Patch management is the process of keeping software up to date in a controlled way – operating systems, applications, firmware – so known security holes are closed before attackers use them. Unpatched software is one of the most common causes of business breaches.
Why it matters
When a vendor releases a security update, the flaw it fixes becomes public knowledge. Attackers scan for systems that have not applied it – often within days. A managed patch process closes that window; “we will get to it” does not.
What needs patching
- Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems
- Microsoft 365, browsers, PDF tools and line-of-business applications
- Firewall, switch and access-point firmware
- Servers and virtual machines
- Anything internet-facing, first and fastest
Doing it without breaking things
- A schedule – a regular window, not ad hoc
- Test critical updates on a few machines before a wide rollout
- Automated deployment with reporting, so you know what is actually patched
- A plan for the machine that always misses the window
- Priority handling for critical, actively-exploited flaws
On a managed IT plan this runs in the background with monthly reporting – part of our managed IT support.
Related security guides
- What a firewall does
- Multi-factor authentication explained
- Network segmentation
- EDR vs antivirus vs MDR
- Security awareness training
- How to prevent ransomware
Want this handled? See our managed IT support or talk to our Edmonton team.
Sources and further reading
- Canadian Centre for Cyber Security: Baseline cyber security controls for small and medium organizations
- Government of Canada: Get Cyber Safe
Frequently asked questions
Can’t I just turn on automatic updates?
Automatic updates help but are not enough on their own – they miss third-party apps and firmware, give no visibility into what actually applied, and can break a line-of-business app with no warning. Managed patching adds testing and reporting.
How quickly should critical patches be applied?
Internet-facing and actively-exploited flaws: within days, ideally hours. Routine updates: within the monthly cycle.
What about the one server we’re afraid to reboot?
That is exactly the machine attackers count on. It needs a planned maintenance window and, ideally, a tested backup and a rollback plan – not indefinite avoidance.
How does Scandifix help?
We run patching across all your devices and servers on a schedule, test where needed, prioritise critical fixes, and report monthly on coverage.