Patch Management is the process of acquiring and applying updates to software—essentially keeping your systems secure and running like clockwork. It's a fundamental part of IT Asset Management, ensuring your network's operating systems and applications are protected against vulnerabilities.
And it's not just important—it’s a top priority for businesses worldwide. According to a 2024 study by Alexandra Borgeaud on Statista, 56% of companies already use Patch Management solutions, with 32% planning to adopt them in the next year. That means nearly 90% of organizations recognize how vital it is to safeguard their IT environments against cyber threats and ensure operational stability.
In this article, we’ll delve into:
- The definition and importance of Patch Management.
- The benefits it brings to organizations of all sizes.
- The types of patching strategies available.
- How InvGate Asset Management simplifies the process.
- If you’re ready to discover how Patch Management can elevate your IT security and operations, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get started!
What is Patch Management?
Patch Management is the process of distributing and applying updates—commonly referred to as "patches"—to software. These patches can fix bugs, close security vulnerabilities, or even introduce performance improvements. Think of it as the IT equivalent of giving your software a booster shot to keep it healthy and safe.
Tech giants regularly release patches for their operating systems and products to address vulnerabilities and ensure users are protected. However, it’s up to organizations to identify which patches are needed and deploy them effectively. This is where a patch manager or automated Patch Management software becomes essential, helping to streamline the process and keep systems secure without breaking a sweat.
Patch Management in cybersecurity
Patch Management plays a pivotal role in cybersecurity by addressing known vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. Neglecting timely patching is akin to leaving your digital doors wide open for cyber threats. A stark example of this is the 2024 CrowdStrike incident, where a faulty update to the Falcon Sensor software led to widespread system crashes and the infamous "Blue Screen of Death" on Windows systems.
This incident disrupted numerous sectors globally, including major airlines, banks, and media outlets, underscoring the critical importance of effective Patch Management. By promptly applying patches, organizations can mitigate such risks, ensuring their systems remain secure and operational.
In essence, diligent Patch Management is a fundamental defense mechanism in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.
8 Crowdstrike IT Outage Stats To understand How it Affected the World
Patch Management vs. Vulnerability Management
While Patch Management and Vulnerability Management are closely related, they’re not the same thing.
Patch Management focuses specifically on identifying and applying software patches to fix bugs and address security gaps. It’s more about action—getting those updates deployed quickly and efficiently.
On the other hand, Vulnerability Management involves the broader task of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing potential weaknesses across an IT environment. It includes the discovery of vulnerabilities that may or may not have patches available, as well as decisions about how to mitigate them.
If you’re curious to dive deeper, check out our blog post on Patch Management vs. Vulnerability Management for a detailed comparison.
Patch Management in ITIL
Patch Management is a critical part of ITIL best practices, categorized under Release Management. Within this framework, patches address three key areas:
- Security patches.
- Bug fixes.
- Feature updates.
#1: Security patches
Security patches are essential for addressing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals. A notable example is the 2024 Apple zero-day vulnerabilities affecting Intel-based Macs. In November 2024, Apple released emergency updates to fix two actively exploited zero-day flaws in the JavaScriptCore and WebKit components of macOS.
These vulnerabilities allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code and perform cross-site scripting attacks through malicious web content. The issues were identified by Google's Threat Analysis Group, highlighting the critical need for prompt patch deployment to protect systems against emerging threats.
This incident underscores the importance of a robust Patch Management process to safeguard systems from potential exploits.
#2: Bug fixes
Bug fixes resolve issues in software that cause malfunctions, such as crashes, functional errors, or missing commands. By applying these patches, organizations prevent data loss, improve system reliability, and ensure smoother operations.
#3: Feature updates
Feature updates enhance existing software by adding new tools or improving functionality. For example, Windows 11 introduced accessibility features and gesture controls, and iOS 16 added significant lock screen improvements.
Organizations can apply feature updates using built-in tools like Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or opt for third-party Patch Management solutions to streamline and centralize the process, especially in larger environments.
Why is Patch Management important?
