What is patch management in IT? Definition, best practices and tools
In a digital world where cyber-attacks are multiplying and vulnerabilities are being discovered on a weekly basis, ignoring security updates is like leaving your door wide open in the middle of the night. This is where patch management comes in.
This often underestimated process is a cornerstone of enterprise cybersecurity. It enables software vulnerabilities to be quickly corrected, sensitive data to be protected, and a healthy, compliant, high-performance infrastructure to be maintained.
But beware: between automation, prioritization, and the tools to choose from, good patch management doesn't just happen. In this article, we decipher together what patch management is, why it's crucial for your IS, and how to implement it efficiently as part of an optimal strategy, step by step. The answers in this article!
What is patch management?
Definition
Patch management is a centralized process that involves :
-
identifying computer vulnerabilities,
-
prioritize actions,
-
acquiring or loading corrective updates,
-
testing patches to identify potential problems and check that they correct the flaws for which they were developed,
-
plan patch installation according to the characteristics of the services and functions concerned,
-
deploy patches and functional updates.
Note: the patch management process also includes an installation acceptance phase and a documentation phase covering patches, vulnerabilities and test results. This provides an up-to-date history that completes the inventory of the company's IT assets and proves its compliance with cybersecurity regulations in the event of an IT security audit.
These documented procedures simplify any backtracking in the event of uncontrolled side-effects of a major update.
What are the objectives of patch management, and why is it important?
As soon as a vulnerability or bug is detected, software publishers, IT and mobile equipment manufacturers, networkAs soon as a vulnerability or bug is detected, software publishers, computer and mobile equipment manufacturers and network equipment suppliers release minor and major updates to correct security flaws and resolve bugs. Updates are also used to add new functionalities, or even improve system performance.
Deploying a patch management policy in your company is important, as it is an effective way of combating cyberthreats targeting system and equipment vulnerabilities. It also ensures the compatibility, stability (risk of breakdowns) and performance of the tools available to the company's players.
What is a patch management policy?
A patch management policy is a documented process that formally and exhaustively defines the procedures for updating the company's various IT assets. It establishes the roles and responsibilities of the people involved, schedules the various phases, and defines the objectives to be achieved according to the nature of the patches and their criticality. The patch management policy also defines the scope of patch management.
👉 To sum up, the patch management policy is essential for guaranteeing
- the correct installation of patches,
- system security and performance over time,
- and limit downtime.
It must also include a contingency plan, with the possibility of rolling back the system in the event of a problem. A recent backup or disk image should be available to reinstall the system as it was before the patch was applied.
As patch management in the enterprise is often complex, it is possible to use patch management software in stand-alone mode, or as part of a more global IT security policy.
Types of patches and their impact on IT infrastructure
Patches are an integral part of the lifecycle of a company's hardware and software assets. They ensure that systems remain compliant and usable throughout their lifetime. This means regularly monitoring software publishers and suppliers to ensure that systems are compatible with the equipment on which they are deployed, evolving usage and user expectations, and secure. Patches come in various forms:
-
Security patches,
-
Bug fixes,
-
Functional updates and additions,
-
Performance improvements,
-
Regulatory compliance.
The implementation of security patches and the various updates have a decisive impact on the smooth running, reliability and longevity of even the most complex IT infrastructures.
✅ A rigorous patch management policy :
- considerably reduces vulnerabilities to intrusion attempts via obsolete code, installation of malware, ransomware...,
- optimizes software operation (improved performance, enhanced functionality),
- and ensures regulatory compliance, particularly in terms of data protection.
What are the risks of poor patch management?
Poor patch management exposes a company to major risks. If patches and updates are not regularly installed on operating systems, applications, terminals and network equipment, infrastructures can be compromised:
-
Risk of loss of compatibility between the various components of the information system,
-
Risk of cyber-attacks on the IS that could jeopardize the organization and expose its employees,
-
Edge effects impacting at the very least the performance of the IS as a whole, and potentially serving as an entry point for the theft of confidential data or hacking.
3 best practices for effective patch management
#1 Automate the patch management process
Automating patch management with patch management software saves considerable time and increases efficiency. By implementing automatic routines for distributing and installing updates and patches, you can :
- industrialize procedures,
- avoid human error,
- and systematically apply the right patch versions to all terminals at the right time.
⚡ The precision and speed with which tasks are carried out means you can be reactive when a flaw is discovered, effectively reducing cybercriminals' window of attack.
This automation of patch management procedures also improves compliance thanks to the production of summary reports and traceability of actions. Similarly, patch management automation software reduces the work load on IT teams, who can focus on the analysis phases.
#2 Create a regular update schedule
📅 A forward-looking calendar can help IT teams in charge of patch management to anticipate the deployment of updates and the application of patches.
There are different types of updates, with different planning requirements:
-
Security patches, to be deployed as soon as they are released.
-
Functional updates, to be scheduled on a monthly or quarterly basis.
-
As the frequency of major updates depends on the schedules of hardware, network and telecoms publishers and suppliers, it's important to keep abreast of their news, so as to integrate the provisional release schedules of the various versions.
