“We needed to find solutions to a variety of issues whilst being a complex business, operating in a 24/7 environment. Stripe OLT listened and understood immediately the challenges we faced.”
“We needed to find solutions to a variety of issues whilst being a complex business, operating in a 24/7 environment. Stripe OLT listened and understood immediately the challenges we faced.”
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“We needed to find solutions to a variety of issues whilst being a complex business, operating in a 24/7 environment. Stripe OLT listened and understood immediately the challenges we faced.”
Request a Call
First we need a few details.
When considering security, one might say the safest device is an air-gapped system—physically separated from any network or internet connection. In fact, the most secure server would be one still in its box, never powered on…
But, as businesses rely on the interconnectedness of their devices and systems, such extreme measures aren’t practical. Therefore, every organisation must find the right balance between security and usability. This is where patch management comes into play. Regular and strategic patching is one of the most effective methods to keep your systems secure while maintaining their operational functionality.
Patch management addresses the vulnerabilities in software and hardware that could otherwise be exploited by malicious actors. By consistently applying patches, businesses significantly reduce their exposure to cyber threats. However, finding this balance is crucial because patching can occasionally introduce system bugs or disruptions to normal operations.
We often hear about patch management failures in the news, underscoring its importance. One high-profile incident was the CrowdStrike IT outage, where a rogue patch deployment disabled 8.5 million devices across the globe. This failure serves as a reminder that patch testing and rollout strategies must be carefully managed to avoid such disastrous outcomes. Another example, perhaps even more infamous, is the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017. This attack affected systems worldwide, most notably crippling the NHS in the UK. The attack could have been avoided entirely if businesses had applied the security patches that Microsoft had released to address the vulnerability beforehand. In this case, the patch had been available, but many organisations had not implemented it.
[Dear reader – insert here your favourite facepalm gif, as a massive geek I quite like the Jean Luc Picard one. ]
What makes these cases so frustrating is that they were not examples of zero-day exploits—situations where hackers discover vulnerabilities before a patch is available. Both the CrowdStrike incident and the WannaCry attack were avoidable. The necessary patches existed; the failure was in applying them effectively.
These stories aren’t just historical anecdotes. Businesses see patching failures regularly, albeit on a smaller scale. Every week, companies suffer the consequences of delayed patching, from minor system outages to severe security breaches. The lesson here is clear: diligent and timely patch management is crucial.
Since the WannaCry incident in 2017, awareness of the importance of cybersecurity, especially patch management, has increased dramatically. More and more businesses are aligning themselves with frameworks such as Cyber Essentials (CE) and CE+, which require that all software patches be applied within 14 days of release. These frameworks are vital for small and medium businesses (SMBs) that might otherwise struggle to prioritise security among their daily operations.
However, this also presents a challenge. The increased frequency of patches—sometimes daily or weekly—means that companies must balance thorough testing of these patches against the need to deploy them quickly. Failing to apply patches in a timely manner opens up vulnerabilities, while rushing the patching process without adequate testing can lead to system outages and other complications.
Patch management is an essential component of any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so does the complexity and interconnectivity of systems. This expansion increases the potential attack surface for businesses, making it easier for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities if they remain unpatched. Every new piece of software, hardware, or service introduces potential entry points for attackers, requiring vigilant monitoring and patching.
Fortunately, technology has advanced alongside these threats, making automated patch management systems more accessible. Companies like Microsoft have developed sophisticated solutions to simplify the patching process. Through services such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Windows Update, and Asure Automation, patches can now be deployed automatically across an organisation’s entire network. This automation reduces the window of opportunity for an attacker to exploit a vulnerability while ensuring that the systems are kept up to date with minimal manual intervention.
However, automation is not a foolproof solution. It requires the right expertise and oversight to function effectively, especially for businesses without dedicated IT teams. Let’s dive into some of the challenges that smaller organisations face when relying on automated patching solutions.
For many businesses, particularly SMBs, patch management can present significant challenges. Without a dedicated IT resource, managing and overseeing patching processes—even when automated—can become overwhelming. Below are some of the common obstacles:
Lack of Expertise: Automated patching systems still require configuration and ongoing management to function effectively. Businesses without dedicated IT staff often lack the expertise needed to set up these systems correctly, leading to misconfigurations or unpatched devices.
Custom Configurations: Every organisation has unique infrastructure needs. Default settings in automated patching systems may not be suitable for all environments, requiring tailored patch management strategies. Without expert IT engineers, businesses may struggle to optimise these systems.
Over-reliance on Automation: Automation has its limits. While these systems can deploy patches across many devices, they might not cover all software or hardware, especially legacy systems or custom-built applications. Manual intervention is often necessary to ensure full coverage.
Security and Compliance: Automated patching must be carefully managed to maintain security and meet regulatory requirements. Mismanagement of these systems could lead to security vulnerabilities or compliance failures, especially in sectors governed by stringent data protection regulations.
Patch Prioritisation: Not all patches are equally important. Some address critical vulnerabilities actively being exploited, while others are minor updates. A lack of IT expertise can make it challenging to prioritise which patches need to be applied immediately and which can wait.
Training and Awareness: Automated patching solutions do not eliminate the need for security awareness training. Employees must be educated on the importance of allowing patches to install and reboot their devices when necessary. Without proper awareness, staff may inadvertently leave systems vulnerable.
At Stripe OLT, we understand that patch management is not just a checkbox exercise—it’s an ongoing, critical aspect of maintaining a secure and stable IT environment. Our Network Operations Centre (NOC) and Security Operations Centre (SOC) teams work closely to ensure that patches are deployed promptly and with minimal disruption to our clients’ operations.
One of our key strategies involves deploying patches across multiple pilot groups. These groups serve as a test-bed to identify any potential issues before rolling patches out across entire IT infrastructures. By catching bugs or conflicts early, we prevent major disruptions that could otherwise impact day-to-day operations.
For businesses that lack the internal resources to manage patching effectively, partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like Stripe OLT can make all the difference. Our teams bring expertise, experience, and best practices to the table, ensuring that your patching strategy is robust, efficient, and tailored to your business’s unique needs.
While the primary focus of patching is security, it’s important to recognise that patching offers several other benefits that directly impact productivity:
A critical aspect of patch management that often gets overlooked is dealing with end-of-life (EOL) software. When a piece of software or hardware is no longer supported by its manufacturer, it no longer receives updates or patches. This poses a significant security risk. Keeping track of EOL software and upgrading to supported versions is essential to maintaining a secure environment.
It’s recommended that businesses regularly audit their IT assets for EOL software and plan for upgrades well in advance. A valuable resource for checking software support statuses is “endoflife.date,” which provides up-to-date information on the lifecycle of various applications and systems.
Patch management is non-negotiable. It is one of the most effective defences against cybersecurity threats.
Patch your software, patch your devices, patch them regularly and crucially, test your patches.
