The importance of effective patch management in protecting organizations from cyberattacks cannot be overstated. As the number of cyberattacks continues to increase, organizations face mounting pressure to ensure the security of their assets and close the software vulnerability gap. However, a recent study by the Ponemon Institute revealed that many organizations struggle to apply available patches, with 42% of those who suffered data breaches admitting to this difficulty.
In light of these challenges, having a well-developed patch management playbook is more critical than ever. Such a playbook should take into account key factors such as the organization’s size, the complexity of its IT environment, the criticality of its systems, and the allocation of resources to manage it all. Success in patch management relies on thorough preparation and meticulous execution.
As IT and security teams work to create or update their patch management playbooks, they should address six key questions to ensure a comprehensive and effective strategy.
The first question is about prioritizing updates. It is crucial to rank updates based on the severity of vulnerabilities and their exposure in each environment. Critical updates that impact security, privacy, and the reliability of key systems should be addressed first. Important updates that address non-critical problems or enhance the computing experience can be tackled next. Optional updates, such as those related to drivers or new software, can be implemented but may not require immediate attention. The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) can help assess the risk levels of vulnerabilities and guide the prioritization process.
The second question pertains to testing updates before deploying them. Testing is essential to avoid any disruptions or system failures. Organizations should install missing updates on a small number of devices and test them against pre-established success criteria. It is crucial to document the testing process and have it reviewed by someone other than the tester for validation. In-house machines should not be used for testing, and an uninstaller should be employed to remove outdated programs safely.
The third question revolves around the number of updates to be installed at once. Installing too many updates simultaneously can overload systems and lead to end-user disruptions. Assessing a system’s bandwidth for updates involves calculating the total number and size of missing updates against the total number of devices of each type. Starting with a smaller number of updates and reassessing bandwidth can prevent system overloads and interruptions.
The fourth question focuses on making change management easier. Proper documentation is essential for change management processes. Information about required updates, their impact on users, evidence of testing, and go-live schedules should be documented to ensure a smooth and auditable approval process. Keeping track of approved changes is particularly important for large organizations.
The fifth question addresses the safe deployment of updates. Developing a patch management calendar is crucial in this regard. This calendar should be used for change requests, scheduling, and reviewing new patch updates. Baselines should be established for the number of updates to be deployed at one time and in which order. Automation can be utilized to streamline the deployment process.
The final question pertains to measuring the success of the patch management playbook. Success can be gauged through various metrics, such as the number of incidents raised following deployment, the ease of following or repeating the process, and the generation of positive reports through the toolset used. Ultimately, swift deployment and updating of patches across the environment, coupled with a streamlined process, are key indicators of success.
Patch management remains a challenge for organizations of all sizes. However, by implementing effective patch management playbooks and addressing these six key questions, IT and security teams can significantly reduce their attack surface and enhance the overall cybersecurity posture of their organizations.