Reliability on the software applications you use daily is paramount, whether it’s your accounting system, shipping programs, medical practice software, or Microsoft Office 365. When these systems malfunction, productivity suffers. That’s why we advocate for monthly patch management for our clients. Patch management involves applying updates to software, drivers, and firmware to safeguard against vulnerabilities and uphold the seamless operation of these programs.
Typically, IT providers are informed when patches are released and are responsible for distributing these updates to all their clients. However, despite its critical importance, patch management often slips down their list of priorities, leaving you susceptible to malicious activities from bad actors or cybercriminals.
For instance, Patch Tuesday marks the release of updates for Microsoft software once a month. In a recent article on Microsoft patch management by Livewire.com, it was reported that the latest patch release addressed 73 security vulnerabilities, with five updates classified as “Critical.” You can view the list of updates here.
Therefore, it’s prudent to inquire with your IT service provider whether they include patch management in their monthly services. If not, it’s advisable to initiate a discussion about its necessity. While you may not require every single patch, if you utilize Microsoft products, chances are you’ll need at least one.
For more information, please contact us.