Security patching what it is and why it matters. Security patching acts as your network's first line of defense. Closing off any vulnerabilities before cyber attackers can exploit them, but how does it work? Hi, I'm JP with Ninja one. In today's video, I'll discuss how security patching works and why proper patch management matters. Before we get started, be sure to subscribe to our IT video hub and YouTube channel. See, you never miss out on SMART IT tips and powerful solutions from Ninja one. What is security patching? Security patching is the process of applying patches to operating systems or applications to address bugs and other flaws that cyber criminals could exploit. Think of your network as a fortress and your endpoints as walls. Keeping intruders out over time, these walls can develop cracks, making your fortress vulnerable to attackers. This is where security patches come in. They seal these cracks so no one can use them as entry points to your network. So why is security patching important? Let's face it. Most users see patching as an inconvenience to their workday, but in reality, it's one of their most powerful defenses against advanced malware and ransomware. Recent studies from Ivanti in ServiceNow show that timely patching could have prevented 57% of data breaches even more alarming. 34% of these targeted organizations knew their network had security vulnerabilities, but chose to do nothing. These numbers underscore why proactive patching is essential to any organization best practices for security patching. Let's explore some best practices for effective security patching. Test all security patches. Always test patches before deploying them to ensure smooth integration. You don't want your security patching to cause more problems within your network. Be proactive about security patching, deploy patches as soon as they're released. According to the cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency, organizations should apply relevant patches to their devices as quickly as possible to prevent their networks from being at risk. Create an IT asset inventory to keep all your devices and applications up to date. Create a comprehensive inventory of your network's IT assets. Organize it according to device type, operating system hardware and third party applications. Develop patch management policies. Create patch management policies to ensure your entire patching process is streamlined. Automate wherever possible. Automate your patches. Not all patches are automatic. Some require manual installation, which can be time consuming and prone to errors. Simply put, security patching is essential for maintaining the integrity and stability of your network. It addresses vulnerabilities before they escalate in the serious threats. If you're looking for a tool that automatically detects and deploys critical updates, click the link in the description below to start your 14 day free trial of Ninja One patch management solution today.