Top 8 Fixes for Quick Patch Management

Before we dive into efficient ways to fix patches, let’s first quickly understand the meaning of patch management and why it is important.

What is Patch Management?

A patch is a piece of code written to correct a bug or to add more features to a program and patch management is the action of handling a network of computers by deploying patches regularly to keep the computers up-to-date. This will aid you in lowering your risks and ensuring the security of your company’s systems around the clock.

Importance of patch management

1. Safe: It resolves flaws in your applications and software that make them vulnerable to attacks, assisting your firm in lowering its security risk. 

2. Uptime: patch management guarantees that your software and applications are maintained up to date and running properly.

3. Feature enhancement: Patch management extends beyond software bugs to compromise also of feature updates. Patches can be crucial in making sure that you always have the most up-to-date version. 

4. Compliance: As cyberattacks continue to escalate; firms are frequently compelled by regulatory agencies to maintain a particular degree of compliance. Patch management is an essential component of complying with the rules.

Techniques and fixes for patch management

There are several approaches to managing fixes and keeping the system safe. Let’s look at the best patch management techniques and some tips for effective and rapid installation. 

1. Merge software

Using multiple copies of the same application on different platforms can escalate the risk of a security breach. Instead, strive to condense and combine software by reassessing your software needs and restricting usage to applications that are approved by the company.

The first thing to start with is to ensure that you are not using duplicate apps, and always utilize a single software for a particular activity. Also, make sure that program versions are the same.

2. Conduct system inventory

A suggested approach for patch management is system inventory. You should always be aware of which hardware and software are in use, as well as how the infrastructure is presently configured. Keep track of active applications and systems. 

If you have good knowledge of what you are functioning, you will be able to identify weaknesses and find appropriate patches swiftly.

3. Determine vulnerabilities and risks

Based on the system inventory results, multiple fixes may be needed. Calculate your systems’ risk levels and allocate levels of risk to each of them. You can choose and prioritize the sequence in which systems require urgent attention and which can be set aside for some time. When determining risk levels, examine which vulnerabilities can be exploited, how long a system has gone unpatched, and if the system has internet connectivity.

4. Create a policy for patch management

It is essential to adhere to a clear and set policy that specifies when, what and how should it be patched. It is also crucial to determine in the policy if some systems receive more fixes frequently as compared to other systems. 

Contemplate how long every system patch rollout will take, as well as when the fixes will be administered, to reduce downtime and guarantee that systems will continue to work smoothly.

5. Keep an eye out for the availability of patch management

You should stay up to date on requirements for system patches and keep track of published patches.

Following the compilation of operating systems and third-party software lists, you must have a plan in place for observing which security updates are needed and which are free of flaws and weaknesses. Software suppliers communicate the release of an update, and they maintain data of patches that are available. 

6. Use quick patches

One more solution for patch management that is advocated is patch application. You must guarantee that all software patches are applied on time following your patch management policy. It is preferable to promptly patch a weak object.

Software or servers from internet access that are not patched must be protected and additionally restrict user access until the patch is completely implemented to decrease the risk.

7. Test if the patches are successful

To handle patches efficiently, you must also exercise prudence and ensure that patches are tested before implementing them into the systems. Every infrastructure is different and of which, a patch may cause problems with certain settings.

You must test the patches in small groups before applying them to the systems. When the results confirm that the patch is functional, the whole patch can be implemented.

8. Patching procedure must be automated

And lastly, automating the procedure will enable your system to become more secure and to manage fixes more appropriately. Ensure that patches are implemented fast as they become available. 

Consider the few techniques that have been listed above to assure that you are handling patches successfully and keeping your business secure. Optimize patch management to keep your systems safeguarded.

Your system should go unpatched for a brief time only. It is preferable to use patch management tools. We can assist you in prioritizing changes based on severity and fixing the patch for you along with 24*7 server monitoring management.

eTechSupport is always ready to help you with all of your outsourced server support needs. Please contact us if you want to learn more about how our personalized support may help you grow your business.