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Patch Management

Patch management is the process of identifying, acquiring, testing, and deploying updates to software and systems. It is a core component of reducing vulnerabilities and maintaining secure operations.

What is patch management?How it typically works?Common techniquesImpactFurther reading

What is patch management?

**Patch management** refers to the structured process of applying updates to fix security vulnerabilities, improve functionality, or address software bugs. Patches may target operating systems, applications, drivers, or firmware. Without a robust patch management program, organizations leave themselves exposed to known vulnerabilities that attackers can easily exploit. High-profile breaches, such as those caused by unpatched versions of Microsoft Exchange or Apache Struts, highlight the consequences of failing to patch in a timely manner. Patch management is both a technical and organizational challenge, requiring coordination between IT operations, security teams, and business units.

How it typically works?

  1. Discovery: vulnerabilities are identified, often through CVE reports, vendor advisories, or vulnerability scans.
  2. Evaluation: patches are reviewed to assess relevance, priority, and potential side effects.
  3. Testing: patches are applied in a staging environment to avoid disrupting production systems.
  4. Deployment: patches are rolled out using automated tools or manual updates.
  5. Verification: monitoring ensures patches were successfully applied and systems are stable.
  6. Documentation: updates are logged for compliance and auditing purposes.

This cycle is repeated continuously, with mature organizations integrating it into broader vulnerability management programs.

Common techniques

  • Automated patch deployment: using centralized platforms like Microsoft WSUS, SCCM, or third-party tools.
  • Scheduled patch cycles: routine updates on Patch Tuesday or monthly maintenance windows.
  • Emergency patching: accelerated deployment for critical vulnerabilities such as zero-day exploits.
  • Vulnerability scanning: validating that patches are applied across all assets.
  • Rollback procedures: ability to revert patches that cause instability.
  • Prioritization by CVSS scores: focusing on vulnerabilities with high or critical severity ratings.
  • Third-party patching: applying updates not just to operating systems but also to applications such as Adobe, Java, or browsers.

Impact

Effective patch management reduces the attack surface by closing known security gaps before adversaries can exploit them.

For organizations, it:

  • Protects against ransomware and malware that leverage unpatched vulnerabilities.
  • Supports compliance with regulations such as GDPR, PCI DSS, and HIPAA.
  • Minimizes downtime and operational disruption from security incidents.
  • Enhances resilience by ensuring systems are running supported, secure versions of software.

Conversely, poor patch management leaves organizations vulnerable. Many successful breaches exploit CVEs that have been known — and patched — for months or years. Attackers actively scan for such weaknesses because they know many organizations delay or overlook patching.

Further reading

  • NIST SP 800-40: Guide to Enterprise Patch Management. Read more
  • CISA: Vulnerability management and patching. Read more
  • Microsoft: Patch management best practices. Read more
  • SANS Institute: Patch management whitepapers. Read more

Related topics

CVECVSSBug BountyExploit Kit