Patch Management

What is Patch Management?

Patch management is a way to identify and remediate security gaps within an organiation’s IT infrastructure. Digital assets (e.g., software, hardware, networks) may require specific security updates to be deployed to keep cybersecurity controls current. Failure to deploy these security updates promptly could present security risks that may translate into potential data breaches.

Patch management looks different for every organization. However, in general, it involves:

• Identifying the assets in need of security patches.
• Testing out patches to ensure seamless implementation.
• Installing patches, either whole-sale or in manageable batches.
• Monitoring patch effectiveness and, eventually, new patch availability.

To achieve the full effectiveness of enterprise patch management, organizations need to deploy patches at the right time—typically as soon as they are available and stable—and with the appropriate dedicated resources. The fast pace at which digital environments are evolving also requires organizations to manage patching proactively rather than reactively for maximum ROI.

Why We Need Patch Management

Beyond securing critical assets within your IT infrastructure, patch management is a requirement for many regulatory compliance frameworks. For example, PCI DSS requires organizations that handle cardholder data (CHD) to routinely deploy patches on all assets involved in processing transactions. Similarly, HIPAA requires covered entities to routinely deploy patches on all systems that handle sensitive protected health information (PHI).

Non-compliance with frameworks such as PCI DSS and HIPAA could result in data breaches and in the case of HIPAA, significant non-compliance penalties and legal ramifications.

Besides meeting compliance obligations, patch management is a stepping stone to passing security audits that may be required by region- or industry-specific regulations. The last thing any organization would want to deal with when bidding for a lucrative contract is a failed audit.

How Your Company Can Benefit from Patch Management

By optimizing and implementing patch management services across your company, you will strengthen your security posture in the short and long term. It only takes a single exploited vulnerability to compromise the security of your entire digital infrastructure, resulting in the potential loss of sensitive data and disruption in business continuity.

Implementing patch management as a service will help secure your sensitive data and protect your company’s legal and financial reputation. A robust and mature patch management infrastructure also provides greater security assurance to stakeholders and customers.