Businesses these days have a strong need to simplify and automate patch management, and some managed service providers (MSPs) see an opportunity to help. Vulnerabilities are a big opening for hackers to gain entry into critical systems, and thousands of new vulnerabilities are discovered all the time.
But if only about 800 of these vulnerabilities really matter, MSPs and managed security service providers (MSSPs) have a big opportunity to help clients protect what really matters. By focusing on what really matters and inventorying which systems need to be patched – capabilities that are beyond many companies of all sizes – managed service providers could provide a valuable service to their customers.
What Is Patch Management?
Patch management is a type of system management tool that lets you identify, acquire, test, and install patches, or code changes, to fix bugs, add new features, or seal security holes. This process requires actively analyzing the available patches and deciding which patches you need for a specific device or software program, and then testing them to ensure that they have been appropriately installed, followed by documenting the process.
Patch management helps organizations fill holes that could compromise their business through cyber attacks, such as keeping computers and networks up to date, secure, and reliable. It acts as an essential means of ensuring and documenting compliance with privacy and security regulations.
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