Maintaining top-notch level efficiency in IT systems is crucial for small IT businesses. Although seemingly a simple task, the maintenance of an IT infrastructure consists of a multi-tiered approach, and patch management is one of those unmissable tiers. White label managed security service providers (MSSPs) ensure all clients get this as part of their SOC solutions.
Today, we’ll explore
- What is patch management?
- How is it done?
- Why is it so essential for IT firms?
Let’s get cracking!
The Fundamentals of Patch Management
Patch management essentially consists of identifying, developing, testing, and deploying patches or updates to various components of an IT network. The practice involves developing and implementing updates for firmware, operating systems (OS), drivers, and applications to help keep your clients’ endpoints up to the apex computing mark.
How Does the Procedure Work?
As per the recommendations by IT specialists, the patch management strategy of an IT organization should depend on whether a patch is meant for a single system or needs to be implemented on a company-wide network infrastructure.
- For standalone systems – The applications and operating systems on standalone systems usually perform periodic, automatic checks to check for any available patches. These are downloaded and installed automatically to keep the system up to date.
- For business networks – On the other hand, deployment of patches over an IT organization’s complete network requires a different approach. Since SMBs generally attempt to maintain consistency in the software version across company systems, centralized patch management is the chosen method.
A central server checks for any missing patches for the systems on the IT network, downloads them and distributes them to various devices on the network for installation. Centralized patch management not only automates patch application but also allows for greater control over the patch management process and conservation of internet bandwidth.
Critical Merits of Patch Management for Small IT Organizations
Patch management allows IT businesses to leverage the following advantages:
- Application of patches does away with several security vulnerabilities. Hackers are continuously looking for security loopholes on a network in order to exploit them for their nefarious motives. Patches help plug those gaps before hackers get their chance.
- When systems are updated with patches, it allows for the introduction of new features. These new features are essential for system compatibility with modern technologies like cloud computing.
- Patches help fix bugs and software stability issues. Common system problems like longer system startup times and abrupt system interruptions can be annoying. IT organizations can help smoothen their operations by deploying patches that will eliminate such operational issues on older software versions.
Preparing Your Systems to Handle Robust IT Requirements
When you outsource your IT business’s cybersecurity management to a white label SOC service provider, ensure they have a comprehensive patch management strategy to keep your systems running glitch-free.
After all, what good is a SOC service provider if they cannot ‘patch’ up your problems?
Single Point of Contact is a White Label Managed Security Service Provider that provides a wide range of cybersecurity technologies and services. Our job is to keep your clients’ networks safe and secure by resolving potential security threats within minutes. With regular security monitoring and protection against cyber-attacks, we seek to help your clients attain peace of mind. Contact us today to discover more about how we can help protect your clients’ from cyber-attacks.
