New vulnerabilities are continuously discovered and announced. Sometimes software developers are able to release new software versions that address vulnerabilities before cybercriminals are using them to exploit your networks. Other times, though, hackers find the vulnerabilities first and start exploiting them before the software vendor can release a fix and you can get your systems updated.

This is why vulnerability management processes are so critical to helping ensure your cybersecurity. To keep pace with the hackers, you need to continuously scan your environment and look for security holes that need to be patched. Thankfully, there are tools that can help automate the process to identify missing security patches and deploy the software updates.

Next steps

  • Implement a continuous vulnerability management utility: In order to identify security vulnerabilities, you’ll need to scan for them. Utilities like Tenable.io are specifically designed to regularly scan your systems and report any identified vulnerabilities.
  • Define thresholds for patch application: Not all vulnerabilities are created equal. Vulnerabilities on internet-facing systems that directly lead to remote code execution and have publicly available exploits are much more severe than vulnerabilities that can theoretically lead to memory dumps on internal file servers. You’ll need to set priorities and expectations for a patching cadence so that your most vulnerable and highest-risk systems get patched first.
  • Develop testing processes: Patches can introduce risk, so it’s important to validate patch compatibility with key systems. To do this, you’ll need to establish a test environment for your critical systems and apply the patches there first. Running through some validation steps to make sure the patches don’t negatively affect your key systems can save a lot of headaches.
  • Consider automated patch distribution systems: Depending on the size of your environment, it’s quite possible that you won’t be able to manually roll out patches to all your workstations and servers. As your organization continues to grow, you may need to look for automated patching systems or a managed services provider to handle it for you.
  • Develop management reporting: Staying current with patches and managing your vulnerabilities takes constant diligence. Management reporting will help you track and report your progress. If you’re falling behind and not meeting your thresholds, management reporting can help make the case for additional resources to get back on track.