In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of the 5 simple steps to an effective patch management strategy, along with top 15 automated patch management software list. There are also different types of patches and how they can be used to keep your business safe and secure. We’ll also talk about some best practices for using a patch management software to keep your business in good shape all of the time.
Patching Contents
- Top five steps to maximising patch management efficiency
- What is an OS security patch?
- Schedule a Call
- Why Patch the OS?
- The best patch management tools for operating systems
- Fast and Efficient Patch Management Software for 2022 and beyond.
- Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
- Features of MS Endpoint Config Manager
- Automox – Automated patching and compliance
- Automox Features
- Atera Patch management for MSP
- Syxsense Patch Management software
- ITarian Cloud Based Patch Management Solution
- ITarian Features
- Kasey VSA Remote Patch Management Software
- How business stay safe from attacks and exploits?
- Focus on your Customers and we will maintain your Servers.
- Conclusion
Top five steps to maximising patch management efficiency
- Step 1: is taking stock in other words inventory. To begin with, you’ll need to keep track of your software inventory in order to know where you stand and which parts need updating.
- Step 2: is scanning regularly to look for new issues or vulnerabilities.
- Step 3: is Testing – Target a Dev or UAT environment first before attempting to patch live production system.
- Step 4: is automation and we cover about 15 automated patch management software in this article to help with that.
- Step 5: Keeping up and maintaining the frequency of the patching schedule.
What is an OS security patch?
“An OS security patch is an update that addresses vulnerabilities that are related to the operating system (OS).” A patch is a security update that updates the code in your operating system (OS) to a higher version. When you’re updating your code, you’re also updating the software on your computer. You can update your software to stay secure from all threats and vulnerabilities, but if an attack breaks into your system, your software is likely to go through some kind of security patch, often in an OS update. An OS security patch is an update that addresses vulnerabilities that are related to the operating system (OS).
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Why Patch the OS?
To stay safe online and online businesses need to keep their software up-to-date. If your website or software is hacked, the consequences can be disastrous for your business. A hacking incident can steal your valuable information, including your login credentials, financial data, and sensitive information. An operating system update solves the problem of old, hacked software and makes it safe for new software to run.
Managing vulnerabilities with Patches and Hotfix
Vulnerabilities in software and operating systems are constantly being discovered. The fight against faults and bugs never ends. Progress is a constant, and new features and capabilities enable it. What does all of this entail for the typical IT administrator? Patching all the time.
How can you defend your systems from security concerns, triumph over software bugs, and stay up to date with developments in software development given the barrage of regular patch releases for Operating Systems and Applications?
Making use of Microsoft Windows Server Update Services – WSUS
One could argue that Microsoft’s WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) can manage these hotfixes and patches.
It’s true, but if you’ve ever used WSUS, you know how difficult it is to use, how full of annoying restrictions it is, and most crucially, how it only functions with Microsoft product upgrades. What if you had other Operating Systems like Ubuntu, CentOS, Solaris or any other OS?
The best patch management tools for operating systems
- Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager – Previously known as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, this is on-premises deployment.
- Automox – This is a cloud-native systems management platform that automates patching, compliance, and configuration of endpoints located locally, remotely, and in the cloud.
- Atera is a managed service provider software platform including a patch management tool. Patch updates are automated by the patch manager, which is hosted in the cloud.
- Syxsense Patch Management is a cloud-based endpoint patch management solution that is a part of two Syxsense service bundles and runs from the cloud.
- ITarian – This is a cloud-based IT management platform for managed service providers. It primarily provides four services: remote monitoring and management, IT service management, a service desk, and patch management.
- Kaseya VSA is remote monitoring and management (RMM) software with features like alerting, discovery, automation, and patch management.
- SuperOps RMM Patch Management has a patch management module for updating Windows endpoints and it’s cloud-based SaaS . A PSA package is also available on this platform.
- NinjaOne Patch Management, previously known as NinjaRMM, is a patch manager included in a cloud-hosted platform of management solutions for managed service providers.
- SolarWinds Patch Manager is a patch automation system for a wide range of software companies, including Microsoft, Adobe, and Google, in addition to Windows and Windows Server. on Windows Server, instals.
- SecPod SanerNow Patch Management — This cyber hygiene endpoint management system includes a patch manager that is linked to an asset manager and a vulnerability scanner. A cloud platform, that is.
- ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is a Linux, macOS, Windows, and Windows Server automated patch management. Installs on Linux and Windows Server.
- N-able N-sight Patch management is a cloud-based platform with remote monitoring and management capabilities that includes a patch manager.
- Ivanti Security Controls – A product that is combined from LanDesk, Shavlik and other acquisition. A remote patch automation solution that controls updates for third-party applications as well as Windows, Windows Server, Linux, and macOS.
- Avast Patch Management – Most people think Avast is just an anti-virus product, but it has a number of enterprise products and one of them is their patch management software solution for Windows and 3rd party applications.
- GFI LanGuard a patch manager for Linux, macOS, Windows, and Windows Server updates. IIt is compatible with Windows Server.
Fast and Efficient Patch Management Software for 2022 and beyond.
I’ll go over my top six automated patch management software tools in brief below.
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager is now part of the Microsoft Endpoint Manager brand, which also includes Intune, Desktop Analytics, Autopilot, and other features in the Device Management Admin Console. Configuration Manager is an on-premises system for managing local network and internet-connected desktops, laptops, and servers. Typical Configuration Manager includes the ability to perform software updates among its other features.
