Security Patch Management

Security patch management is the ongoing process of applying updates that help resolve code vulnerabilities or errors for applications across your system.

A security patch is essentially a method of updating systems, applications, or software by inserting code to fill in, or “patch,” the vulnerability. This helps secure the system against an attack. The problem with patches is that new vulnerabilities are constantly being discovered, which means that new patches are constantly being released to try to keep your systems secure.

In general, security patch management involves:

• Understanding which software, systems, or applications currently pose a security risk because of missing updates or patches.
• Looking for and maintaining an updated knowledge of the available patches.
• Deciding which patches are right for which systems.
• Testing patches on the target platforms to ensure they will perform correctly.
• Installing the correct patches and checking all systems to ensure no updates are missing or stalled out.
• Testing the updated systems after the patches are installed to make sure they are working correctly.

Hackers often target software vulnerabilities knowing that attacking a vulnerability is one of the best ways to get into a system. Much like patches consist of code that “fills in” the software, hackers can write code directly aimed at exploiting the vulnerability, which they then package as malware. This malware can allow the hacker to steal data, corrupt files, encrypt files, and even gain access to the broader business network. Patches in network security are important because without patches, your business may be left open to attacks and data theft.

There are a number of best practices and tips to help you get the most out of your security patch management:

• Test and monitor your patches. Sometimes patches can cause problems in your system unrelated to the problem they’re trying to fix. Ideally, you should test patches in a controlled or sandbox environment before installing them across your network. If testing isn’t possible (or even if it is), it’s helpful to monitor the patch after installation to make sure it doesn’t cause any issues.
• Look at and inventory Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server status information. When creating a report to help you manage the deployment of updates across your network, having an updated inventory can help ensure you have all the latest information on patch and update availability.
• Use a licensed version of SQL Server. A licensed version can support multiple console users and inventory multiple WSUS users.
• Automate patch management. Using patch management software can help save you both time and effort in your patching efforts. Security patch management software can also help you ensure that the most important patches are installed first, so you can reduce your vulnerability to hackers as much as possible.

SolarWinds Patch Manager is designed to automate the security patch management process by helping you proactively address known software vulnerabilities. Patch Manager can give you more control over the security patching process by automating approval processes, shutdowns, and reboots, defining the correct pre- and post-installation environment, and creating comprehensive reports.

Patch Manager can help you monitor patches to more easily determine their status and demonstrate patch compliance to auditors and internal stakeholders. Patch Manager comes with an intuitive web console letting you see the latest available patches, the general health of your environment, and the top ten missing patches on your network, so you can more easily determine which patches to prioritize. 

• Windows Patch Management
• Application Patch Management
• SCCM Software Inventory Management
• Virtual Patching
• Java Patching 
• Automated Software Deployment Tool
• Extend Microsoft SCCM Patch Management
• Extend Microsoft WSUS Patch Management
• WSUS Alternative
• SCCM Alternative
• Automated Patch Management
• Patch Compliance Reporting