Patch Management – Best Practices – How to Conduct Audits and Choose the Right Tools

In recent years, the number of cyberattacks has increased dramatically. These attacks can be costly and disruptive, and they can even lead to the loss of sensitive data. Patch management is one of the most effective ways to prevent these attacks, as it can help to close security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. However, patch management can be a complex and challenging process. There are several factors to consider, such as

• the number of software applications in use,
• the appropriate solution partners,
• the criticality of the software and
• the risk of introducing new problems.

Despite these challenges, patch management is essential for organizations of all sizes. By following best practices, they can significantly reduce their cyberattack risk of and protect their data from cybercriminals.

Regular audits can identify and eliminate possible blockages before they lead to problems. They also ensure that the implemented process meets changing compliance requirements and is regularly optimized. In addition, the data that emerges as part of an audit provides transparent insight into the details of the organization’s patch management process and can help quickly find the right solutions to specific problems.

In this blog, we discuss the steps on how to conduct a patch management audit and choose the right solution partners to ensure proper cybersecurity hygiene for your company.

Moreover, many of the common roadblocks IT teams encounter during this process are covered in our video guide entitled “Top 10 Patch Management Challenges“, which outlines the key issues to watch for in 2025 and beyond.

Steps to conduct a patch management audit

According to the 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, the median time for most exploited vulnerabilities to be repaired was up to 49 days.  With watertight patch management, companies could reduce the risk of successful cyberattacks by significant margin.

An IT audit can help ensure that your patch management program is effective. The auditor will review your patch management policies and procedures, as well as your patch deployment process. They’ll also look for any security vulnerabilities or compliance issues. The findings of the audit can help you identify areas where your patch management program can be improved.

When conducting an audit, IT teams ideally follow a structured checklist. You can tick off the following steps one by one:

1. Scan your network and document the current patch status.
2. Review unpatched vulnerabilities to identify root causes and any trends.
3. Analyze risk-based decisions and practices affecting the patching process.
4. Define the right metrics to capture the relevant information in the right way.
5. Ensure that all those responsible, including the management level, are informed about the current patch status.
6. Identify the processes and areas with potential for optimization.
7. Write down expectations for patching and review what is stated in contracts or agreements, such as SLAs and internal IT policies.

You can also check out a more comprehensive patch management audit checklist here.

Choosing the right patch management solution partners and tool

Patch management is an important and resource-intensive task that not every company can perform itself. Fortunately, there are numerous solutions on the market that promise to help. Choosing the right tool comes down to ten key factors:

1. Operating systems: Windows, Linux or macOS? Which patch management solution is right for the company depends, among other things, on which systems the provider is familiar with and which are used by internal IT teams.
2. Variety of applications: All applications must be reliably patched, which includes third-party software. Here, too, it is important to check the experience of the provider and compare it with your own requirements.
3. Automation: Critical problems can often be resolved most quickly and reliably through automated processes. A solution that offers automation for identifying, analyzing, approving, deploying and validating patches can likely save time, improve accuracy and productivity.
4. Control: While automation makes some patching processes easier, the best solution should also support manual patch approvals and denials as well as ad hoc patch deployments to address zero-days. Ideally, these options are supplemented by automatic warning messages in the event of patch errors, so that the team can take immediate corrective action.
5. Optimization: A good solution makes the patch management process efficient. This can be achieved, for example, through patch uninstallation workflows, a remote terminal, a registry editor or a patch blocking function.
6. Data: Dashboards and performance reports can present key information in a transparent and understandable way, helping to better identify and fix vulnerabilities over time. Comprehensive documentation also makes it easier to verify patch status for governance purposes.
7. Efficiency: The right patch management tool should, in no way, lead to more complexity and effort. Maintenance costs and extensive on-site training can be avoided if companies rely on a cloud solution.
8. Hybrid work: Distributed teams that work from anywhere are the new normal of the working world. Remote workers with mobile devices (even without a VPN connection) should therefore not pose a challenge for a patch management tool.
9. User interface: An intuitive user interface ensures problem-free usability and prevents the implemented solution from generating additional effort.
10. Pricing: In addition to the range of functions, the method of payment and different packages, numerous aspects have an impact on the price of patch management solutions. Businesses should consider all costs, including hidden fees, when making their decision.

Building a complete cybersecurity strategy with patch management

Overall, patch management is a critical component of corporate IT that cannot be overlooked. The importance of timely and effective patching lies in its ability to

• enhance security,
• ensure system stability, and
• support regulatory compliance.

By regularly updating software and systems, organizations can minimize vulnerabilities and protect sensitive data from potential cyber threats. Patch management also helps prevent system crashes and performance issues, reducing downtime and improving overall productivity.

Furthermore, compliance with industry regulations and standards is increasingly becoming a requirement for businesses, and patch management plays a vital role in meeting these obligations. Failing to implement a robust patch management strategy can lead to

• significant financial losses,
• reputational damage and
• legal consequences.

Therefore, organizations must prioritize patch management as a fundamental aspect of their IT operations to not only safeguard their assets and maintain operational continuity but also uphold their responsibilities to stakeholders and customers alike.

As you build out a complete cybersecurity strategy, it’s also important to stay ahead of evolving risks. Our article on the top 10 patch management challenges of 2025 can help you anticipate and overcome what’s next.

Still have some questions about patch management? Click here for a more comprehensive FAQ page on the process and its role in IT security.

Learn more about how to automate patch management for any endpoint.