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You’re in the middle of something important when the notification appears: An update is ready. Restart now? Remind me later?
For one computer, postponing an update might not seem like a big deal. Across an entire business, however, those little delays can add up to a cybersecurity risk.
Software updates often do more than add new features or fix annoying glitches. They can also contain security patches designed to address known vulnerabilities. If those patches aren’t installed, computers and servers can remain exposed to security issues that have already been identified and, in many cases, publicly documented.
“Most people know they’re supposed to install updates, but in a business environment, it’s not just one computer you have to worry about,” says Lance Farmer, IT Support Specialist at Kustura Technologies. “Patch management helps us make sure updates are being applied across PCs and servers so vulnerabilities don’t get overlooked.”
Understanding the Patch Management Process
A patch is an update designed to fix or improve existing software. While patches can address performance issues and bugs, they are also a key part of cybersecurity because they can correct vulnerabilities attackers might otherwise exploit.
Patch management is the process of identifying, deploying and monitoring those updates across an organization’s devices.
A managed approach gives IT professionals centralized visibility into which systems are up to date and which still need attention.
How Kustura Manages Patching
For Kustura Peace of Mind customers, patch management is built into Kustura’s remote monitoring and management platform, Datto RMM.
Datto RMM can audit Windows devices to determine which patches are required, use defined policies to determine which updates should be installed, and deploy approved patches during designated patch windows. It also provides visibility into each device’s patch status, including whether it is fully patched, has an update pending, requires a reboot, or has encountered an installation error.
That means patching becomes an ongoing, managed process rather than another task someone has to remember.
Updates Without Disrupting Your Work
One concern businesses may have about automatic patching is what happens when an update requires a restart. No one wants to lose work because a computer suddenly reboots in the middle of the day.
Kustura’s approach is designed to prevent that.
“Updates can be installed automatically, but when a restart is required, users are prompted to reboot their computers at a convenient time,” Farmer said. “That allows important security updates to be applied without unexpectedly interrupting work or causing users to lose unsaved data.”
At the same time, Kustura can see which devices are still awaiting a reboot, helping ensure updates are completed rather than sitting unfinished indefinitely.
Patching Is One Piece of a Stronger Security Strategy
Patch management is not a replacement for other cybersecurity measures. Businesses still need protections such as strong passwords, multifactor authentication, backups, endpoint security, and employee awareness. Instead, patching works alongside those defenses to help close known gaps before they can become bigger problems.
Kustura Peace of Mind customers already have that protection included.
Want to know whether your business systems are properly protected and up to date? Contact Kustura Technologies to learn more about Peace of Mind managed IT services and how proactive IT management can help protect your business.
To learn more, visit www.kustura.com or contact info@kustura.com.
Contact Kustura About Patch Management Today!
