Imagine you are a security guard in charge of protecting a large building, and it gets broken into ten different times in one month. Then you discover that 33% of the time, the thieves were getting in using a key that fit one of the building’s locks. Wouldn’t you just change that lock? Well, that’s the situation every IT team is facing right now. According to a report by news agency ZDNet, 33% of breaches are a result of unpatched vulnerabilities. Maintaining regular security patching can mitigate the risks of cyberattacks, improve the functionality of core components, and remove bugs in your system.
Reason 1: Mitigate the Risk of Cyberattacks
Staying up to date with your security patching is critical. These patches help correct security vulnerabilities that could be leaving your infrastructure unprotected. When a software developer identifies a security vulnerability, a fix is created and quickly incorporated into a new version of the software, which gets releases to the public. Staying on top of the latest releases ensures that you have protection against all of the vulnerabilities that the manufacturer is aware of.
Reason 2: Improve Functionality
Often, security patching helps software or hardware run more efficiently. A patch can sometimes even come with additional features that can benefit your business. So, in addition to closing security loopholes, patches can make your hardware and software work better than they did before. This can help you optimize your overall system.
Reason 3: Remove Bugs in Your System
The term “bugs” covers a relatively wide range of internal programming issues, and while they often refer to functionality problems, they can also include corrupted data and other security issues. For example, some bugs can be exploited by attackers who want to gain a foothold in your system. With regular security patching, you can stay a step ahead of these types of risks.
Helpful Tips on Security Patching
To ensure your security patching is done correctly, it’s best to set up a system specifically designed to:
- Locate the most recent patches for all your software, devices, and components
- Install patches on a regular basis
- Test your software, devices, and components after applying patches
A managed services provider can help. With endpoint management services handling your security patching, you get peace of mind knowing that your endpoints are being monitored and have the latest software properly installed. In this way, you minimize vulnerabilities and maximize operational efficiency. To learn more about what managed services can do for your business, reach out to TPx today.