Many SMBs assume that cybercriminals only target large corporations, but the reality is quite different. Hackers often exploit security risks in outdated systems, knowing that small businesses typically have fewer cyber security resources and less time to regularly check updates.
One of the most effective ways to protect your business and data from cyberattacks is through patch management: the process of identifying, testing, and applying software updates to fix security vulnerabilities, improve performance, and maintain compliance.
A single unpatched vulnerability can lead to a security breach, resulting in financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal consequences. Despite its importance, patch management for small business environments is often neglected due to time constraints, lack of expertise, or concerns about downtime.
This guide will break down the patch management process, explore the challenges SMBs face, and highlight patch management best practices.
What is Patch Management?
Patch management is the process of updating software, operating systems, and applications to fix bugs, close security gaps, and enhance functionality. These updates, known as application patches, can address minor glitches or critical vulnerabilities that, if left unpatched, could expose your business to cyber threats.
The patch management process typically includes the following steps:
- Identifying patches: Regularly scanning systems to detect missing or outdated patches.
- Testing patches: Verifying updates in a controlled environment before deployment to prevent compatibility issues.
- Deploying patches: Applying updates to endpoints, Windows servers, virtual machines, and other IT infrastructure.
- Monitoring patch statuses: Tracking whether patches have been successfully installed or if any failed updates require attention.
- Ongoing maintenance: Reviewing and updating patching policies to align with industry standards and emerging threats.
Why is Patch Management Critical for SMBs?
Many small businesses underestimate the importance of patching, assuming that cybercriminals only target large corporations. However, nearly half of all cyberattacks target SMBs, often exploiting security vulnerabilities in outdated software. Without a structured patch management process, businesses leave themselves open to malware, ransomware, and data breaches.
Here’s why small business patch management should be a security priority:
1. Reduced Cyberattack Risk
Cybercriminals are constantly scanning for weaknesses in software, operating systems, and applications. When vendors release application patches, they often disclose details about the fixed vulnerabilities, effectively handing cybercriminals a roadmap to exploit businesses that fail to update. By automatically deploying critical patches, SMBs can significantly lower their exposure to cyber threats.
2. Maintain Compliance
Many industries require businesses to follow strict cyber security regulations, including routine patching. Failing to comply with standards like the Australian Privacy Act or ISO 27001 can result in penalties, lawsuits, and reputational damage. Implementing patch management best practices ensures your business remains compliant and avoids legal complications.
3. Improves System Performance and Stability
Beyond security, patches also fix software bugs and enhance performance. Whether you’re managing Windows servers, virtual machines, or cloud-based applications, regular updates ensure your systems run efficiently. Without patching, businesses may experience crashes, slow performance, and software incompatibilities that disrupt day-to-day operations.
4. Saves Time and Money
A security breach can be costly – not just in terms of financial losses but also downtime and lost productivity. Preventing an attack through effective patch management is far more affordable than dealing with the aftermath of a cyber incident. Additionally, automating the patching process minimises manual effort, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic business initiatives rather than constantly chasing updates.
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Learn more: Understanding Proactive VS Reactive Cyber Security
Potential Challenges (and Possible Solutions) of Patch Management
While the benefits of patch management for small businesses are undeniable, implementing a seamless patching strategy isn’t always easy. SMBs often operate with lean IT teams – or no dedicated IT staff at all – making it difficult to stay on top of updates.
Here are solutions that can solve common challenges, for more efficient patching.
Challenge #1: Limited IT Resources
Unlike large enterprises with dedicated security teams, small businesses often lack the manpower to manually track, test, and deploy patches across multiple systems. As a result, updates get delayed or skipped entirely.
Solution: Invest in tools that offer automated patch deployment. These tools can automatically patch devices, reducing the burden on internal teams and ensuring critical updates are applied on time.
Challenge #2: Lack of Visibility into Patch Statuses
Many SMBs don’t have a clear overview of which systems are patched and which are vulnerable. Without proper tracking, outdated software can go unnoticed, increasing the risk of a cyberattack.
Solution: Implement a centralised dashboard that monitors patch statuses across all devices, from Windows servers to employee laptops. This makes it easier to identify unpatched systems and take corrective action.
Challenge #3: Compatibility Issues with Legacy Systems
Older software and hardware often don’t receive updates or may break when patched. This creates a dilemma: leave a system unpatched and vulnerable, or apply updates that could disrupt operations.
Solution: Test patches before deployment to ensure they won’t cause compatibility issues. Businesses can also use virtual machines to run older software in a secure, isolated environment. If a critical business application is no longer supported by its vendor, it may be time to consider upgrading to a modern alternative.
Challenge #4: Downtime Concerns
Some businesses hesitate to apply patches because they worry about disrupting daily operations. Updates that require system reboots or software restarts can impact productivity, especially during business hours.
