With all these areas to manage, patching can become too boring to handle on your own given the sheer number of patches you\u2019ll require to keep your system always updated.<\/p>\n
In some cases, patching can even become an inconvenience that can potentially introduce other unprecedented issues. But it doesn\u2019t have to be this way with a proper patch management strategy<\/a>.<\/p>\n That said, let\u2019s see what patch management is.<\/p>\n Patch management \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 is an area in systems management tasked with managing these patches and keeping software on network devices and computers updated and capable of resisting cyber-attacks.<\/p>\n Basically, patch management includes activities such as: deciding which patches to install, ensuring that the patches are properly installed, testing whether the systems are working properly after installation, maintaining current knowledge of available patches, documenting all associated procedures.<\/p>\n Patch management can be done automatically using a dedicated patch management program or manually on a system-by-system basis.<\/p>\n Further reading<\/span> Patch Management with MSP360 RMM<\/a><\/p>\n Patch management works differently for various systems. For instance, the way a patch is applied to a corporate network is different from how it\u2019s applied to a mobile application that allows your customers to pay you directly through invoices and automatically records each payment<\/a> in your account with the simple click of a button on your smartphone.<\/p>\n In a corporate environment, the software version remains consistent across all devices and computers. As such, organizations usually perform centralized patch management through a centralized patch management server.<\/p>\n Depending on the organization\u2019s patch management policy, the server downloads and distributes the patches to other computers via the organization's network which helps conserve internet bandwidth.<\/p>\n Apart from automating patching, the centralized approach gives you more control over the process. For instance, you can decide which patches to ignore which ones to deploy by configuring the policy.<\/p>\n With a stand-alone system, on the other hand, each computer is allowed to run an automatic check periodically on the operating system and applications. If any patches are available, they are downloaded and installed automatically.<\/p>\n There are various reasons why patching is critical while working remotely from home. They include:<\/p>\n With hackers and researchers discovering new vulnerabilities, unpatched systems remain the favorite target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit known security weaknesses. Apart from that, they are also a soft target for malware infections.<\/p>\n As such, it is necessary to apply security patches as soon as they are issued by the vendor for effective cybersecurity. Security testing of applications and APIs, no matter which tool or method used, all comes down to dynamic or static evaluation. One of the best tools to use for this purpose is a Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tool, which will search for vulnerabilities in your application while it is running.<\/p>\n Patching ensures that all systems keep running as they should. However, technology can notoriously turn out to be fickle \u2013 and even the most minor software bugs can cause a computer to crash or interfere with the network.<\/p>\n These unexpected consequences can lead to low productivity among employees and time wastage. With automatic patching, however, you are assured of reduced downtime and productive employees.<\/p>\n As more cases of cyber-attacks continue to grace our headlines every day, cybersecurity agencies continue to enact more legislation that requires organizations to comply with certain security standards. Some of these standards include:<\/p>\n Organizations that fail to comply with the regulations can attract massive fines or even jail time. Patch management ensures that you address these measures on time.<\/p>\n Now that you know the importance of patching, let\u2019s look at how you can ensure that your remote work environment is safe from cybercriminals.<\/p>\n Aside from giving employees a better work-life balance and reducing the costs of business, the sudden shift to remote working environments has expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals.<\/p>\n As such, organizations have had to move extremely fast to mitigate cyber risks. Here are some tips that employees should take to reduce the risks of cyber-attacks in their remote environment while working from home.<\/p>\n Most organizations will implement several measures to protect computers against malware infections. Some of these measures include restricting online access from unauthorized devices, prohibiting installations, installing powerful security solutions, and so on.<\/p>\n At home, providing this level of protection on your work computer or other devices can be a little bit tricky but not impossible. With a good antivirus solution<\/a>, for instance, you could add another layer of defense by detecting and blocking malware.<\/p>\n One thing you should keep in mind, however, is that security software needs to be always up to date. So, security patches should be installed as soon as they are released. To get them on time, consider activating auto-updates from the software vendor or use a patch management tool<\/a> such as Windows Intune if you are using Windows OS.<\/p>\n You might know of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) as a service that helps bypass internet restrictions, especially on streaming sites. But that\u2019s not the only role it plays. A VPN also secures your online privacy by encrypting your information hence ensuring no one intercepts it.<\/p>\n This keeps away hackers, government agencies, and even your internet service providers. Further reading<\/span> Working Remotely: COVID-19 Raises the Standard for VPN Security<\/p>\n Data loss can occur due to hardware damage, human error, or malicious infections. Ransomware, for example, can wipe out an entire system crippling an entire organization.<\/p>\n Further reading<\/span> Backup Security Measures: 5 Essential Steps<\/a><\/p>\n As such, there is a huge need to backup your data. One cost-effective way is to store it in the cloud. There are many cloud storage services that offer a plethora of options when it comes to customization, storage, and the backup schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhat Is Patch Management?<\/h2>\n
How Does Patch Management Work?<\/h2>\n
The Importance of Patching<\/h2>\n
Security<\/h3>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nProductivity<\/h3>\n
Compliance<\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/div>\nRemote Working Safety and Security<\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nProtect Devices with an Antivirus Solution<\/h3>\n
Use a Virtual Private Network<\/h3>\n
\nA VPN can slow down your internet speed. So, if you want to hold video calls or any other activity such as sharing huge work files that require high bandwidth you need a reliable VPN provider.<\/p>\nBackup Your Data<\/h3>\n