a best practice, the pilot set of endpoints must utilize the same flavors and versions of operating systems as the rest of the network.

• Automatize repair: Patching manually every endpoint in an organization is a time-consuming and labor-intensive job that reduces productivity. In addition, it lengthens the time required to completely patch every endpoint in the company, giving threat actors greater opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities. Utilizing a patching solution and automating the whole process of patch management in your business guarantees quicker reaction times, higher security, and increased productivity.

• Document and reevaluate for accountability purposes: Information security and IT management should agree on assessment criteria for vulnerabilities and a strategy for patching priority when designing an RAF template. Such strategies and any exclusions should be reviewed and approved by the executive team, certifying that the corporation takes any related risk. This vulnerability management hierarchy holds teams responsible and guarantees that systems are patched promptly. As new vulnerabilities and patching solutions emerge over time, reexamination of this template and the rules around it assist security teams to remain current.

• Establish a disaster recovery method: In the event that your patch management process fails and causes problems, you should always have a backup plan.

What is Patch Management in SCCM?

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), developed by Microsoft, is a software management suite that enables IT teams to administer Windows-based PCs by pushing updates and security fixes across an entire network. SCCM provides IT administrators extensive control over when and how to apply fixes. SCCM is often the most desirable choice for big business networks since it offers more powerful functionality than the majority of alternative configuration management systems.

SCCM patch management offers a package of endpoint protection features and, when configured properly, function as a comprehensive lifecycle management solution for IT teams with a large number of Windows systems. Non-Windows systems, such as Linux, Mac, Symbian, and others, may still be managed with SCCM as end-clients, but this procedure needs a Windows server to execute.

SCCM patching is managed using an easy Graphical User Interface (GUI), making it substantially simpler to adopt than other self-deployed technologies. Since SCCM is a Microsoft product, IT organizations that embrace it to enhance their third-party patch management procedures have access to an abundance of community support alternatives.

What is Patch Management in Linux?

In Linux, patches can be deployed manually or automatically using a patch management tool.

Manually patching the Linux system is not only time-consuming and error-prone but also requires the requisite technical knowledge. Automated Linux patch management solutions are more effective because they can check for missing updates, download them, and test them in non-production situations. If the patch does not create any issues, the tool automatically authorizes and schedules its deployment in the production environment.

There are a variety of patch management tools available for the most popular Linux distributions. These are paid goods that often do not come included with your operating system, but are instead developed by a separate vendor.

Landscape is the most common patch management application for Ubuntu computers. Live kernel patching is a feature exclusive to their most expensive membership plan. This program is also capable of patch management for Debian.

Red Hat patch management, often known as RHEL patch management, may be accomplished using the Red Hat Ansible playbook and some setups.

What is Patch Management in AWS?

Patch Manager feature streamlines the process of applying patches to managed Windows and Linux instances on AWS. You can utilize this AWS Systems Manager capability to check your instances for missing patches or to scan and apply missing fixes. Using Amazon EC2 tags, you may apply fixes individually or to large groups of instances.

Patch Manager may be used to install both operating system and application updates. Patch Manager enables the installation of Service Packs on Windows nodes and minor version updates on Linux nodes. By operating system type, you may patch fleets of Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) instances, edge devices, or on-premises servers and virtual machines (VMs). This covers versions of Amazon Linux, Amazon Linux 2, Debian Server, CentOS, macOS, Raspberry Pi, OS Oracle Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES), Ubuntu Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), and Windows Server that are supported.

Future of Patch Management

The transition to the cloud has generated new security weaknesses, which attackers exploit globally. Increasing numbers of remote workers are working from home and connecting personal devices to business networks owing to COVID-19 limitations.

Inadequate patch management procedures, departmental disputes, and insufficient accountability hinder timely and efficient patching. Many cybersecurity businesses are creating innovative, risk-based methods for vulnerability detection and patching. True success will rely on building underlying rules and processes that guarantee the company is aligned on remediation priorities and who is accountable for this effort.

• Automation: Future patch management will be automated to streamline regular and recurrent procedures.

• Collaboration: Successful patch management needs collaboration between the IT department, the infosec team, and leadership.

• Integration: One-off solutions for vulnerability screening or patching updates will likely be included.

• Accountability: A good patching plan needs the business to define a clear patching policy and identify who oversees relevant activities and decision-making.