One of the biggest issues with computers, mobile devices and other virtual aspects of business is the risk for threats. Viruses, bugs and other threats can derail your company, which is why it is important to have some type of IT patch management to help deploy patches to software to prevent further issues. This process can help save your mobile teams from a devastating threat that could completely take them offline.
What Is Patch Management?
Software hits the market ready for use based on current standards. However, there is a consistent and constant release of viruses and other threats that can put any software at risk. Patch management seeks to take care of these issues and keep software running safely between releases.
It is important because even if a company adds in all the latest patches and makes sure its software is ready to fight all known viruses and threats, there is always going to be some new threat that comes around. Patches insert coding that will fight against such threats and make the software stronger.
You will insert these patches through regular updates of your software, which is why it is essential to always update your software as soon as the manufacturer releases an update.
In the context of mobile devices, patch management works exactly the same except the focus is for mobile applications instead of computer software.
How Patch Management Helps Your Business
Patches make your business more secure. When you have an infected system, it will spread the infection. When you offer mobile platforms, the virus can spread to other users and soon throughout the entire company. The aim of most viruses is not just to disable but to weaken your system. This opens the door to hackers who can come in and steal sensitive information. Patch management software can help deploy fixes and security during these times.
It also helps with productivity. If your system gets a virus, it will often take everything down. Your employees cannot work, and your company cannot sell. Going offline is a huge issue, especially when you rely heavily on your virtual sales spaces, such as your company app or website.
Put Patch Management To Work in Your Company
Patches come from the manufacturer. You will get them automatically in updates. To ensure that you stay on top of patch management, you need to make sure your IT department conducts regular updating of your mobile systems.
One of the biggest issues with patch management, according to Network World, is that it moves quickly. Your IT department may get a bundle of patches at one time. It is impossible for them to deploy them all at once or even deploy them all before the next batch comes out.
You need to have a team that knows how to analyze your company’s needs and the patches to prioritize the most important patches for immediate installation. Some patches may not serve your business enough to require quick deployment or they may not be something you really need to use at all.
Regular testing is an essential part of the process. Your IT team must be able to test patches to ensure they work and offer adequate protection. Your team may need to make other changes to your system to allow the patches to work correctly.
You need help desk staff that can recognize trends that point to potential issues. They then need to have a process in place to alert your IT team so that they can find a patch to fix the problem before it grows into something more serious.
Deploying Patch Management Tactics
Using patches correctly to assist your business and protect it is up to you. The manufacturers may send them out, but you need to make sure they get put to use properly within your systems. This means putting together a strong IT department that can properly handle patch management. You also need to understand the importance of this process and provide your IT team with the tools they need to properly deploy patches and protect your business.
