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Lets face it: patching is thecybersecurityequivalent of flossing.
Everyone knows they should do it, but far too many skimp on this critical task.
Recent research finds that just over half of Macs in the workplace remain unprotected bysecurityupdates.
None of this is a surprise to IT.
Theyre fully aware of the risks, the roadblocks, and what it takes to patch properly.
Yet many are still fumbling with but-but-but excuses around compatibility issues and time crunches.
Going forward, especially amidst increased cyber threats andremote work, this isnt good enough.
Wake up, IT leaders.
Founder and CEO of Hexnode.
This equates to roughly 2,900 new vulnerabilities every month.
Concerningly, IT is often letting these threats come and go without action.
The frustrating part is that IT has the tools to protect itself.
This proactive stance immediately transforms novel threats into known vulnerabilities with clear steps for remediation.
Therefore, IT does have the agency to fight back in this evermore dangerous climate.
So, whats the hold-up?
The patch problem for IT
Patching proves easier said than done due to three main factors.
First, most leaders (70%) find it time-consuming.
This is because there are various endpoints and each requires a watchful eye for respective updates.
Then, applying patches can result in compatibility issues and end-user disruptions.
For example, most managers are afraid that applying security patches right after release could break stuff.
Again, solving these problems takes valuable time.
Second, enterprise ecosystems are bigger than ever and only expanding in the age of bring-your-own-equipment and shadow IT.
Testing and ensuring that patches are secure across this attack surface is a feat in and of itself.
Further, if there are issues with the patch, rolling them back in a complex environment is essential.
Third, hacks and fixes are coming online at a rapid rate.
Keeping up with every single patch can be overwhelming.
Then, set a strategy for implementing patches by establishing alerts and monitoring the big players for new releases.
In the case ofApple, the company hosts a dedicated page with novel threats and security information.
Next, constantly check for holes.
For example, tools like unifiedendpointmanagement can help achieve regular gadget audits, patch testing, and rollback plans.
Finally, armed with a thorough understanding of the ecosystem, prioritize the patches of business importance.
This streamlines patching and offers extra runway to ensure compatibility before deployment.
No patching ifs or buts
Patching isnt easy but it also isnt optional.
Hackers bank on your team leaving the backdoor open.
Its up to you to take patching seriously and stop them.
In need of further convincing?
This isnt just about security.
Done right, patch management can also deliver performance benefits, compliance assurances, and less business downtime.
The pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to patching in this cybersecurity climate.
A little digital flossing goes a long way.
We’ve featured the best IT management tool.
The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc.
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