There is no doubt that desktop or server patching is one of the IT Infrastructure Teams’ biggest headaches.  It is particularly challenging if the environment that is being patched is complex and the larger it is the less straight forward it becomes.Patching greatly reduces the risk of Cyber Attack. Upto 80% of malicious attacks can be prevented by simply carrying out a robust software patching regime. It is no longer good enough to only think about the operating system. In fact, Microsoft Windows is not even in the top 10 of the most exploited programs any more. Java based applications and Acrobat reader accounted for approx. 78% of all exploits last year.

The Priority List!

Patching and updating operating systems and software tends to be low level technical task, which in itself presents a problem, particularly in server teams where the technical ability tends to be highly skilled, so “wasting” time doing mundane tasks such as patching nearly always get put to the bottom of the teams’ priority.

Even when automating or part automating patching and updates, when issues arise they tend to be left at the bottom of the priority list and in our experience that is where it stays.

Patching in-house, the problem.

The other problem with patching in-house is that it generally has to be done out of hours.  This is prime time for the IT department to get their systems and projects implemented, the last thing they want to be doing is the thankless task of patching and updating servers.

Patching as a service solves these issues and ultimately ensures your team can focus on the higher priority tasks.  In fact, we have a team entirely dedicated to patching 24×7 wherever you or your systems are located around the world.  Patching as a service can be carried out remotely or on-site depending on your requirements and Patching as a Service ensures consistent compliancy across your entire estate without the need for your experienced, more expensive resource to get involved with the day to day excitement of patching servers.

Patching Requirements!

As patching has become a greater priority within your information security strategy, the frequency in which you patch has also increased.  The Government’s Cyber Essentials programme states that your patching strategy needs to ensure your systems are updated within 14 days of a patch being released by the vendor.

Compliant System with a Strategy.

Implementing a strategy that ensures your systems are compliant to a 14 day patch cycle is something Patching as a Service can help to deliver upon.  In addition to the task of patching, Patching as a Service from PalisadeSECURE also provides real-time patching status from our AR3 platform for both technical staff as well as the Information Security team up to the board and directors.

Summary, Patching as a Service.

In summary, Patching as a Service removes the headache of patching from your technical staff, provides real-time reporting for your directors and frees up your time to concentrate on higher priority projects within your business.