In today’s computer dependent business world, it is extremely important to keep up to date with all evolving technologies. When dealing with certain operating systems and software, new updates or patches are constantly being released to prevent potential problems. For instance, if Microsoft finds a breach in one of its programs they make necessary changes and then release a new patch which must then be implemented into your system.

Unfortunately, when Microsoft finds a problem in their software and then fixes it, it is basically advertising to hackers and other attackers that there is vulnerability in the system that they can utilize. Because this is the only way to do it, it is important to stay on top of things and ensure that your system is quickly updated to prevent attackers from entering through the new-found holes.

Because there are numerous updates constantly being released, this process can sometimes become complicated. In order to help reduce the complexity of the frequent updates, there is an important area of systems management known as Patch Management. Patch management involves managing, handling, supervising and controlling the deployment of “patches” (changes) to software in order to fix a problem.

Patch management tasks include:

• Maintaining current knowledge of available patches
• Deciding which patches are appropriate for particular systems
• Ensuring that patches are installed properly
• Testing systems after installation
• Documenting all associated procedures

There are software products available that simplify the patch management process and automate patch management tasks making it easier for those involved.

It is important that IT managers and administrators control the introduction of new code or changes into an existing network. Patch management covers the entire area of introducing “new code” into one’s current environment. Technology has opened doors of opportunity for businesses, but it has also opened up doors for risks. When software has a hole in it, it is critical to find it and fix it before hackers do.

Patch management is one of the many essential steps necessary in protecting your overall business system. Unfortunately almost all viruses exploit a problem in software, particularly Microsoft products. Thus it is important to keep up with ALL Microsoft patch updates. Keeping your system up-to-date entitles performing certain tests and tasks on a monthly basis. If that is too often, then it is recommended to perform these updates on a quarterly basis to eliminate any potential problems you might otherwise encounter.

Poor Patch Management reduces operational efficiency and increases your security vulnerabilities. This in turn leads to a loss of revenue and intellectual property creating a negative financial impact on your institution.

Some problems that are affected by poor Patch Management include:

• Questionable data integrity
• Lost credibility
• Negative public reactions
• Computer downtime costs
• Remediation time and costs
• Legal defenses
• Stolen data and intellectual property

A well-defined Patch Management program will help you assess and maintain the integrity of software in a networked environment. Only by including Patch Management in your process of maintaining information security can you avoid the loopholes that exist in the constantly changing technology.