Patching is the process of applying updates, or patches, to operating systems, software and devices, to address security flaws that could leave your organization vulnerable to cyberattacks. A patch is a piece of code that is designed to fix security weaknesses or faults in existing software. Patches can be applied manually by IT security teams, system administrators or by an automated tool - the latter being the more efficient solution for applying multiple security fixes across an organization.
Effective patch management should follow these steps:
Identifying areas of your business that require patching. Vulnerability scans (VA scans) can aid the process of patching by scouring your system for known vulnerabilities, revealing any weaknesses that require patching.
Review and test patch compatibility before applying them to your systems. Applying a patch without adequate testing could cause more harm than good, such as disabling parts of your system resulting in downtime.
Prioritizing vulnerabilities based on their criticality, as these will be the most pertinent to address and most vulnerable to exploitation.