Patch Management: Keeping Systems Updated

Unpatched software is the most common cause of successful cyberattacks. Most major breaches exploit known vulnerabilities with available patches — WannaCry ransomware exploited a Windows vulnerability that had been patched two months prior. A systematic patch management process is essential. For Windows: use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or Microsoft Intune to centrally manage and deploy Windows and Office updates across all computers. Set a patch cycle: test critical patches in a small group within 7 days of release, then deploy broadly. Patch Tuesday (second Tuesday of each month) is Microsoft's regular update release day. Don't forget non-Microsoft software: browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), Java, Adobe products, and third-party applications are frequent attack targets. Use a patch management tool like Patch My PC, PDQ Deploy, or NinjaRMM to inventory and patch third-party software. Quarterly, audit all software for end-of-life (EOL) versions — EOL software no longer receives security patches and should be upgraded or replaced.