Important: this planning work is complex. It must be regularly updated and communicated to all stakeholders, so that everyone can anticipate any unavailability of IT assets.
#3 Document and track updates
Documenting and tracking updates is one of the best practices for effective patch management procedures. Documentation is essential for reasons of compliance and traceability of operations linked to the integrity and security of a company's information systems.
It also provides the various parties involved with a detailed history of events and installed versions, and ensures accurate tracking of updates, enabling them to revert to a previous, more stable version if necessary.
6 steps to an optimal patch management process
Step 1: Asset identification
This initial phase consists of making an inventory of all components, in order to establish a precise mapping of the IS. The aim is to compile an exhaustive, detailed list of all IT assets (date commissioned within the company, systems and applications installed, versions, etc.).
Step 2: Vulnerability assessment
The aim of this stage is to identify and analyze vulnerabilities in the various components of the information system (bugs, security holes, obsolete software, inappropriate configurations). This makes it possible to map vulnerabilities precisely, assess the level of risk for each component and for the IS as a whole, and draw up recommendations in line with current regulations.
Step 3: Prioritizing patches according to threats
Once the vulnerabilities of IT assets have been assessed, it's easy to prioritize the actions to be taken: installation of security patches and updates to reduce the risk of cyber-attack.
Step 4: Patch testing and validation
This essential step in the patch management process consists of field-testing the installation and effectiveness of security patches and other updates on a configuration representative of the software and hardware park concerned.
✅ This test enables you to:
- assess patch compatibility,
- check that installation and implementation do not affect system performance and stability.
Validating these tests is essential for launching patches and IT asset updates.
Step 5: Patch deployment
Patch deployment can be envisaged in several stages. First of all, the most critical systems are updated, then the entire installed base is gradually rolled out. This must be done quickly to reduce the attack surface.
☝️ Until a link in the information system has been patched, the whole system remains vulnerable.
The automation of this process, made possible by patch management, speeds up the systematic distribution and installation of patches and updates, according to a secure, documented procedure.
Step 6: Monitoring results
Equally important, results monitoring provides a comprehensive overview of operations. Using key indicators, teams measure in real time the progress of patch and update implementation on the target fleet, analyze failures and rollbacks, and monitor the effectiveness of installed patches. Monitoring must be documented to keep a history of versions and events, validate the effectiveness of the patch management process, and benefit from feedback for the continuous improvement of these cybersecurity procedures.
Patch management tools and software
Comparison of patch management tools on the market
Several patch management solutions are available:
Heimdal Patch Management Software. This cybersecurity technology platform automates vulnerability management, with patch deployment on Microsoft and Linux OSs, and on third-party and proprietary software, both on site and remotely. This tool gives you complete visibility and precise control over all your software assets.
Heimdal Security
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus. This patch management platform, available as a cloud or on-premise service, offers automated patch deployment on servers and workstations running Windows, macOS and Linux OSs.
Patch Manager Plus
NinjaOne Patch Management. This solution supports remote management and monitoring of Windows, macOS and Linux, as well as over 135 third-party applications running on Windows. It automates patch identification, approval and deployment, as well as reporting on update operations.
NinjaOne (ex-NinjaRMM)
Atera. This remote monitoring and management cloud platform offers powerful patch management automation, custom scripting, network discovery, trouble ticket management, automatic report generation, real-time alerts...
Atera
How do you choose your patch management software?
Choosing a patch management solution involves a number of important criteria:
-
Operating systems supported,
-
Process automation solutions,
-
Patch status and compliance reporting,
-
Functional coverage of patch management processes (inventory, testing, evaluations, etc.),
-
ease of use,
-
Pricing.
The chosen solution must also be adapted to the size and complexity of your IT assets.
What role does artificial intelligence play in patch management?
The use of artificial intelligence in patch management considerably enhances the performance and efficiency of various processes. AI enables the intelligent automation of processes to combat vulnerabilities through :
-
Rapid detection and identification of vulnerabilities,
-
Intelligent prioritization of patches,
-
Automated deployment of patches and asset updates,
-
Follow-up management,
-
Automatic generation of documentation and compliance reports.
By integrating an approach based on predictive analysis, artificial intelligence continuously improves patch management strategy.
Invest in effective patch management for a secure future
With companies constantly being targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks, automated management of security patches, bugs and functional updates must be part of your cybersecurity strategy. Security flaws are systematically exploited by cybercriminals to penetrate IS, steal data and install malware for criminal purposes.
By installing patch management software with artificial intelligence, you can protect your information system simply and effectively.
Article translated from French
Maëlys De Santis, Growth Managing Editor, started at Appvizer in 2017 as Copywriter & Content Manager. Her career at Appvizer is distinguished by her in-depth expertise in content strategy and content marketing, as well as SEO optimization. With a Master's degree in Intercultural Communication and Translation from ISIT, Maëlys also studied languages and English at the University of Surrey. She has shared her expertise in publications such as Le Point and Digital CMO. She contributes to the organization of the global SaaS event, B2B Rocks, where she took part in the opening keynote in 2023 and 2024.
An anecdote about Maëlys? She has a (not so) secret passion for fancy socks, Christmas, baking and her cat Gary. 🐈⬛