Having a sound IT infrastructure is crucial for every organization.
From network security to hardware and software implementation, your IT plan should always reflect company objectives and directives. But you also need a safe and secure operating platform.
That’s why patches should never be overlooked when it comes to network health and digital environment stability.
“Software updates are important because they often include critical patches to security holes.” – McAfee
What can patching do for my IT services?
Patches are software updates for your OS and other executable programs. Patches offer temporary fixes between full releases of software packages. Similarly, they can help maintain your IT network stability via.
Here’s some of what patching typically addresses:
- Software bugs fixes
- New or updated drivers
- Fixes for new and existing security vulnerabilities
- Fixes for software stability issues
- Automatic upgrades for software and apps
Related: The CIO’s guide to lowering IT costs and boosting performance
Will patching tackle the latest viruses and malware?
While antivirus applications are part of any IT security package, patching is designed to integrate with existing systems and improve usability across the board.
At its core, software patching is essentially a convenient way to update applications and supporting data. This, in turn, updates, fixes and improves overall performance. These updates fix bugs within your software and IT infrastructure, resulting in safer and more efficient digital workspaces.
That said, patching does play a key role in vulnerability management.
With digital intrusion and network hacking at an all-time high, you need a timely, effective solution for implementing corrective measures. Sadly, most clients tend to overlook the importance of patching for mitigating risk.
Patches benefit your IT network in the following ways:
- Identify and mitigate network security vulnerabilities.
- Facilitate the seamless integration of operating systems and software apps
- Ensure critical business processes and protocols run smoothly
- Provide another critical layer of cybersecurity protection
- Stop malware, viruses, adware and even ransomware from quietly running in your background systems
Looking for a complete cybersecurity plan? Check out The 2018 cybersecurity handbook.
How are patches delivered to my IT network?
Security and network patches are automatically inserted into codes of your existing software and apps.
This is done with little-to-no interruption of your daily business tasks, though there are times when patching requires user permission. In many organizations, patches are handled by the in-house IT teams or by the organization’s managed IT services provider.
Patching is essential for system success
The important thing is that you don’t ignore patching. Because patches rarely feel critical in the moment, it’s surprisingly easy (both for IT departments and individual users) to simply put off the patching process. That has the potential to leave you open to all kinds of nasty vulnerabilities.
Patching your programs may not seem all that important, but it really is vital to your overall network health.
“The takeaway for CIOs: Keep your work computers updated with patches on a regular basis and apply emergency patches as needed.” – CIO