Cyberattacks are on the rise, globally. They are becoming deadlier and costlier, and now can become the reason for collapse of any business.
Today, companies should proactively secure all data and networks. Timely server patching and firmware updates could be the most effective measures for minimizing potential risks.
Enterprise patch management has become a critical aspect of cyber security. Patching servers is crucial in proactively be prepared for potential vulnerabilities. It is also helpful in preventing any malicious exploits from bad actors.
Patch management is an important process. It ensures the security, protection, and optimal functioning of IT assets. Server patching adheres to general patch management best practices. It also involves specific tasks and processes unique to patching servers.
This article aims to explore patch management best practices. These best practices apply to server patching in an IT environment. It also offers insights into enhancing the server patch management process.
Server Patching
Server patching encompasses incorporating enhancements and updates to the servers. It includes the operating systems and applications within them. Executing server patching is a multifaceted procedure. This requires accuracy to mitigate risks and enhance security measures.
Enhancing server performance is one benefit derived from the application of patches. However, their critical role lies in fortifying the server’s security. This measure safeguards servers against cyber threats and criminal activities.
The significance of server patching may initially be absent. But unfortunately, businesses have learned this lesson through costly experiences.
What makes enterprise patch management imperative? Implementing patches enhances the performance of servers, networks, storage systems, and applications. Moreover, it can improve functionality. This is when specific updates introduce new features.
Practicing effective patch management habits holds much importance. Primarily, it is essential in mitigating security vulnerabilities.
Server Patching Best Practices
General patch management best practices encompass several essential strategies for server patching. There are also some distinct server patch management practices. It is crucial to take note of best practices tailored explicitly for server patching:
-
Obtain patch management software
It is essential to establish a strong foundation for server patching endeavors. It is advisable to allocate resources toward acquiring patch management software. This software encompasses a range of tools and functionalities. They are tailor-made to facilitate and enhance the efficiency of patch management procedures.
By investing in this software, brands will significantly bolster the security of the IT environment. It enables effortless patching and protection of servers.
-
Establish a patch management policy
Implementing a patch management policy is an essential measure. It is part of the overall patch management process. The patch management policy should encompass the strategies and protocols. Companies devise it to make patch management effective in the IT environment.
When formulating the patch management policy, it is imperative to incorporate specific actions. Identifying and applying significant patches for the servers should include identifying and applying essential patches.
This inclusion guarantees proper accountability for servers. It imparts a structured approach to server patching. It also minimizes server-related risks and limits server downtime. It is essential to ensure servers’ continuous protection and optimal functionality.
-
Evaluate server risk
An established strategy to ensure server patch management is to adopt a risk-based approach. This approach entails conducting risk assessments. It is to pinpoint vulnerabilities within the server. It gauges the chances of exploitation and the subsequent impact on the server.
Moreover, it involves exploring alternative methods of addressing these vulnerabilities. There can be other alternatives instead of solely resorting to patching.
Attempting to patch every single vulnerability present on servers is practically unattainable. Therefore, assessing risks and potential consequences allows for prioritizing server patches. It also enables proficient execution of server patch management.
-
Create a server patching schedule
A server patching schedule entails a documented strategy. It outlines the frequency of server patching and the approach for acquiring patches. It also helps the execution of patching procedures on the software.
It is advisable to conduct server patch checks at least once per week. Furthermore, it is prudent to subscribe to receive notifications of critical patches. It secures the server against any significant vulnerabilities that may arise.
-
Test your server patches
Sandbox testing is crucial in server patching, ranking as the most critical. By conducting sandbox testing, brands can check the impact of server patches.
This allows businesses to gauge the effects of a patch on the server system. This is possible before implementing it in the actual server. It minimizes any potential harm it may cause. Negative consequences resulting from patching can impact a wide range of people.
Hence, adopting sandbox testing is an essential practice. It is imperative to ensure the smooth implementation of server patches.
-
Design a backup server environment
Back-ups are crucial for safeguarding data, software, and systems. Server failovers serve as a means to revert to a backup environment. It is when the primary server fails and incurs damage following a patch installation.
Conducting patch testing beforehand often minimizes the need for server failovers. Yet there is still potential for issues arising during patch application. Hence, the backup server environment functions as a necessary safety measure.
-
Use automation in your server patch management process
Server patching often entails many repetitive and time-consuming tasks. But, automation can be a valuable tool to speed up the server patch management process. This is possible when manual actions and oversight are optional.
Embracing automation will speed up the patching procedure. This will allow technicians to redirect their focus from mundane patch-related tasks. It lets them focus more on significant aspects associated with server patching.
Also Read: Steps to Follow for a Successful Patch Management Process
Summing Up
By implementing practices, brands will get the skills to execute patching in the IT setup. It ensures the smooth functioning of the servers.
Begin with the implementation of initial server patching best practices. Consider acquiring cutting-edge patch management software solutions. The robust software will streamline the server patching process. The software will provide the tools and features required for patch management.
After obtaining the software and tools, brands can establish a patch management policy. It will define the approach to server patching and guide the methods and procedures.
Once the setup is complete, companies can proceed to identify server patches. Then they can conduct thorough testing on them and develop a patching schedule. Consider implementing automation wherever workable to streamline the entire process and boost efficiency.
For more such updates follow us on Google News ITsecuritywire News. Please subscribe to our Newsletter for more updates.
