There is an increasing amount of technology used by businesses, from applications to entire networks. More technology means that there are more opportunities for errors or vulnerabilities in these systems to be exploited. With all those opportunities, it’s no wonder why these technological errors continue to be exploited by experienced hackers. What’s worse is that, according to Ponemon, 37% of businesses aren’t even scanning their IT environment for these vulnerabilities.
Vulnerabilities can present a lot of potential risk to your business. In a report by Edgescan, they found that of all vulnerabilities discovered, 20% of them are classified as high or critical risk. Patch management is necessary to reduce the risk of these vulnerabilities, keep in line with compliance requirements, and protect your organization’s IT environment. Fortunately, patch management software was designed to help you manage these risks and reduce the complexity of patching.
Learn more about the features this software can provide and how you can determine which patch management software solution will work best for your business.
Important features for patch management software
Modern patch management solutions supply a variety of helpful features to assist you in patching your systems, devices, and IT infrastructure. Important features of patch management software include:
Operating system support
This could potentially be considered one of the most important features to initially take into account when searching for a patch management solution. Whether your devices use Windows, macOS, or Linux operating systems, you’ll want to make sure that the patch management software you choose supports the existing systems in your IT environment.
Automation
IT operations teams have a high number and volume of tasks they complete each day. Patch management should be a high priority, but according to Ponemon, 37% of businesses aren’t even scanning their IT environment for these vulnerabilities. Automation can ensure it’s a task that never gets forgotten. Let the software do the manual work required for patch management by setting up automatic scanning for vulnerabilities and automatic patch deployment.
Customization
IT systems vary widely across businesses. Patch management software solutions that offer customization give you the opportunity to create a unique patch management system for your organization. Customization for when the software scans for vulnerabilities, responds to the scan results, and deploys patches can help reduce the unique security risks your organization faces.
Rebooting
Options for rebooting systems can be another helpful feature. Depending on the level of patch, many patches require a reboot of the system after applying a patch to the software because they cannot be modified while they are either open or in use. Patch management software can provide options for when this reboot happens. It can force a reboot, tell a system to not reboot, or postpone and schedule when the reboot should occur.
Auditing & Reporting
Assess the performance of the patch management software and evaluate your organization's patch management process using patch management audits and reports. This feature gives you insight into how effective the software is across the IT environment and helps you identify areas that could use improvement.
How to consider your needs for patch management software
When deciding which patch management software will be best for your business, you’ll typically consider standard characteristics such as ease of use, reliability, and manageability. However, some specific considerations for choosing a patch management software solution include:
Device Mix
Does your IT environment consist of devices running exclusively on Windows OS, or does it include a mix of Windows, macOS, and Linux? Make sure that the patch management software you choose has the ability to apply patches to all devices in your organization’s IT environment.
Number of field/remote employees
Does your workforce only work at a single location, or are they spread out and work remotely? If you only have an on-prem patching solution, it’s not as ideal for remote and distributed employees. Enable patching to all devices, no matter their location, by choosing a patch management software solution that’s agent-based and doesn’t require a VPN.
Third-party application patching
What third-party applications are you running on your devices? Unfortunately, bugs or vulnerabilities aren’t limited to the operating system and original manufacturer apps. They can also occur in third-party applications that are installed on your endpoints, which is why it’s essential to find patch management software that has third-party patching capabilities.
Patch Management Software Solutions for MSPs
NinjaOne
NinjaOne Patch Management has patch reporting and activity tracking and provides patching for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Connectwise
Connectwise Automate offers automation across your machines for many patching functions.
Datto
Datto patch management software monitors and applies patches to Windows devices at the device or policy level.
Atera
Atera provides automation and reporting for patching of OS, hardware, and software in your IT environment.
N-Able
N-Able N-Central Patch Management gives you the capability to manage patches on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Kaseya
Kaseya VSA patch management software automates many patch management processes.
Patch Management Software Solutions for Internal IT
NinjaOne
NinjaOne Patch Management is a completely cloud-based patch management solution that offers full automation for patching functions.
Microsoft Endpoint Manager (SCCM/WSUS)
Microsoft Endpoint Manager works as both an on-prem and hybrid system with patch management.
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus offers vulnerability assessment as well as both OS and third-party patch management.
PDQ Deploy
PDQ offers automation and customizability for your organization’s patch management strategy.
Solarwinds
Solarwinds patches operating systems and software on Windows servers.
Automox
Automox is a cloud-based patching solution for Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints.
Patch vulnerabilities in your IT environment
With the right tools, your business can take the proper actions to secure your business’s software and systems. Patch management software actively monitors and enhances the security of your organization’s IT environment. Consider the unique needs of your IT environment to select which patch management software is right for you.
NinjaOne Patch Management software offers 100% cloud-based Windows, Max, and Linux OS patching. The patch management system provides full automation with identification, approval, and deployment, which gives peace of mind knowing the software is actively working to protect your IT environment around the clock. Sign up for a free trial or free demo to find out if NinjaOne is right for you.
