What are the best practices for implementing an effective patch management strategy?
Patching applications and the underlying operating system on all computer systems is the foundation of any effective cyber security strategy. Patching helps keep assets and data safe from malicious attack. This becomes even more important in a world where networks are connected and open, with external dependency and third-party applications deployed to critical networks and infrastructure.
Software updates can be critical and should be treated delicately as they directly influence application and system stability, as well as performance. It is essential that IT professionals, security officers and system administrators implement a robust patch management policy and plan all updates carefully.
Planning the patching strategy depends on the organisation’s scope, but the following are some of the best practices to follow when implementing a comprehensive patch management program:
- Develop an inventory - Documenting the organization's systems and what they are running can help administrators and managers keep track of all assets. This enables security professionals to identify high-risk and mission critical systems, quickly schedule patching, prioritize which patches to deploy first, and track the effectiveness of their process.
- Implement Automation - Automated patching solutions can help control the complexity of the work. This can involve putting a patch management tool in place, as well as automation scripts and deployment techniques to reduce the amount of manual time and effort, and support the regular delivery of security updates.
- Establish procedures - The patch management program should be a priority in the organization’s overall security strategy, and procedures should be in place for patch testing, approvals, scheduling, and evaluating the effectiveness of patches. Quality assurance is essential for minimizing the risk associated with deploying patches.
- Educate End Users - Regular user education and training keeps users’ systems up to date and educated on best practices when they encounter malicious threats. IT teams should explain the importance of patching and explain how it can reduce the risk of a cyber-attack.
By following these best practices, organizations can implement an effective patch management strategy, helping to significantly reduce the risk profile of their networks.