Generate summary with AI

Cloud computing is now the backbone of business operations, giving companies the flexibility and scalability they need to thrive. But with great power comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to security. This is where cloud based patch management steps in. By regularly applying patches, IT professionals can protect their systems from cyber threats, stay compliant with regulations, and keep everything running smoothly. Neglecting patches can lead to serious issues like data breaches and downtime, which no business can afford. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize and automate patch management. Staying proactive and informed helps keep the cloud environment secure and business operations seamless.

Understanding Cloud based Patch Management

Cloud patch management is all about keeping your cloud systems safe and running smoothly. It’s the process of regularly updating and fixing software and systems in your cloud setup to bolster security and prevent potential vulnerabilities. In a cloud environment, this means looking after everything from virtual machines and containers to databases and middleware.

The main goal? To protect your data and operations from cyber threats. Without proper patch management, these components can become easy targets for hackers, potentially leading to data breaches or system failures. That’s why IT professionals prioritize identifying critical patches, testing them thoroughly, and then rolling them out carefully across their cloud infrastructure. Additionally, integrating Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions provides a crucial layer of protection by continuously monitoring and responding to potential threats, further strengthening your security posture.

Automating these tasks not only helps to reduce downtime but also ensures that your cloud infrastructure consistently meets industry regulations. By automating the process of applying patches and updates, IT teams can maintain the security and stability of their cloud environments more effectively. This proactive approach allows organizations to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities and emerging cyber threats. By staying vigilant and continuously monitoring for new risks, businesses can fortify their overall cloud security strategy and better defend against cyber attacks, safeguarding critical data and operations.

The Importance of Cloud Patch Management

Managing cloud patching is critical for businesses aiming to strengthen their defenses against cyber threats and meet regulatory standards. It involves regularly updating and maintaining software and systems within cloud environments to enhance security and address potential vulnerabilities. Organizations protect sensitive data and ensure their essential operations run smoothly by remaining diligent and promptly applying patches.

Effective patch management not only boosts security but also plays a crucial role in stabilizing systems and improving performance. Proactively addressing software bugs and vulnerabilities helps IT teams prevent disruptions, allocate resources efficiently, and keep productivity high. This proactive approach reduces the chances of system crashes or slowdowns, ensuring businesses can operate without interruption.

At Atera our server monitoring empowers IT teams by providing real-time insights into server health and performance. This vigilant approach helps detect issues early, allowing swift resolutions that minimize downtime and ensure continuous business operations.

Minimizing downtime is essential for businesses relying on cloud services. Atera’s automated patch management simplifies updates by scheduling them during less busy times and automating deployment processes. This strategy not only minimizes disruptions but also optimizes system performance, freeing up IT teams to focus on strategic goals and innovation instead of firefighting.

In essence, cloud patch management is a proactive strategy crucial for enhancing security, ensuring regulatory compliance, improving system stability and performance, and minimizing downtime in cloud environments. By adopting proactive measures and leveraging advanced technologies, businesses can protect their cloud infrastructure from evolving cyber threats and maintain operational resilience in today’s fast-paced digital world.

Key Challenges in Cloud Patch Management

Cloud patch management presents significant challenges for IT teams, primarily due to the complexity of managing diverse systems and applications across multiple platforms. Coordinating patching schedules and ensuring compatibility can be intricate tasks, requiring careful planning to minimize disruption to business operations.

Another challenge is the volume of patches released by software vendors, which demands prioritization of critical updates while managing maintenance windows to avoid productivity losses. Resource constraints, such as limited manpower and budget allocations, further complicate timely patch deployment and comprehensive system monitoring.

Compliance with regulatory standards, particularly in sectors like healthcare and finance, imposes stringent requirements for regular updates and security measures. Meeting these standards involves meticulous planning and adherence to update protocols to protect sensitive data effectively.

At Atera, our all-in-one platform is designed to uphold strict compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and other regulations. We prioritize robust data protection measures, including strong encryption, secure data handling, and continuous monitoring. This commitment to compliance and security gives businesses confidence in managing their sensitive information and operations with us.

