What Is Patch Management?

Patch management is the process of identifying, testing and installing software updates across computers, servers, applications and network devices.

These updates are often referred to as patches. They may correct security vulnerabilities, fix software bugs, improve performance or add compatibility with newer systems.

For businesses, patch management is an essential part of maintaining reliable and secure IT systems.

Without a structured patching process, devices can remain exposed to known weaknesses that cybercriminals may be able to exploit.

Why Do Software Vendors Release Patches?

Software is rarely perfect when it is first released.

Over time, manufacturers may discover problems that affect security, reliability or performance. These problems can be corrected through software updates.

A patch may be released to:

* Fix a security vulnerability
* Correct a software error
* Improve system performance
* Resolve compatibility problems
* Add support for new hardware
* Improve the stability of an application
* Protect against newly discovered threats

Some patches are minor, while others are considered critical because they correct vulnerabilities that are already being actively exploited.

The longer an important security patch is delayed, the greater the risk that an attacker may be able to use the weakness against your business.

Why Is Patch Management Important?

Cybercriminals regularly search for computers, servers and network devices that have not been updated.

When a security vulnerability becomes publicly known, attackers may create tools that automatically scan for systems that remain exposed.

This means businesses do not always need to be individually targeted. An outdated device may simply be discovered by an automated attack.

Poor patch management can increase the risk of:

* Ransomware
* Data theft
* Unauthorised access
* Malware infections
* Business disruption
* System crashes
* Compliance failures
* Loss of customer confidence

Installing security updates promptly can help close these weaknesses before they are exploited.

What Systems Need to Be Patched?

Patch management should cover more than Windows computers.

Most businesses use a wide range of hardware and software, all of which may require regular updates.

This can include:

* Desktop computers
* Laptops
* Windows and macOS devices
* Servers
* Microsoft 365 applications
* Web browsers
* Mobile phones and tablets
* Firewalls
* Routers and network switches
* Backup systems
* Remote access software
* Industry-specific applications
* Third-party software
* Printers and other connected devices

Firewalls and other network devices are sometimes overlooked because they may continue working even when they are running outdated software.

However, a vulnerable firewall or remote access system can provide an attacker with a direct route into the business network.

What Is a Patch Management Process?

Effective patch management is not simply a case of clicking an update button.

A proper process should help ensure that important updates are installed promptly without creating unnecessary disruption.

The process will normally include several stages.

Identifying Devices and Software

The first step is understanding what technology the business uses.

This involves maintaining an accurate inventory of computers, servers, applications and network equipment.

It is difficult to update and protect devices that the business does not know it has.

Older or forgotten systems can become serious security risks, particularly when they remain connected to the network.

Reviewing Available Updates

New updates should be reviewed regularly.

Security patches should be prioritised based on the seriousness of the vulnerability and whether the affected system is exposed to the internet.

Critical patches may need to be installed quickly, while lower-risk updates may be included within the normal maintenance schedule.

Testing Updates

Some businesses test updates before installing them across every device.

This can help identify compatibility issues with specialist software or older systems.

Testing is particularly important for servers and business-critical applications where an unexpected problem could interrupt operations.

However, testing should not create unnecessary delays when a serious vulnerability is being actively exploited.

Installing the Patches

Updates should be installed within an agreed timeframe.

Many patches can be deployed automatically through a central device management platform.

Some systems may need to restart before an update becomes active, so installations should be scheduled carefully to reduce disruption.

Employees should also be reminded to restart their computers when required. An update may appear to have installed but remain incomplete until the device has been rebooted.

Monitoring the Results

A patch management platform should confirm whether updates have installed successfully.

Failed installations should be investigated rather than assumed to have completed.

Regular reporting can help identify:

* Devices that have missed updates
* Computers that have not restarted
* Unsupported operating systems
* Failed installations
* Devices that have not recently connected
* Applications with known vulnerabilities

Without monitoring, businesses may believe their systems are protected when important updates are still missing.

What Is Automated Patch Management?

