Businesses rely on an increasing number of software applications and systems every day, making patch management one of the most important ongoing tasks they face. Unfortunately, patch management is often not given the attention it deserves. What is patch management? It involves overseeing and applying updates to software applications and operating systems in a timely manner to minimize vulnerabilities.
How Can an MSP Help? Patch management solutions, as a part of managed services, mitigate the process of identifying, testing, and deploying updates and patches for software applications, operating systems, and other technologies. The solution is designed to guarantee that systems company-wide are up-to-date, secure, and compliant. Remaining updated on all devices is difficult, especially as many companies still handle the job manually. However, patch management as a managed service represents a cost-effective way to free up employee time, handle security risks, and keep control of the total IT and business environment.
Why Ignoring Updates is Dangerous – and Inefficient
Neglecting to patch systems and applications can relegate them vulnerable to cyber breaches and attacks. Hackers and cybercriminals are always looking for opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to confidential data, breach the system, or install ransomware. Routinely updating and patching software closes security gaps and reduces the risk of cyberattacks, data breaches, and compromises to networks.
The remote working trend has made universal patching especially difficult as devices are not all onsite and require employee participation.
When companies try to manage patch updates themselves, it can become time-consuming and inefficient – inhibiting productivity and raising operational expenses. Outsourcing this task allows for centralized patch management, which eliminates the need to track and apply updates on each individual device, instead managing the process from one place.
This means your company can apply patches and manage updates on all your devices, servers, and applications, streamlining the process and allowing the IT team to use their time on other vital tasks.
Automated Patch Management and Reporting
One of the most significant benefits of outsourcing patch management is that the patching schedule is automated. Because of the automation, there is no need to monitor the devices and chase down the users to ensure compliance with patches. The MSP will provide comprehensive reporting, permitting businesses to view the progress of the patching process and identify crucial patches that may demand immediate action.
The centralization of the process also helps guarantee compliance with internal and external regulations. Data protection or information privacy standards are mandated in many industries that require that secure and up-to-date systems are maintained. Patch management helps organizations to meet compliance standards by automating the process and promptly applying all patches and updates. This lowers the risk of compliance violations and possible penalties.
Alliance IT Can Help
Patch management as a component of a Managed Services contract is highly effective in safeguarding companies against cyber threats and vulnerabilities while simultaneously making sure that compliance is covered. By automating the updating and patching process, IT personnel can concentrate on critical issues that arise day to day. It’s prudent for companies to partner with a managed services company to maintain regularly managed systems, reduce costs, and mitigate risks entirely.
Alliance IT is a managed services firm based in Sarasota. We help small to medium-sized businesses manage and optimize resources, augment their IT team, streamline their everyday operations, and protect their data. If you need to fill skills gaps in your organization or are looking for ways to grow your business and thrive in a competitive market – call Alliance IT today. We provide technology and digital solutions to companies who otherwise may not have access to them.