Solution: Schedule patching during off-peak hours to minimise disruptions. Many best patch management software for small business solutions offer automated scheduling features that apply updates outside of working hours.
Challenge #5: Uncertainty About How to Automate Patch Management
Many SMBs know they need to streamline patching but aren’t sure where to start. With so many tools and solutions available, choosing the right approach can be overwhelming.
Solution: Businesses should look for a patching solution that aligns with their IT environment, whether they rely on Windows servers, cloud applications, or a mix of both. Partnering with a managed IT provider can also help SMBs automate the patch process without the need for in-house expertise.
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Best Practices for Effective Patch Management
Simply applying patches as they become available isn’t enough; SMBs need a proactive, organised approach to ensure vulnerabilities are addressed efficiently without causing downtime or compatibility issues.
Here are key patch management best practices to implement.
1. Develop a Clear Policy
Many SMBs handle patching reactively, applying updates only when a problem arises. However, an ad-hoc approach leaves gaps that attackers can exploit. A formal patch management policy ensures consistency and minimises security risks.
A strong policy should include:
- Roles and responsibilities: Who is responsible for patching? If you don’t have an internal IT team, consider outsourcing to a patch management solutions provider.
- Patch priority levels: Not all patches are equal. Define a system for prioritising critical security updates over minor bug fixes.
- Testing procedures: Before rolling out updates, patches should be tested to ensure they don’t cause disruptions.
- Schedule patching: Determine how often updates will be applied to minimise business impact.
- Monitoring and reporting: Regularly review patch statuses and document all updates for compliance purposes.
2. Prioritise Security Patches
While some updates improve performance or fix minor bugs, security patches should always take top priority. Cybercriminals actively exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, so delaying critical updates can significantly increase the risk of a security breach.
To ensure security patches are applied efficiently:
- Focus on patches that address known security vulnerabilities and critical system flaws.
- Use a risk-based approach, prioritising patches based on their severity and potential impact on business operations.
- Regularly check vendor security advisories and cyber security databases for the latest threats.
3. Automate the Patch Deployment Process
Manual patching is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially for SMBs with limited IT resources. Knowing how to automate patch management is a common challenge, but using the right tools can simplify the process and reduce human error.
Automation benefits include:
- Automatically deploying patches to workstations, Windows servers, and virtual machines without manual intervention.
- Automated patch deployment that ensures updates are applied as soon as they’re available, reducing the time systems remain vulnerable.
- Scheduling patches outside business hours to prevent downtime.
- Monitoring patch statuses in real-time to detect failed or missing updates.
4. Test Patches Before Deployment
Applying patches without testing can lead to software conflicts, application crashes, or unexpected downtime. While security patches should be deployed quickly, they should also be tested to prevent disruptions.
Best practices for testing include:
- Creating a test environment, such as a virtual machine, to assess how patches affect business-critical applications.
- Testing patches on a small subset of systems before rolling them out across the entire network.
- Keeping backups of important data and system configurations in case a rollback is needed.
5. Establish a Regular Patch Schedule
While emergency patches should be deployed immediately, other updates can be applied on a regular schedule to minimise disruption.
A good schedule patching routine should:
- Ensure security updates are applied as soon as possible.
- Allocate time for monthly or quarterly non-critical updates.
- Prevent patching conflicts by avoiding high-traffic business hours.
6. Monitor Patch Status and Maintain Compliance
Once patches are deployed, SMBs need to track patch statuses to ensure updates are successfully applied. Missed patches, failed installations, or outdated systems can leave security gaps.
Key monitoring practices include:
- Using a centralised dashboard to view patch statuses across all devices.
- Setting up alerts for failed patch deployments.
- Conducting regular security audits to verify all systems are updated.
7. Partner with a Managed Service Provider
Handling patch management for small businesses in-house can be overwhelming. If managing updates, monitoring compliance, and troubleshooting patch failures is too complex, working with a managed IT services provider can help.
A managed IT provider can:
- Handle automated patch deployment for all business systems.
- Continuously monitor for new security vulnerabilities and apply patches proactively.
- Provide patch management solutions tailored to your business needs.
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and security best practices.
Next Steps: Customise Your Patch Management Strategy with Expert Guidance
Failing to apply timely updates to software and operating systems leaves businesses exposed to security risks, compliance issues, and operational disruptions. By following patch management best practices, your business can reduce the risk of cyberattacks and maintain a stable IT environment.
At Steadfast Solutions, we take the hassle out of patch management for small businesses. As part of our cyber security services, we ensure that your systems are always up to date, secure, and running smoothly – without the need for constant oversight. Reach out to us for a consultation and strengthen your security posture against insidious cyber threats.
