Manual patch management was often sufficient in traditional IT environments, where systems were simpler and networks less complex. IT administrators could efficiently handle updates, ensuring devices remained secure and functional.
However, modern IT environments are marked by diverse devices, decentralized teams, and the pressing need for real-time security and compliance. A recent Microsoft study found that over 80% of successful cyberattacks could have been prevented with timely patches and updates[1]—highlighting the critical need for efficient patch management.
Enter automation—a game-changer for patch management. Automated patch management addresses the challenges of scale, speed, and accuracy by eliminating repetitive manual tasks, making it indispensable for modern IT operations.
But what exactly is automated patch management, and how can it transform your organization? Let’s start by understanding its core purpose.
What is automated patch management?
Automated patch management is the use of software such as unified endpoint management software or a patch management tool to deploy patches to mobile and desktop devices. The software automates the complete patch management process, from scanning the whole system for vulnerabilities to identifying missing patches, installing them, and then deploying the patches on unpatched devices.
The automated patch management software allows you to schedule the patches, and provide regular updates and reports on the patch status. By using them, you streamline the overall process of patch management. The streamlining allows IT admins to make the most of their skills and time.
How will automated patch management benefit an organization?
Shifting from manual to automated patching has multiple security and operational benefits:
1. Security benefits
a. Consistent security posture: Automation ensures that all devices, applications, and operating systems within your organization are updated and have no unpatched issues. It maintains a consistent level of security across the network.
b. Reduces vulnerability to cyberattacks: Automated patch management ensures that critical vulnerabilities are addressed on priority. This minimizes the risk of exploitation and exposure to malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
c. Compliance with security standards: Consistent security across the network means all devices and operating systems are patched and updated. This leaves no loopholes for data breaches, ultimately ensuring that all organizations adhere to industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO.
d. Zero-day threat mitigation: Patch management software can quickly deploy patches released to address zero-day vulnerabilities, reducing the window for exploitation.
e. Decreased human error: Manual patching can result in missed updates or improper deployment. Patch automation eliminates these risks, ensuring a reliable and secure patching process.
2. Operational benefits
a. Time and cost efficiency: Automation reduces the time spent on manual patching, freeing IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives. This also reduces operational costs by optimizing resource allocation.
b. Scalability: Automated patch management software can handle large-scale environments efficiently, regardless of the number of endpoints or servers requiring updates.
c. Improved system uptime: By scheduling updates during non-peak hours and automating rollbacks in case of issues, automated patching minimizes downtime and ensures business continuity.
d. Centralized management: An advance patch management software has a centralized dashboard. It allows IT teams to monitor patch status across all the endpoints, ensuring transparency and streamlined oversight.
e. Enhanced compatibility and performance: Regular updates ensure that software applications stay compatible and have optimal performance by addressing bugs or outdated features that might affect operations.
f. Quick rollback options: Patch automation tools often include rollback features, allowing swift recovery in case an update causes unexpected issues.
g. Cross-platform coverage: Automated patch management tools such as a UEM support multiple platforms and devices, streamlining the patching process across heterogeneous environments.
How does automated patch management work in an enterprise?
A complete automated patch management process has 8 stages:
Stage 1: Inventory management and identification
Automated patch management begins with scanning the network to identify devices, software, and systems. It creates an inventory of all assets, grouping them by type, criticality, or operating system. This ensures patches can be targeted based on organizational priorities.
Stage 2: Patch detection
The system connects to software vendors’ repositories and vulnerability databases, such as CVE, to detect missing patches. It continuously monitors for updates and identifies risks associated with unpatched vulnerabilities.
Stage 3: Patch assessment and prioritization
Each patch is assessed for its relevance, urgency, and compatibility with existing systems. Critical security patches are prioritized to minimize risks, while less urgent updates are scheduled appropriately.
Stage 4: Patch approval workflow
Approval workflows allow administrators to configure automatic approval for high-priority updates. Administrators receive notifications to review and approve these updates when necessary. This step ensures a balance between security and control, preventing untested patches from being deployed.
Stage 5: Automated deployment
Once approved, patches are deployed automatically to the appropriate systems. Deployment is staged and tested in a controlled environment, scheduled during maintenance windows, and prioritized to minimize disruption.
Stage 6: Rollback mechanism
To safeguard against faulty patches, automated systems often include rollback features. Before applying a patch, the system can create a backup or snapshot of the device. If an issue arises, it quickly reverts the system to its previous state, minimizing downtime and protecting data.
Stage 7: Post-patch validation
After deployment, the system checks that patches are successfully installed. It verifies that endpoints are updated, and the patched systems are monitored for any performance issues. Reports are generated with detailed insights into the patching process. This validation step ensures that the patches are not only installed but also working as intended, maintaining system stability.
Stage 8: Continuous monitoring and maintenance
Patch management is not a one-time task; it’s a continuous process of regular scanning to detect new patches and missed updates. Policies are refined as the IT environment grows, and integration with ITSM tools ensures quick issue resolution.
How to implement automated patch management?
There are two ways to shift from manual to automated patch management- by using a unified endpoint management solution or a patch management tool. But, which is the ideal way? Let’s compare:
a. With a unified endpoint management (UEM) software
- All-in-one management: UEM solutions like Scalefusion UEM consolidate patch management with other endpoint management capabilities, such as app distribution, compliance enforcement, and remote troubleshooting. This extensive approach facilitates the patching of multiple endpoints.
- Granular security: With integrated security features like full disk encryption, access control, and compliance monitoring, UEM ensures that patching is part of a broader, robust security framework.
- Cross-platform support: UEM software such as Scalefusion is designed to manage a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Chrome, making it ideal for modern, diverse environments.
- Centralized control: A single dashboard provides visibility across all endpoints, enabling IT teams to deploy patches, monitor status, and address issues in real-time.
- Future-proof scalability: As organizations adopt hybrid and remote work models, UEM solutions seamlessly scale to manage growing device inventories and complex IT ecosystems.
- Ideal for: Organizations aiming to simplify IT operations and elevate endpoint security while automating patches as part of a broader device management strategy.
b. With a patch management tool
- Narrow focus: Patch management tools are dedicated to automating patch deployment, with features like vulnerability scanning and reporting.
- Quick to implement: These tools are often faster to deploy and configure, particularly for environments with limited IT needs.
- Cost-Effective for specific needs: For organizations with minimal management requirements beyond patching, a standalone tool might be a viable option.
- Vendor-specific expertise: Some tools are tailored for particular operating systems or applications, making them suitable for niche environments.
- Ideal for: Organizations with specific, small-scale patching requirements and existing endpoint management solutions in place.
Limitations:
- Limited functionality: Unlike UEM, patch management tools do not offer additional endpoint management features, often requiring integration with other solutions for comprehensive control.
- Fragmented operations: Managing multiple tools can increase operational complexity, which might negate the simplicity of using a standalone patching tool.
- Scalability challenges: Patch tools may lack the flexibility to adapt to rapidly growing or diversified device inventories.
Why UEM might be the better choice?
Patch management tools focus only on patching, but UEM solutions offer much more. They bring patching, security, compliance, and overall device management into one platform. This makes managing devices easier and strengthens the organization’s security.
For most companies, especially those dealing with hybrid work setups and a mix of devices, UEM solutions provide a better way to handle patching. They make device management simpler, scalable, and more secure, helping organizations stay prepared for the future.
Get Scalefusion UEM: Automated patch management with advanced endpoint management
Experience the benefits of automated patch management and leverage advanced endpoint management capabilities with Scalefusion. Empower your IT team with Scalefusion UEM, designed to meet the needs of modern businesses.
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Reference
1. Nikolaroza
