Attackers often exploit unpatched software vulnerabilities to gain a foothold on corporate networks. Many high‑profile breaches could have been prevented if organisations had applied available security updates. NIST’s small‑business guidelines highlight the importance of applying patches to both the operating system and applicaitons. It can be tempting to delay updates because of fears of downtime; however, the risk of leaving known vulnerabilities open is far greater.
Establish a formal patch management process. Begin by inventorying all hardware and software assets; you cannot protect what you don’t know exists. Subscribe to vendor security bulletins and vulnerability notifications so you’re aware of new patches as they become available. For mission‑critical systems, test updates in a staging environment before deployment to minimise disruption.
Automate as much of the process as possible. Use endpoint management solutions to deploy patches centrally to desktops and laptops. For servers and network devices, schedule maintenance windows to install firmware and operating system updates. Don’t forget third‑party applications such as PDF readers, browser plugins and IoT devices—these often contain critical security fixes.
Finally, maintain a record of patch activities for compliance and auditing purposes. Demonstrating that you have a repeatable patch management process may be required for regulatory frameworks such as PCI DSS or ISO 27001. Regular patching not only reduces the number of vulnerabilities an attacker can exploit but also shows customers and partners that you take security seriously.
