Software patching refers to the process of making changes to a program or supporting data for it to function properly and securely. Software patches are temporary fixes between the full release of a software program. Software patches are often used to fix security flaws and other bugs. They are also known as bug fixes. The patch may be installed in an existing program to improve its usability or performance, but this is rare.
Software lifecycle management includes patching. This involves strategizing and planning what systems and software go out first. Software patches that are not well designed can cause new problems, disable devices or remove services that the user has no authorization to use.
Software patching can be performed for any one of these reasons:
- Software enhancement (Upgrade).
- Installing new drivers
- Bugfixing in the process of fixing a software problem.
- Security vulnerabilities:
- Other issues can be addressed
Why is a patch manager necessary?
More companies are relying on their own IT infrastructure to expand their business. This allows them to save money and improve their overall profitability. Businesses are looking to improve their security measures to safeguard their information technology environment from malware and viruses.
Software is insecure
Software service providers have made it a priority to ensure safety on their platforms. Software companies offer patches to their customers to protect their systems. According to experience, every computer in an IT environment must have the most recent patches installed to ensure that it is protected. If one device isn’t patched in an IT environment, it can cause instability and hinder normal processes.
Zero-Day Attacks
Zero-day attacks are rare. There is usually a delay between the detection of the vulnerability and patch creation. Zero-day attacks have many negative effects on your online presence. They can cause lost time, brand degradation, and revenue loss. The attacks can easily be avoided if you use the right patching techniques.
Unsupported Software
Vendors can suddenly cease supporting software these days. This means that patches to fix vulnerabilities discovered will not be available. It is best to discontinue using outdated software if you want to be protected. Hackers are known to target people who still use outdated software.
ITarian Patch Manager: Key Features and Benefits
ITarian Patch Manager is a patch management tool that allows MSPs to have complete control over the deployment and monitoring of OS updates on their network endpoints. ITarian Patch Manager has a central, user-friendly interface. It has the following benefits:
- ITarian Patch Manager allows MSPs to remotely install updates for Windows, Linux, and third-party apps.
- ITarian Patch Manager provides a single-pane view of statistics and a detailed report on all available updates for endpoints.
- ITarian Patch Manager allows MSPs to quickly identify endpoints that have vulnerabilities and patch them accordingly.
- ITarian Patch Manager allows MSPs to create policies to automatically apply updates to endpoints at set times.
- ITarian Patch Manager allows MSPs to create custom endpoint tags that help with categorizing endpoints in groups.
- ITarian Patch Manager provides detailed reports on endpoint hardware, software, and update history. It allows MSPs to monitor the status of their endpoints at different periods.
- An MSP can easily add endpoints to the ITarian Patch management Console by installing a software agent to each managed endpoint.
What is Patch Management as a Practice?
Cyber threats are constantly evolving and becoming more difficult to manage. Security experts are finding it increasingly difficult to respond to cyberattacks that are faster and more sophisticated.
Hackers are making it easier than ever to hack into networks. Hackers can hijack companies and then use them against their corporate networks. Patch management software’s ultimate goal is to provide updates on a timely basis, minimize rework after mistakes and increase the security of endpoints.
Patch Management software has improved over the years, incorporating many new functionalities and features to meet the changing needs of end-users.
ITarian Patch Manager provides more information than ever before and offers highly intuitive, customizable interfaces. ITarian Patch Manager is essential for Managed Service Providers, who want to offer the best service possible to their clients. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can save time by using ITarian Patch Manager to fix vulnerabilities, roll out updates, configure software, and solve issues.
ITarian offers its Patch Management software as part of the ITarian IT Management Suite. It’s the only 100% free, fully-scalable IT Management Platform.
ITarianPatch Management software is free and easy to use. You can add custom modules such as cloud backup service.
You get Patch Management software and the following when ITarian is signed up:
- Service desk
- MDM (Mobile Device Management)
- Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM).
- ITarian Mobile
- Assessment of Networks
- Quote Manager
ITarian is the best choice for Patch Management software.