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Contents:
Patch Management vs. Vulnerability Management explores two critical cybersecurity strategies that.
While interconnected, they serve distinct purposes.
The two are often used interchangeably.
Patch management is essential for avoiding cyberattacks and keeping the company`s devices in good shape.
Vulnerability management actively fixes all security gaps before threat actors can exploit them.
Reading this article will help you see why you should not use these terms interchangeably.
Key takeaways:
- Defining patch management.
- Defining vulnerability management.
- Benefits of each process.
- Differences and similarities.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
What Is Patch Management?
The patching process applies to software/operating systems, IoT equipment, servers, etc.
Patches are pieces of additional software code that security teams implement in an installed program.
Software engineers produce a patch if:
- they need to fix a security hole or bug;
- they want to add new features and improve the program’s general functionality.
You can think of patches as “bandages”, but for your business infrastructure.
Benefits of Patch Management
The patch management process is a continuous activity.
Daily checking for available patches and applying them is a common task.
Yes, it can be time and resource-consuming, but it pays off.
Here are some top benefits of flawless patch management.
Bolsters security posture
Patch management focuses on closing known vulnerabilities in a system.
Patching simply fixes flaws and makes them harmless.
According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), attackers often exploit known vulnerabilities to breach systems.
That’s because trying to discover and use a zero-day means more effort them.
So, CISA’s report on Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerability revealed that:
In 2022, malicious cyber actors exploited older software vulnerabilities more frequently than recently disclosed vulnerabilities and targeted unpatched, internet-facing systems.
Source – CISA on Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerability
Thus, if you apply available patches in time, you’ll drastically reduce the risk of cyberattacks and security breaches.
Better functionality
Patches and updates are not just about closing vulnerabilities.
Sometimes vendors develop and release them to improve a software’s performance.
When fixing errors and bugs, patches also have a role in increasing the company’s productivity.
This works for all kinds of Operating Systems, from Windows to Linux and MacOS.
However, always test in a safe environment before you deploy patches.
Old devices or software versions sometimes have unexpected reactions to them.
Helps comply with regulations
Patch management helps avoid compliance fines.
Timely patch deployment helps attain the required degree of compliance with various regulations.
What Is Vulnerability Management?
Vulnerability management is the process of proactively identifying, preventing, mitigating, and classifying vulnerabilities across a system.
It’s an important part of any cybersecurity strategy.
If we consider patches “bandages”, then the security vulnerabilities are the “wounds” they close.
Imagine vulnerabilities like holes in the computer’s security.
They turn the IT infrastructure vulnerable to cyberattacks.
After the security team finds the flaw, they must fix it to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting them.
•Data breaches.
•Data leakage.
•Service.
Patch management and vulnerability management are processes that go hand-in-hand.
The vulnerability management system works like an “X-ray” that locates internal “wounds” inside an IT system.
After locating the wounds, the next step is to apply “bandages”.
In cybersecurity, that equals applying patches according to a patch management policy.
Benefits of Vulnerability Management
Improves security and control
A strong vulnerability management program includes routinely scanning for vulnerabilities. Patching them soon follows.
Finding and closing security flaws before attackers do is the core goal of vulnerability management.
Reduces costs
The cost-effectiveness of vulnerability management is one of its top advantages.
It`s cheaper to prevent than heal.
Provides operational efficiency
Vulnerability management offers o framework for the process of identifying and fixing flaws.
It ensures continuous monitoring, alerting, and remedial options.
In addition, vulnerability management helps reduce human error, if you use an automated solution.
Patch Management vs Vulnerability Management
Patch management is part of the vulnerability management process.
•Assess.
•Remediate.
•Report vulnerabilities found in a network.
Patch management is a technique of remediating software vulnerabilities in networks.
The primary goal of the patch management process is to acquire, review, and deploy software updates to your network.
This covers both security updates, and performance updates.
Thus, having a patch management solution is essential, but not enough to guarantee the proper security of your system.
You need to integrate it into a vulnerability management program.
Even after patching, you`ll need to further survey the system and be on the look for additional gaps.
In terms of similarities, both processes aim to keep the business safe by closing vulnerabilities.
Both need a comprehensive inventory of the company`s assets and their configuration details to function.
Also, automated solutions are available for vulnerability management as well as patch management.
How Can Vulnerability and Patch Management Helps Your Business
Vulnerability management is a key component in protecting your business from threat actors.
It`s a security tool that constantly categorizes each asset of your business’s network and stores its attributes in the process.
By detecting and ranking vulnerabilities based on severity and context, it can better prioritize them.
The result will be an effective patch management process.
On the other hand, a patch management solution by itself doesn`t proactively identify vulnerabilities in a software.
Its role is to ensure it updates existing software to the latest, most secure version.
The two processes are intertwined.
Integrating them brings clarity and efficiency in your effort of keeping the system safe.
Every company has its own distinct characteristics.
So, being able to customize your vulnerability or patch management tool will help you respond better to its specific needs.
Heimdal® Patch & Asset Management is a highly customizable solution.
This automated patch management tool saves security teams valuable time and resources.
Heimdal® Patch & Asset Management
- Create policies that meet your exact needs;
- Full compliance and CVE/CVSS audit trail;
- Gain extensive vulnerability intelligence;
- And much more than we can fit in here...
Conclusion
Patch and vulnerability management are distinct cybersecurity processes.
Patching is part of vulnerability management and it only covers remediation.
Ideally, the two processes are integrated and automated.
Implement strong vulnerability and patching policies in your company to keep hackers away!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the key focus of Patch Management vs. Vulnerability Management?
Patch Management targets applying software updates to fix bugs and security issues.
Vulnerability Management involves identifying, prioritizing, and mitigating security vulnerabilities across systems. Not only with patches but also through configurations and policies.
How do Patch Management and Vulnerability Management work together?
Patch Management is a part of Vulnerability Management.
Vulnerability scans identify issues, some of which are fixed by deploying patches.
This integration ensures comprehensive security by addressing vulnerabilities promptly.
How do detection and response differ?
Patch Management detects missing updates and applies them.
It’s reactive and based on known issues.
Vulnerability Management detects security weaknesses through continuous monitoring and assessments. It also responds to potential threats before they can be exploited.
How do the schedules differ?
Patch Management follows a regular schedule (e.g., monthly updates).
Vulnerability Management is continuous, with regular scans and real-time remediation based on risk.
What are the main challenges?
Patch Management struggles with compatibility, system downtime, and timely updates.
Vulnerability Management faces issues with prioritizing risks, maintaining databases, and fixing non-patchable vulnerabilities.
Both require careful client coordination.
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Cristian is a Content Editor & Creator at Heimdal®, where he developed a deep understanding of the digital threat landscape. His style resonates with both technical and non-technical readers, proof being in his skill of communicating cybersecurity norms effectively, in an easy-to-understand manner.
