Other Solutions To Consider
We researched lots of patch management solutions while we were making this guide. Here are a few other tools worth your consideration:
- Chocolatey for Business A package manager that enables IT teams to manage all software deployments, updates, and removals across their Windows environments via a single interface, rather than having to monitor them individually.
- GFI Languard: A patch management, auditing and vulnerability scanning solution designed to give organizations increased visibility into the state of their endpoints, and help them to identify and patch vulnerabilities.
- Ivanti Patch: A range of patch management solutions that supports a wide range of operating systems across remote, physical and virtual devices, as well as third-party applications, including the Microsoft 365 Suite and Java, and internet browsers.
- Robopack: A full-featured patch and packaging management tool that’s free for organizations with less than 100 users. While Robopack is currently a relatively small company, they’re definitely one to watch out for.
- Syxsense Manage: A combined endpoint management, vulnerability scanning and patch deployment solution that enables IT teams to automate patch deployment across all the devices connected to their network via one holistic platform.
Patch Management: Everything You Need To Know (FAQs)
What Is A Software Patch?
A software patch (or “bug fix”) is a sequence of code designed to update, improve, or fix a computer program or application. A patch can also be used to add new features to a program.
In other words, it “patches” up a hole or makes the original program stronger, like a fabric patch would on a worn pair of jeans.
What Is Patch Management?
Patch management is the process of monitoring all the devices and software applications connected to your network for vulnerabilities, then applying the correct patch to any vulnerabilities you discover.
Usually, patch management is handled by an individual, team, or an automated software solution like those in this shortlist.
How Does Patch Management Work?
There are three main stages involved in patch management:
- Identifying which machines and apps need updating
- Locating the relevant patch from the provider’s website
- Installing that patch on each machine
A patch management solution downloads patches on your behalf and distributes them automatically in line with policies that you configure. It also alerts you to unsuccessful patch deployments, and usually offers a roll-back feature to remove a patch if it isn’t working correctly.
Why Is Patch Management So Important?
Not patching your software can cause it to run inefficiently or, worse, provide a backdoor for cybercriminals to enter your network. So, it’s important for you to deploy your patches.
But you also need to make sure you deploy them as soon as possible after they’re made available.
Newly released patches often come with the disclosure of the security risk the patch is designed to fix. For attackers, this information is a gift; instead of spending time and energy attempting to uncover vulnerabilities, they can simply read up on the latest patch for a third-party component and specifically target those users.
We understand that you’re very busy and have lots of work to get on with, and that might mean that patching just isn’t at the top of your priority list—but unfortunately, attackers know this too, and they’re more than happy to exploit that.
To help avoid that, we recommend implementing a patch management tool that will identify vulnerabilities, locate the right patch, test that patch, and finally deploy it for you.