Patch management

The security of a computer network can only be measured by the security of the individual computers with access to it, whether through a LAN, WAN, or the Internet. The use of personal firewalls, anti-virus and anti-spyware solutions is a matter of course. But is the situation the same when we talking about system patches?

In the era of the Internet and remote work, when it is necessary to connect to company networks via a remote desktop, there is a need to keep computer operating systems and applications updated. New security gaps appear on a daily basis, which represents a serious risk of users' data or ID being stolen.

Patch management as we understand it today does not only mean the set up of automatic computer updates. Nowadays it is necessary to cover at least the following tasks:
• Identification of the level of patches and service packs
• Patch testing on a pilot group of computers
• Patch distribution on selected groups of computers
• Check of successful patch installation
• Return to the original state in case of uncertain patches

The solution consists of a patch installation project that defines how to test and distribute the patches. It also sets out the steps that need to be performed if problems should arise, and service, which puts project implementation into everyday practise.