Every day of delay in applying security patches increases the risk of an attack.
Patch Management is one of the most fundamental, yet often neglected, activities in cybersecurity.
What Is Patch Management?
Patch management (also known as update management) is the process of identifying, testing, and deploying security patches in operating systems, applications, and devices.
The goal is:
- eliminating security vulnerabilities,
- improving system stability,
- ensuring compliance with security policies and regulations (e.g., NIS2, ISO 27001, DORA).
Regular patching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce cyberattack risk.
The Importance of Regular Updates
- Vulnerability Elimination – patches close known vulnerabilities (CVEs) that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
- System Stability – updates improve performance and reliability of the environment.
- Regulatory Compliance – many industries (finance, energy, healthcare) require a formal patch management process.
- Incident Cost Reduction – prevention is cheaper than dealing with breaches.
According to Verizon DBIR, unpatched vulnerabilities account for over 60 % of data breaches.
How to Manage Updates Effectively
- Inventory Assets – maintain an up-to-date list of all systems, applications, and devices.
- Monitor Vulnerabilities – use tools like Nessus, Qualys, or Tenable to scan for known CVEs.
- Prioritise Patches – focus on critical vulnerabilities first (based on CVSS score and exploitability).
- Test Before Deployment – verify patches in a staging environment to avoid disruptions.
- Automate Rollouts – use centralised tools to deploy updates across the fleet.
- Document & Audit – track all patching activities for compliance and lessons learned.
Tools for Patch Management
- WSUS / SCCM (Microsoft) – for Windows Server environments.
- Ansible / Puppet / Chef / SaltStack – automation for Linux/Unix patching.
- Qualys / Ivanti / ManageEngine / Tenable.io – SaaS platforms for vulnerability and patch management.
- System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) – centralised patching for corporate infrastructure.
Using automation tools (and patching schedules) strikes the balance between security and business continuity.
Best Practices
| Area | Action | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Management | Prioritise patches based on CVSS criticality | Focus on the most dangerous vulnerabilities |
| Automation | Use patch management systems | Time savings and error reduction |
| Audit & Reporting | Generate regular update status reports | Proof of compliance |
| Security Culture | Educate users on the importance of updates | Increased awareness and shared responsibility |
Manage Updates to Protect Your Systems
Deploy patches systematically, automate processes, and regularly monitor security status.
It’s one of the cheapest and most effective ways to safeguard your organisation against cyber threats.
Get in Touch
I help organisations design and implement patch management processes, integrate patch & vulnerability management systems, and ensure compliance with ISO 27001 and NIS2.
Email: biuro@wichran.pl
Phone: +48 515 601 621
Author: Piotr Wichrań – Court-appointed IT forensic expert, IT/OT cybersecurity specialist, licensed private investigator
@Informatyka.Sledcza