You Have to Patch Your Software

Your business relies on its software, so if that software presents major security issues, it can be really concerning. In order to keep software from being a point of entry for hackers and scammers, you need to update and patch your software. Today, we’ll briefly discuss patch management and why it is a policy that you should be actively pursuing. 

How Does Software Become Vulnerable?

Many people would assume that all software is ready to use and not a security problem once they fork over payment for it. There is some truth to that, but in order for any software to not pick up vulnerabilities to new and evolving threats, the software’s development team has to keep patching software with new updates. The hacker/developer relationship is this kind of cat and mouse game, and the consumers—in this case business owners and IT administrators—are perpetually stuck in the middle. 

If popular software isn’t updated consistently, hackers will find a way to use the code against the user, it’s that simple. Since your business probably uses several types of software, you will need a process to ensure that the software you do use doesn't become a pathway for theft and corruption. This includes operating systems like Windows 10, Microsoft Server, web browsers like Chrome and Firefox, and everything in between. It even includes mobile device operating systems, apps, and the firmware on your smart devices. Basically, anything that plugs into the Internet has software that may need to be updated eventually.

What is Patch Management? 

Patch management is a process that your business takes on to ensure that all pieces of software that could be leveraged by hackers are updated. That includes productivity software, communication and collaboration software, digital security tools, operating systems, management software, and every other piece of software that could possibly be a security risk.  

Patch management is the strategy that will keep these hackers from getting into your network, but on the surface, it is time consuming. At Horne & Benik, we use cutting edge technology to help us keep our clients’ software updated and patched. In fact, the technology is so powerful that it is used to monitor systems around the clock to ensure that if there are software updates to be had, our professional technicians know about it and ensure that our clients’ software is up-to-date.

Your Company’s Patch Management

You should know just how important patch management is. Take a look at Windows 7. As of this writing nearly 20 percent of all PC users use Windows 7 despite the fact that Microsoft abandoned support for the OS in January of 2020. With no support left, the software is a ticking time bomb. If you have computers running Windows 7 on your network, you are playing with fire. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation sent out a press release this past August pleading people and businesses to upgrade away from Windows 7. 

If your business needs a patch management process, and you have a lot of different software titles, the best thing you can do is call the IT experts at Horne & Benik. We can make what could be a major problem for your business a non-issue for a predictable monthly rate. Call us today at (603) 499-4400 for more information.