Unforeseen consequences from the CrowdStrike disruption might prove catastrophic
In the ever-evolving digital world, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. One such measure that is gaining traction is automated patching. This strategy offers significant benefits, including enhanced security, reduced attack surface, improved operational efficiency, timely compliance, and minimized downtime.
Automated patching works by automatically scanning systems, identifying missing patches, prioritising them by risk, and deploying fixes according to predefined policies. This strengthens the overall cybersecurity posture and reduces human error.
To prevent disruptions and ensure organisational safety when implementing automated patching, best practices and necessary controls include regular vulnerability scanning, scheduling patches thoughtfully, testing patches before deployment, maintaining a frequent patching cadence, defining clear patch management policies, generating audit and reporting, prioritising and risk assessing, preparing fallback and rollback plans, integrating into a layered defence strategy, and optimising the security benefits while minimising operational risk.
The recent CrowdStrike update, which caused widespread technology outages, underscores the need for automated patching with controls to avoid cyberattacks and patch-related disruptions. The events of the past month have emphasised the importance of this approach.
Manual patching, on the other hand, results in many unaddressed vulnerabilities, creating an environment ripe for exploitation by cybercriminals and nation-state actors. Patching vulnerabilities is crucial for protecting computer networks, as cybercriminals use unpatched software to breach systems, steal data, and cause chaos.
Historically, there have been two approaches to patching: manual and automated. However, the debate exists about organisations shifting away from automated patching due to concerns about outages. It is essential to note that automated patching without controls can lead to disruptions or worse.
Organisations should automate the phased deployment wave process for repeatability at scale. This strategy, which starts with non-critical machines and allows for human approval, offers the speed needed to thwart bad actors and the control required to prevent an errant update from causing widespread issues.
Moreover, business systems are interconnected, making a single errant patch file disruptive for organisations globally. Therefore, it is crucial to implement automated patching with controls to maintain the continuity and safety of organisational IT infrastructure.
Last year, 26,447 vulnerabilities were disclosed, and one in four high-risk vulnerabilities were exploited the same day they were disclosed. Furthermore, 90% of cyberattacks start at the endpoint. These statistics highlight the urgent need for effective patch management strategies like automated patching with controls.
In conclusion, the combination of automation with rigorous controls forms a proactive and efficient patch management strategy essential for today’s cybersecurity landscape. By following best practices and implementing automated patching with controls, organisations can minimise operational risk, ensure the continuity and safety of their IT infrastructure, and protect themselves against the ever-present threat of cyberattacks.
[1] Automated patching: The key to efficient patch management
[2] The Benefits of Automated Patch Management for IT Teams
[3] Best Practices for Automated Patch Management
[4] The Importance of Automated Patch Management
[5] Automated Patch Management: A Comprehensive Guide
- The recent CrowdStrike update, causing technology outages, underscores the importance of automated patch management with controls in avoiding cyberattacks and patch-related disruptions.
- In the ever-evolving digital world, the importance of strong cybersecurity measures, including automated patch management, cannot be overstated, especially considering that one in four high-risk vulnerabilities are exploited the same day they are disclosed.
- To thwart bad actors and maintain the continuity and safety of organisational IT infrastructure, it is crucial to implement automated patch management with controls, while adhering to best practices for minimizing operational risk.
