5 Important Reasons Why You Need Patch Management
Don’t assume auto update has you covered. 99.9% of attacks happen due to attackers running code against commonly known vulnerabilities existing in systems that have not yet been patched. Patches often need management and are not installed automatically.
There’s more to patching than Windows Update. Patch management goes far beyond the operating system. Most people know of Windows Updates, which is considered part of patch management, however, do you know the status of all the applications installed on your device and your staff’s devices? How about all the other equipment, routers, switches, firewalls, and some not mentioned? Does each have the latest firmware?
Prevent Zero-Day Attacks. Hackers constantly look for vulnerabilities without a patch solution, called a zero-day attack. The time between when the vulnerability is discovered and a security patch is available has not been created, meaning the threat is out in the open without any resolution. A hacker can execute code to gain immediate access when this happens. With proper patch management, the hacker will not have time to exploit zero-day vulnerabilities. Even without a patch, IT will prevent access until a patch becomes available.
EOL (End-of-Life) software. When a vendor stops supporting software, it means that they will no longer release patches for discovered vulnerabilities. When new vulnerabilities come to light, they will remain vulnerable as nothing will be done to fix them. It's wise to stop using this software as exploits for these will become more common and increase the odds of a breach.
Improperly managed anti-virus /malware solutions. Antivirus/malware solutions need proper management in today’s cybecosystem. New threats arise daily along with user behavior elevating the risk of a breach as phishing attacks continue to be harder to detect. Properly managing AV/malware software correctly means that it can pick up everything that is a threat to your network.
What is Patch Management
Patch Management is the procedure of handling all the updates of components within the company’s information system.
These include routers, firewalls, servers, operating systems, anti-viruses/malware, applications, and mobile devices, along with other areas that may exist within a network.
Cybersecurity specialists track vulnerabilities and know they exist, decide if they are essential, and take steps to avoid challenges that can occur while deploying patches. Because a patch is a piece of code, it must be, approved, installed, and often configured.
Cybersecurity specialists know time is critical. Bad actors are monitoring the same vulnerabilities waiting for an opportunity where a patch is missing, installed incorrectly, or a zero-day opportunity.
What is CVE (Common Vulnerability and Exposures)
A publicly available database of known computer security vulnerabilities and system flaws that can be used to hack devices, systems, or programs.
Why does CVE matter?
Cybersecurity defense specialists need to agree on their terminology so they can collaborate to combat threats.
Organizations can identify relevant listed security flaws, learn about them, and strengthen their security systems accordingly.
CVE IDs are widely used by companies, security organizations, and databases when referring to cybersecurity-related products and services. By using a CVE identifier, you can find information about a certain vulnerability quicker and easier.
The downside of the CVE public database and not employing a patch management system.
Attackers monitor the CVE database and move quickly to exploit software vulnerabilities. When devices are left unpatched and the longer they go unmanaged the greater risk an attacker will exploit the vulnerability.
Research shows vulnerabilities due to unpatched devices remain a key avenue hackers use to exploit their victims. Extremely unfortunate since managing updates is easy to deploy and for pennies on the dollar. Especially when preventing a breach from happening.
Contact Ambit today to discuss our patch management solution and how we will keep your business safe.