Testing and validation play crucial roles in patch management to ensure updates do not introduce new vulnerabilities or compatibility issues. Continuous monitoring is essential to detect and respond promptly to emerging security threats, maintaining robust defenses against evolving cyber risks.

In navigating these challenges, IT teams rely on strategic planning, proactive management practices, and agile responses to safeguard the security and operational stability of cloud environments effectively.

Best Practices for Effective Cloud Patch Management

  • Effective cloud patch management solution begins with regularly monitoring and auditing patch deployments to ensure they are applied promptly and correctly, maintaining system security and stability.
  • Prioritizing critical patches based on severity and potential impact helps mitigate the highest risks to organizational security and operational continuity in cloud environments.
  • Thoroughly testing patches before deployment in a controlled environment minimizes the risk of compatibility issues or unintended disruptions to cloud services, ensuring seamless operations.
  • Staying informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities through continuous monitoring of security advisories and vendor notifications is essential for proactive patch management.
  • Establishing clear policies and procedures for patch management ensures standardized practices across all cloud systems and applications, promoting consistency and reliability.
  • Conducting regular vulnerability assessments and risk evaluations helps prioritize patches effectively, addressing the most critical vulnerabilities first to enhance overall security posture.
  • Maintaining a robust backup and recovery strategy ensures data protection and business continuity in case of patch-related incidents or system failures in the cloud environment.
  • Collaborating closely with stakeholders, including IT teams and business units, facilitates timely communication and decision-making regarding patch deployments, fostering a cohesive approach to security.

What is Cloud-Based Patch Management Software?

Cloud-based patch management software is a service that automates the process of updating and managing software patches on a network of devices from a centralized cloud platform. This type of software ensures that all systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches, bug fixes, and feature updates, enhancing the security and performance of the IT environment. By leveraging the cloud, this software allows IT administrators to manage patches remotely, reducing the need for on-site intervention and streamlining the patch deployment process.

7 best cloud patch management software in 2024

Here are the best cloud-based patch management tools in today’s market. We’ll highlight each tool’s key features, pricing, and who it works best for.

1. Atera

Atera offers a cloud-based patch management solution for IT departments and MSPs. Atera’s patching tool allows users to deploy patches, install software bundles, upgrade Windows versions, manage disks, perform maintenance, and run scripts.

Atera’s other key capabilities include RMM, PSA, remote access, network discovery, scripting, and reporting and analytics. By bringing various IT management tools onto a single platform, Atera eliminates redundant software investments and dramatically simplifies IT maintenance.

Atera is also the first IT management platform powered by ActionAI™ through Atera Copilot

Features and capabilities

Atera’s patching tool monitors devices in real time and alerts users when new patches become available. Atera’s IT automation profiles automate patch deployment when the time arrives.

Users can decide what tasks the tool should perform—whether that be patch updates for Windows, Mac, Linux OS, or third-party applications. Patch deployment can be scheduled for specific times to reduce the impact on end users’ productivity and system performance.

Atera’s integrations with Chocolatey and HomeBrew help automate software installation for Windows and Mac. Users can also create software bundles for repeatable tasks, such as installing new software when onboarding new users.

To see all up-to-date agents and get a complete list of missing patches, Atera provides users with patch status summaries.

User interface and usability

Atera offers various IT management tools. Its entire platform was designed to make navigation between them simple and intuitive.

Atera’s admin dashboard

When setting up an IT automation profile, users can select which patches to deploy and when to deploy them.

IT automation profiles

Atera also offers a 24/7 live chat for users who need assistance at any point in time.

Pricing and value for money

As an all-in-one solution, Atera provides users with access to cloud-based patch management and other important IT management tools. Its transparent pay-per-technician pricing model is tailored to IT departments and MSPs, making it a more affordable solution than most—the industry norm is a pay-per-endpoint pricing model, which can quickly add up. 

