Have you ever wondered why companies and software providers roll out updates every few months? The primary reason is to help enhance a program’s current version. Moreover, updates fix security problems that hackers could exploit.
Timely software updates are a cornerstone of Managed Service Provider (MSP) operations. It’s like building a proactive defense mechanism against a dynamic threat landscape.
Feeling confused? We’re here to help. This guide unpacks the importance of timely software updates and the best practices managed service providers can follow to ensure operational efficiency and threat prevention. Let’s dive in!
Importance of Timely System Updates
Managed service providers need to update their systems and their clients’ systems for several reasons. This includes:
Threat mitigation: Did you know that outdated systems are at a greater risk of intrusion? Attackers find vulnerabilities in unpatched software and exploit them. They might launch a ransomware attack or exfiltrate data. Prompt patching closes these gaps and limits the entry points available to cybercriminals.
Operational stability: System errors and glitches can cause crashes, leading to downtime. Timely software updates help improve efficiency, reduce system lag, and enhance user experience.
Ensuring compliance: In many industries, mainly healthcare and finance, organizations need to comply with frameworks like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS. This mandates timely patching.
Liability protection: For MSPs, failing to patch software can result in legal consequences and reputational damage.
Best Practices for MSPs
Timely software updates are necessary. But how can managed service providers (MSPs) ensure that updates are completed on time? Here are some best practices MSPs can follow:
Implement automated patch management
Automating patch detection and deployment is one of the best ways MSPs can ensure timely software updates while ensuring operational efficiency.
Threat actors use unpatched software and misconfigured systems to their benefit every day. Moreover, nearly 60% of cyber compromises are directly or indirectly tied to unpatched vulnerabilities. Using an automated patch management software from reliable IT solution providers like ConnectWise can eliminate manual work and tool sprawl. MSPs can also track patch compliance across their entire environment using dashboards.
Consider risk-based patches
Timing is incredibly important when it comes to patching. Risk-based patching is a strategic method for applying software updates that prioritizes vulnerabilities by their actual risk to an organization, rather than just severity scores.
Consider this: For minor issues, it doesn’t make sense to force an update in the middle of the workday that reboots your client’s entire PC network. Risk-based patching solves this problem.
Make time for testing
Hate to break it to you, but sometimes software updates come with risks. This is why it’s important to make time for patch testing. In fact, make it an integral part of your patch installation process.
Avoid EOL software
Proactive measures are a cornerstone of an MSP’s operations. The best thing you can do is identify and eliminate End-of-Life (EOL) software that no longer receives security updates. Save your team from hassle.
IT management is not a walk in the park. Timely software updates and patch management can help you manage hundreds of clients with ease and confidence.