Automated patch management uses central software to identify devices, approve updates, install patches and report on the results.

Instead of relying on every employee to update their own computer, the IT support provider can manage patching across the business.

Automated patching can help businesses:

* Install updates more consistently
* Reduce the risk of missed patches
* Monitor remote workers
* Identify failed updates
* Produce compliance reports
* Reduce manual administration
* Apply urgent security fixes quickly

Automation does not remove the need for oversight. Updates still need to be monitored and important failures need to be investigated.

What Is Third-Party Application Patching?

Windows Update can keep parts of the Microsoft operating system updated, but it may not cover every application installed on a device.

Third-party applications may include:

* Google Chrome
* Mozilla Firefox
* Adobe Acrobat
* Zoom
* Java
* Remote access tools
* Accounting software
* Compression utilities
* PDF applications

These applications can also contain security vulnerabilities.

A complete patch management service should therefore include supported third-party applications rather than focusing only on the operating system.

What Happens When Software Is No Longer Supported?

Eventually, manufacturers stop providing security updates for older operating systems and applications.

This is known as end of support or end of life.

Once a product is no longer supported, newly discovered vulnerabilities may not be fixed.

Continuing to use unsupported software can create a significant security risk and may also affect cyber insurance or regulatory compliance.

Businesses should maintain a replacement plan for ageing systems and avoid waiting until the final support date before taking action.

In some cases, replacing unsupported software may require planning, testing or purchasing new hardware, so preparations should begin well in advance.

Can Patches Cause Problems?

Occasionally, an update may cause compatibility or performance problems.

This is one reason businesses may be cautious about installing patches.

However, avoiding updates completely is not a safe solution.

A managed approach reduces the risk by reviewing updates, testing where appropriate, maintaining backups and monitoring systems after deployment.

The risk of an occasional update problem should be balanced against the much greater risk of leaving a known security vulnerability uncorrected.

How Often Should Patches Be Installed?

The correct schedule depends on the type of update and the level of risk.

Routine updates may be installed during an agreed weekly or monthly maintenance window.

Critical security patches may need to be deployed much sooner, particularly where there is evidence that attackers are already exploiting the vulnerability.

Patch management should be based on risk rather than following a rigid timetable for every update.

Internet-facing systems, firewalls, remote access platforms and administrator tools should normally receive greater priority.

Patch Management and Cybersecurity Compliance

Patch management is an important requirement within many cybersecurity standards and insurance policies.

Businesses may be expected to demonstrate that:

* Supported software is being used
* Security updates are installed promptly
* Critical vulnerabilities are prioritised
* Devices are centrally managed
* Failed updates are investigated
* Records of patching activity are retained

Patch management is also an important part of Cyber Essentials.

Organisations working towards certification need to make sure supported software is used and important security updates are applied within the required timeframe.

What Are the Benefits of Managed Patch Management?

A managed patching service gives businesses greater confidence that their systems are being updated consistently.

The main benefits can include:

* Improved cybersecurity
* Fewer known vulnerabilities
* More reliable computers and servers
* Better visibility across the network
* Reduced manual work
* Improved compliance
* Faster response to critical threats
* Better support for remote employees
* Reduced risk of unexpected downtime

Managed patching can also help identify devices that are too old to update or applications that are approaching the end of support.

How Hamilton Group Can Help

Hamilton Group helps businesses keep their computers, servers and network devices secure through managed patching and proactive IT support.

We can help with:

* Windows and macOS patch management
* Server updates
* Third-party application patching
* Firewall and network device updates
* Vulnerability monitoring
* Automated deployment
* Update reporting
* Failed patch investigation
* Device and software inventories
* End-of-life planning
* Cyber Essentials support
* Managed endpoint security

Our team monitors patching across your business, identifies devices that have missed important updates and helps make sure security vulnerabilities are corrected before they can be exploited.

Call Hamilton Group today on 0330 043 0069 to discuss how managed patching can help keep your business secure, supported and up to date.