Patch Management is essential for maintaining secure, efficient, and compliant IT operations. It protects your organization, drives innovation, and keeps systems running smoothly. Here’s why it matters:
- Ensuring compliance.
- Strengthening security.
- Maximizing system uptime.
- Unlocking feature improvements.
- Preventing costly incidents.
- Enhancing customer trust and business reputation.
Let’s break these down:
#1: Ensuring compliance
Regulatory agencies often require organizations to meet specific standards for security and data protection. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines and reputational damage.
For example, in 2019, British Airways faced a record $230 million fine for failing to prevent a data breach affecting 500,000 customers. Staying compliant with regulations like GDPR often hinges on timely patching.
By implementing an effective Patch Management process, organizations can reduce compliance risks and maintain a strong regulatory standing.
#2: Strengthening security
Patches address vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit, making them a critical defense mechanism. Neglecting to patch leaves systems vulnerable to attacks.
Consider the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack, which spread globally due to unpatched systems. Microsoft had released a patch for the vulnerability, but many users failed to install it in time, resulting in massive disruption.
Regular patching ensures your systems are resilient and less likely to fall victim to similar incidents. It’s an investment in your organization’s cybersecurity and peace of mind.
#3: Maximizing system uptime
Unpatched systems are prone to crashes, performance issues, and unexpected downtime, all of which can disrupt business operations.
Effective Patch Management minimizes downtime by ensuring systems remain updated and functional. A streamlined patching process keeps your business running smoothly and reduces the risk of costly outages.
#4: Unlocking feature improvements
Beyond security fixes, patches often introduce new features and enhancements that improve productivity.
For instance, Microsoft Office updates regularly add performance improvements and compatibility upgrades. However, not all applications auto-update, making it crucial for IT teams to monitor and apply patches proactively.
Keeping your software up-to-date isn’t just about protection—it’s about staying ahead with the latest tools and innovations.
#5: Preventing costly incidents
The cost of ignoring Patch Management can be staggering, ranging from financial penalties to operational losses. Proactive patching saves money by preventing data breaches, downtime, and compliance issues.
An effective Patch Management program is a safeguard against these risks, helping you avoid unnecessary expenses and ensuring your IT systems remain robust and reliable.
#6: Enhancing customer trust and business reputation
A poorly managed patching process can erode customer trust and damage your business’s reputation. Software failures, security breaches, or downtime often translate into dissatisfied clients.
By keeping systems updated and secure, you demonstrate reliability and commitment to delivering quality services—key factors for maintaining customer loyalty.
How does Patch Management work?
Implementing an effective Patch Management process involves several key steps to ensure your systems remain secure and up-to-date:
- Inventory your assets: Identify all hardware and software assets within your organization to understand what needs patching.
- Monitor for patches: Regularly check for available patches from vendors and assess their relevance to your systems.
- Prioritize patches: Evaluate the criticality of each patch based on factors like security impact and system importance.
- Test patches: Before widespread deployment, test patches in a controlled environment to ensure they don't introduce new issues.
- Deploy patches: Roll out patches systematically, starting with the most critical systems, to minimize potential disruptions.
- Verify and document: After deployment, confirm that patches have been applied successfully and maintain detailed records for compliance and auditing purposes.
For a comprehensive guide on establishing a robust Patch Management process, check out our detailed article: Patch Management Process: A Step-by-step Guide.
How to implement Patch Management with InvGate Asset Management
To improve the efficiency of reviewing, downloading, and installing patches across different devices it is important to have some sort of automated Patch Management software. InvGate Asset Management centralizes everything you need to know about physical, virtual, and cloud assets in a single platform. In this sense, it helps to better handle Patch Management to know exactly when and how to deploy patches.
With InvGate Asset Management it's easy to see which devices need updating. It offers a unified endpoint management which allows IT to manage, secure and deploy patches or corporate resources and applications on any device from a single console. This can be seen in the following video. In this case, we’ll show you how to identify vulnerable devices across your inventory and proactively patch them using InvGate Asset Management.