Features of MS Endpoint Config Manager
The Configuration Manager includes a collection of tools and resources for tracking and installing software updates on client computers. It communicates with Microsoft Update to retrieve update metadata and integrates with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to manage updates. Administrators can schedule or initiate Microsoft Update synchronizations. They can also scan client computers for update compliance before deploying any updates. Configuration Manager includes a wizard for creating deployment packages that include software updates.
Automox – Automated patching and compliance
Automox is a cloud-native systems management platform that automates patching, compliance, and configuration of endpoints located locally, remotely, and in the cloud. The platform supports Windows, macOS, and Linux systems and offers a single console for managing OS patching and updates as well as third-party application patching and updates. According to the vendor, Automox can also automatically inventory all hardware and software, providing full visibility into both authorised and unauthorised applications installed on managed devices.
Automox Features
Automox can detect missing patches in all three operating systems as well as a variety of applications. It supports software such as Adobe Reader, Apple iTunes, Citrix Workspace App, Dropbox, Inkscape, Office 365, Notepad++, Slack, and many others. Administrators can view and approve or reject pending patches. They can also view information about individual patches.
Atera Patch management for MSP
Atera is a complete software package for managing a managed service provider (MSP) business. This cloud-based service includes a patch manager among its technician tools. Because this is a multi-tenanted system, a single technician can manage patches for multiple clients from the same console. The tool’s automated processes make patch identification and deployment a breeze.
The patch management system scans all network devices and determines their versions. This allows the patch manager to search for available patches to bring those systems up to date.
Syxsense Patch Management software
Patch Management is included in the “Syxsense Manage” and “Syxsense Secure” system service bundles. Syxsense Manage is a centralised remote endpoint management package that allows system administrators to manage and monitor endpoints via a cloud-based console. Aids to manual actions, such as the remote access facility, and automated processes, such as the patch management system, are among the services provided. Typically agents must be installed on all endpoints managed by this service. Agents are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
ITarian Cloud Based Patch Management Solution
ITarian is a cloud-based IT management platform for managed service providers. It primarily provides four services: remote monitoring and management, IT service management, a service desk, and patch management. Patch management is compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems, as well as over 400 third-party applications. Administrators can scan devices for missing patches and automate all aspects of patch management, including patch downloads.
ITarian Features
ITarian enables you to identify which endpoints are vulnerable, tag those endpoints, and create policies that automatically deploy patches to specific endpoint groups at predetermined times.Administrators can create custom tags to organise endpoints based on business requirements.
Kasey VSA Remote Patch Management Software
Kaseya VSA is remote monitoring and management software with features like alerting, discovery, automation, and patch management. Administrators can use the platform to deploy, update, and patch computers running Windows and macOS, as well as third-party applications. VSA provides fully automated patch management through a configurable, policy-driven approach that is location-independent and bandwidth-optimized. VSA automates patching and other processes with agent-executed scripts.
Administrators can also use scripts to automate software and patch deployment across all endpoints, whether on or off the network. They can also override patches and view patch histories. The policy-based approach aids in the standardisation of software maintenance by utilising profiles, which allow administrators to manage patch approvals, scheduling, and installation.
How business stay safe from attacks and exploits?
Think about everything differently to avoid having your business attacked. Here are some best practices you can follow to keep your business secure online.
- Manage your apps on your work mobiles that are connected to the internet and can be hacked using Mobile Device Management Software (MDM).
- To protect your app’s security, you should use a Mobile proxy or virtual private server (VPN) to ensure that your work phone doesn’t connect to the internet without your permission.
- When you log in to your business from a computer or mobile device, make sure you’re using the correct user name and password.
- Be sure to keep personal and business information secure, such as your card number, credit card number, and bank account numbers.
- If you’re using an app, make sure you’re using the app maintained by your business.
- If you find yourself doing something odd or looking for help frequently, check in with your support team to see what the problem is.
- If you’re using an app, make sure it’s trustworthy and has very little access to your personal information.
- Create an Account with the highest possible Security Score To protect your business, create an account with an organisation that has the highest possible security score. This score could be with the central government, an organisation that regulates security in your industry, or an organisation that specialises in protecting sensitive information.
- Use a Proven IT Technique to Prevent Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks When an attacker gains access to your network via an exploited computer or device, this is known as a man-in-the-middle (mitigation) attack. Install kill switches to prevent machines from communicating with each other if they are being used by an attacker to protect your business from possible Man-in-the-Middle attacks.
- To prevent your computer and business machines from being hacked, use a technique such as a security gateway, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and so on. These techniques prevent your computer or device from communicating with anyone but the intended party. If you’re using an IT-proven technique, your computer or device will be more likely to give back unchanged messages and responses to requests from other computers or devices. This will make it harder for an attacker to use the technique to force responses from your computer or network.
Focus on your Customers and we will maintain your Servers.
Conclusion
A regular OS security patch can keep your business safe and secure. You will be far better protected against threats and vulnerabilities related to your operating system if you have a clear patch management schedule and release management policies in place. Using an update, you can make your operating system more secure by fixing problems that are not related to the software itself. This way, your staff and customers will be able to continue to use your business equipment without worries. If you’re looking for an effective way to make your business more secure, an OS security patch is essential. You can find them at any time, but it’s smart to take advantage of them now.
