Patch Management in IT: How Does It Work?
The WannaCry ransomware attack in May 2017 caused massive IT outages worldwide in businesses, hospitals, and government agencies. Affected systems were encrypted and only released after a ransom was paid. The attack on the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) was especially critical. Hospitals had to cancel surgeries and redirect patients. Even major companies like Deutsche Bahn, Renault, and FedEx reported operational issues.
A similar scenario unfolded in 2021 with the Kaseya VSA platform when cybercriminals exploited a vulnerability and spread ransomware disguised as a legitimate software update.
Both incidents show how dangerous unpatched security gaps can be.
To prevent such attacks, structured patch management is essential. Only through regular scanning for new security patches, timely installation, and adherence to patch management best practices can these risks be minimised.
But how exactly does patch management work? And which tools help identify and install patches as quickly as possible?
What is Patch Management? Definition
Patch management refers to the process where IT teams handle patches for software, operating systems, and applications to close security vulnerabilities and fix weaknesses. This involves patching, updating, and applying software updates to keep systems up to date and minimise security risks. For this reason, patch management is crucial for cybersecurity.
What is a Patch?
A patch is a targeted fix or security update for an existing, known vulnerability in software or an operating system. It closes critical security gaps to prevent breaches. There is no direct German translation for “patch,” but depending on the context, the following terms come closest:
- Fix – emphasises the patch’s function of correcting errors in the software.
- Correction – used when the patch specifically addresses software bugs.
- Security update – when the patch is meant to close security vulnerabilities.
Patches are usually provided by software vendors, such as Microsoft for Windows, Apple for macOS, or Linux distributions. They can be managed manually or through patch management software and patch management tools. In businesses, effective patch and vulnerability management helps identify, test, and distribute patches efficiently.
By delivering security patches through endpoint management or a managed service provider, companies ensure that software and systems are always up to date with the latest cybersecurity standards.
Difference Between Patches and Updates
In patch management, the terms “patches” and “updates” are often used interchangeably. However, they refer to different concepts.
While a patch is a targeted fix for a newly discovered security vulnerability that IT teams must prioritise, updates involve more comprehensive changes to the installed software, usually bringing new features or improvements.
Patches are often applied directly to existing versions through the patching process, while an update could mean an entirely new version of the software.
Why is Patch Management Important in IT?
IT systems are exposed to new potential threats every day due to their constant internet connection, the use of external cloud services, and third-party software—from cyberattacks to system failures caused by outdated software.
Good patch management ensures that all relevant systems are regularly updated, security gaps are closed, and downtime is minimised.
Endpoint management also plays a vital role: only through centralised management and securing all devices—from servers and workstations to mobile devices—can all devices be patched as quickly as possible.
In addition to IT security, compliance with regulatory requirements is also critical. For example, various legal regulations require companies to keep their IT systems up to date to comply with data protection laws.
Patch Management vs. Vulnerability Management: What’s the Difference?
Vulnerability management goes beyond simply applying patches. It is a continuous process of identifying, analysing, and addressing vulnerabilities in IT systems. This includes not only software vulnerabilities but also faulty configurations, unsecured access points, and outdated security policies.
To detect these risks early, IT systems are regularly monitored, and identified vulnerabilities are assessed based on their risk level.
The goal of vulnerability management is to ensure long-term, secure IT infrastructure. This includes not just applying patches but also improving overall security settings and closing attack vectors before they can be exploited.
The 8 Steps in the Patch Management Process
To quickly close security gaps and prevent cyberattacks, a well-planned patch management process is necessary. In other words, a structured workflow that helps keep software up to date in an organisation while minimising downtime, attacks, and other risks. Typically, the entire vulnerability management process can be divided into these 8 steps:
1. System InventoryCreate an up-to-date inventory of all installed operating systems and applications.
2. Standardisation of System VersionsStandardise versions of operating systems and software applications to minimise additional security risks.
3. Risk Assessment and PrioritisationCategorise assets by risk and priority to address critical security patches first.
4. Patch TestingSet up a test environment to check new patches for compatibility and functionality before deploying them across the network.
5. System BackupAlways create a full backup of systems to allow for recovery in case of issues during patching.
6. Patch DeploymentDeploy patches according to the priority list.
7. Monitoring and ValidationMonitor patched systems to ensure the patches were applied correctly. You can intervene directly if issues arise.
8. Documentation and Continuous ImprovementDocument the entire patch management process to improve the strategy continuously.
How Can a Patch Management Tool Help with Patching?
Since manual patch management can be error-prone and inefficient, many companies use specialised patch management tools. These tools automate the entire process, help reliably detect missing patches, and quickly close security gaps. They also minimise system downtime and offer centralised control over all devices.
What Features Should Patch Management Software Include?
- Patch management software should ideally offer the following features:
- Automated patch deployment
- Real-time inventory and monitoring
- Centralised management of all devices
- Scheduled installation times to minimise downtime
- Support for third-party software
- Detailed reporting and compliance monitoring
Why PDQ Deploy and PDQ Inventory Are a Good Choice
PDQ Deploy and PDQ Inventory offer these exact features:
- PDQ Deploy ensures fast and centralised distribution of security patches on Windows systems.
- PDQ Inventory monitors the software and hardware setup of all devices and identifies which systems require patches.
Both tools integrate easily into existing IT infrastructures and are intuitive to use.
Stay informed about the latest patches for your hardware and software, ensuring you never miss a critical security update.
Contact our sales team for expert guidance on automated patch management