In a nutshell, the first step is to write the name of the software and version that need patching in the search bar. The data can be exported as CSV which can be given to an agent to make sure it repairs it or create a ticket to give it to an agent, or create a ticket to have the machines be updated.
Patch Management best practices
Now that we’ve covered what Patch Management is, how to implement it, and how InvGate Asset Management can simplify the process, it’s time to focus on best practices. Following these principles will ensure that your Patch Management program is not only effective but also aligned with your organization's broader IT and security goals.
Here are the key best practices to follow:
- Create an inventory of all IT assets.
- Establish a patching policy.
- Prioritize patches based on criticality.
- Test patches before deployment.
- Automate the patching process.
- Maintain detailed documentation and reporting.
- Regularly review and refine your process.
#1: Create an inventory of all IT assets
An accurate inventory is the foundation of successful Patch Management. Identify and catalog all hardware, software, and virtual assets in your organization. This step ensures you know exactly what needs patching and prevents any devices from being overlooked. With InvGate Asset Management, you can create a complete IT inventory within minutes.
#2: Establish a patching policy
Define a clear patching policy that outlines how and when patches should be applied. Include parameters for urgency levels, roles and responsibilities, and escalation procedures for critical vulnerabilities. A well-defined policy ensures consistency and accountability across the organization.
#3: Prioritize patches based on criticality
Not all patches are created equal. Focus first on high-priority updates, such as those addressing critical security vulnerabilities or affecting key systems. Use a risk-based approach to determine which patches should be applied immediately and which can wait.
#4: Test patches before deployment
Testing patches in a controlled environment prevents unintended disruptions to your systems. By simulating the update on non-production machines, you can identify potential compatibility issues or unexpected side effects before rolling it out organization-wide.
#5: Automate the patching process
Manual patching can be time-consuming and error-prone. Use automated Patch Management tools, like InvGate Asset Management, to streamline the process. Automation reduces human error, speeds up deployment, and provides centralized visibility into your patching efforts.
#6: Maintain detailed documentation and reporting
We know this can be challenging, but it’s essential. Keep comprehensive records of all patching activities, including what was patched, when, and by whom. This not only ensures compliance with regulatory standards but also provides valuable insights for auditing and process improvement.
#7: Regularly review and refine your process
Patch Management is an ongoing process. Regularly evaluate its effectiveness by reviewing metrics such as patching timelines, system uptime, and vulnerability reduction. Use these insights to refine your strategies and adapt to evolving threats.
Key takeaways
Patch Management is not just an IT responsibility—it’s a business imperative. As we’ve seen, it plays a pivotal role in maintaining security, ensuring compliance, minimizing downtime, and driving innovation. By addressing vulnerabilities proactively and keeping systems up-to-date, organizations can reduce the risk of cyberattacks, avoid costly fines, and deliver a seamless user experience.
With tools like InvGate Asset Management, Patch Management becomes more manageable, efficient, and strategic. From automating processes to providing centralized visibility, it enables IT teams to identify, prioritize, and deploy patches effectively. Start implementing these strategies today with our 30-day free trial!
Frequently asked questions
What are some common problems with Patch Management?
One major problem is lack of communication across the different teams involved in patch operations. Patch Management requires cooperation from a number of different members, so effective communication and coordination is a must.
Lack of priorities could also pose a problem: it is needed to assess risks by determining possible exposure of a system and its implications.
Poor handling of assets is also another problem. Companies need to perform regular assessments of assets, and understand possible vulnerabilities and updates needed to define maintenance and patches to servers and other software.
What is the top challenge in implementing Patch Management?
The top challenge is probably assessing correctly the vulnerabilities and the assets exposed in order to provide a suitable and timely response for the deployment of patches across the network.
What is the recommended frequency for Patch Management?
Automated solutions are the best way to perform the updates as soon as they are available, which is the recommended action to take. The longer you wait to implement patches, the higher the risk, but it is true that sometimes it is not possible to deploy all patches at a time.
That is why it is necessary to prioritize. In general, updates and scans should be carried out weekly and if a major risk is identified, then the patch should be installed immediately. Other patches can be carried out on a monthly basis.
