Patch management refers to the process of keeping all endpoints and operating systems in an IT network up to date by installing the latest software patches. Software firms periodically release new updates or patches to their existing software to fix security vulnerabilities and other bugs.\u00a0Patch<\/span> management software<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>is a centralized solution that automates the complex patching process and protects the IT environment – all from a unified point of control.<\/p>\n To incorporate an effective patch management strategy into their daily operations, managed service providers (MSPs) and internal IT departments need to be fully aware of the importance of patch management and understand that it does not need to be an onerous, time-consuming, manual process. Concerns about patching can be answered by understanding the benefits of using a patching solution, the features to look for in patch management software and the best practices involved in installing patches and how they can be automated.<\/p>\n In this article, we’ll discuss the different aspects of patch management and why it is critical in avoiding security breaches.<\/p>\n What is patch management? Why do you need patch management software? This can be best answered by fully understanding the cyber threats looming over businesses today. Ransomware attacks are surging across the globe at an unprecedented rate. Cybersecurity Ventures has predicted that there will be a ransomware attack on businesses every 11 seconds<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>by the year 2021. In this scenario, it is important for organizations to have the best security solutions in place.<\/p>\n Due to the sheer number of software updates being released every day, it is not only inefficient but also impossible for organizations to keep their systems up to date with a manual patching strategy. However, with a powerful patch management software, MSPs and IT admins can automate the complex process of patching and focus on other critical tasks.<\/p>\n Some of the key benefits of using patch management software are as follows:<\/p>\nWhy you need patch management software<\/h3>\n
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\n With Patch Management software<\/strong><\/th>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/th>\n Without Patch Management software<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n \n Protection from vulnerabilities caused by missing patches in operating systems and third-party software.<\/td>\n Security<\/strong><\/td>\n Your IT environment is exposed to cyberattacks and other security threats attributable to outdated operating systems and third-party software.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Lower possibility of crashes and downtime caused by defective software. Hence, productivity levels are high.<\/td>\n Productivity<\/strong><\/td>\n Unforeseen crashes and downtime are likely\u00a0and may result in lower productivity.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n New features and functionalities are automatically added with software upgrades.<\/td>\n Feature updates<\/strong><\/td>\n There is no possibility of incorporating new features and functionalities in existing software.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n It ensures compliance with regulatory guidelines that mandate the application of the latest patches.<\/td>\n Compliance<\/strong><\/td>\n There is a high chance of non-compliance with regulatory standards, which could result in hefty penalties.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Software updates can be easily automated so they can be quickly and correctly applied without any manual intervention.<\/td>\n Automation<\/strong><\/td>\n Software updates are impossible to automate, which leads to inefficiency and the possibility that critical patches will not be applied in time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Features to look for in patching software<\/h3>\n