Even though Microsoft had released a security patch that addressed the vulnerability in Windows OS two months before the ransomware attack began, many individuals and organizations alike did not update their systems in time and thus remained exposed. Or do you remember the notorious WannaCry ransomware attack? Well, it happened due to unpatched systems that ended up being exploited by malicious hackers. Look at PrintNightmare that targeted Windows Spooler or the 16 years old vulnerability present in HP, Samsung, and Xerox print drivers. System vulnerabilities have gained ground recently. Patches can be deployed to your entire infrastructure including software/operating systems, routers, IoT equipment, servers, and more. The need to completely redesign the program is therefore out of the question. Every time a security flaw is discovered or the program’s functionality needs to be enhanced, software developers create a patch to address these aspects.
A patch is a piece of software code that improves an installed program – you can literally think about it as a “bandage” applied to software. Simply put, patch management distributes and applies updates to your software whenever a vulnerability is detected. Patch management is a process that involves the acquisition, review, and deployment of patches on an organization’s systems.
