The companies that make your software and hardware are constantly deploying updates to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals, so keeping your systems current is one of the most effective ways to prevent attacks. Unfortunately, these constant updates can get in the way of productivity, making you choose between getting work done and staying safe.
An internal IT team or managed services provider MSP) can make a personalized patch management strategy. However, for small and midsize businesses (SMBs) without a dedicated cybersecurity team, a well-planned strategy might seem unrealistic. With the right guidance, though, it’s more achievable than you think.
Here are some tips for making your own patch management plan that will strengthen defenses without interrupting your daily operations.
Why is patch management important for SMBs?
Delaying patches may seem harmless, but outdated systems create some of the biggest openings for cyberthreats. That’s why patch management matters, and here are the three main reasons why:
Security
Cybercriminals routinely exploit known vulnerabilities in software and firmware, gaining access through security oversights or bugs in the coding. It takes time for the manufacturers to learn of, fix, and deploy patches for these vulnerabilities, providing a window of opportunity for cybercriminals to strike. And as long as your systems go unpatched, the window stays open.
Performance
Beyond keeping you secure, patches also improve overall system performance. Updates also often include bug fixes, stability enhancements, and new compatibility features that help your apps and hardware run smoothly. This means less downtime and higher efficiency, all without requiring additional investment.
Compliance
Many industries require timely updates to meet regulatory standards or maintain cyber insurance eligibility. Falling behind on patch cycles can create compliance gaps and expose your business to financial and legal risk. If you’re hit with a cyberattack, regulators may fine you, and cyber insurance may not pay out if it is found that you failed to update your systems.
Staying current without disrupting operations
A strong patch management plan isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Focus on simplicity, consistency, and visibility to maintain secure systems while keeping your team productive.
Automated vs. manual patching
Automation helps you deploy updates quickly and reduces the chance of human error. Automated tools can scan devices, apply patches on schedule, and verify installation without requiring constant oversight, which is great for lean or dispersed teams that don’t have the capacity. It will take time to get the automations just right, especially without an IT team or MSP, but once it gets going, not much monitoring is needed.
Manual patching can be slow and time-consuming, but it still plays a crucial role. Specialized tools or legacy systems often can’t handle automatic updates, so you may need to do it the old-fashioned way. Use manual processes sparingly and only when updates require hands-on approvals or specialized testing.
Build a predictable patching schedule
A predictable schedule that all employees are aware of minimizes disruption. Schedule patches outside peak hours or overnight to avoid downtime, but for critical patches, deploy them as soon as they’re tested and approved. Creating two streams of updates (routine and urgent) ensures you never delay essential fixes, such as for zero-day threats.
Test patches before deployment
Patches change the way software works, which can cause problems if other systems expect it to work the old way. Testing reduces the risk of software conflicts, broken integrations, and system instability.
Set aside a small test group of devices or virtual machines that mirror your production environment. Evaluate each update for compatibility and performance before rolling it out to your network. Even partial testing ensures you catch issues early and prevent widespread disruption.
Plan for rollbacks
No patch is perfect, and even with testing, you can run into unexpected problems. A rollback plan allows your team to quickly return systems to their previous stable state.
Rollback procedures should be documented, quick to execute, and accessible to all relevant team members. Be sure to maintain backups, system snapshots, or restore points for all critical devices so you can go back to full operations while the problem is being worked on.
outsourceIT’s cybersecurity services include a customized patch management plan carried out by our security professionals. With our team handling your updates, you can enjoy secure systems and peace of mind without losing a moment of productivity. Contact outsourceIT for a FREE consultation.