Atera’s IT department pricing plans range from $149 to $219 per month, while the MSP pricing plans range from $129 to $209. Enterprise customers can receive a custom quote for more tailored services.

Atera G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (600+ reviews)

What Atera users are saying on G2: 

A G2 user shares that their team depends on Atera for patch management, proactive issue identification, and continuous network monitoring. Atera automates all of these functions in order to reduce IT teams’ manual workloads. Setting up Atera is easy for new team members, thanks to its intuitive dashboards and user-friendly interface.

Atera Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (380+ reviews)

What Atera users are saying on Capterra:

At least one Capterra user relies on Atera’s IT automation tools to decrease their IT maintenance time. The reviewer appreciates the ability to schedule patch deployments at specific times. Atera Copilot also receives a shout out: Namely, how it resolves tickets in a very short time.

Atera pricing:

Atera’s pricing plans for MSPs:

  • Pro: $129 per month, per technician
  • Growth: $179 per month, per technician
  • Power: $209 per month, per technician
  • Superpower (Enterprise): Custom quotation. Contact sales for pricing.

Atera’s pricing plans for IT departments:

  • Professional: $149 per month, per technician
  • Expert: $169 per month, per technician
  • Master: $219 per month, per technician
  • Enterprise: Custom quotation. Contact sales for pricing.

Get started with Atera with a 30-day free trial, no credit card required!

2. Datto RMM

Datto RMM is a cloud-based IT management platform that offers patch deployment for Windows, Linux, Mac OS, and third-party applications. The patches deploy automatically based on an alert system. To enhance proactive maintenance, Datto offers various prebuilt scripts and policies.

Like other top patching solutions, Datto RMM allows users to configure and schedule reports. These reports provide visibility into sites and devices with the highest risk, which enables IT professionals to make data-driven decisions. For further capabilities, Datto RMM integrates with third-party tools.

G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (500+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (20+ reviews)

Datto pricing:

  • The pricing is based on a custom quotation. To find out more, contact Datto’s sales team.

3. Kaseya VSA

Kaseya VSA is a cloud-based RMM software that allows users to install, deploy, and update software for Windows, Mac, and third-party applications. It provides real-time visibility into patch status, ensuring that devices remain up-to-date. The tool has patch policy profiles, which allow users to plan and schedule patch deployments.

Users can set up patch reports to meet industry requirements and quickly identify endpoints that need patching. Kaseya VSA can also automatically skip problematic patches using scripts.

G2 rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 (250+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.1 out of 5.0 (200+ reviews)

Kaseya VSA pricing:

  • Based on a custom quotation; visit Kaseya’s website to learn more about it.

4. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus

Patch Manager Plus (one of ManageEngine’s products) is a cloud-based patch management software for IT teams. It works by scanning a user’s network for missing patches, testing the patches on a test group, and deploying them automatically. Patch Manager Plus supports patching for 850+ third-party applications and Windows, Mac, and Linux OS.

Users can schedule patch deployments at specific intervals using the available patch policies. To stay on top of unpatched or vulnerable systems, users can also generate patch deployment reports.

G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 stars (160+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (300+ reviews)

ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus pricing:

  • Free plan: Suitable only for small-scale patch management
  • Professional and Enterprise plans: Custom pricing is available; contact ManageEngine’s sales team for more information.

5. NinjaOne

Ninjaone-homepage

NinjaOne is mainly used by IT departments and MSPs for cloud-based endpoint management. The platform includes a patch management tool that can deploy patches across Windows, Mac, and Linux servers, laptops, and workstations.

Like Atera, NinjaOne offers IT automation capabilities for automated patch management. The patching tool is coupled with a remote access tool for remotely accessing and managing devices. While customers appreciate NinjaOne’s remote configuration capabilities, they are not necessarily a standout feature—most competitors offer that as well.

G2 rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 (1,400+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 (200+ reviews)

NinjaOne pricing:

  • NinjaOne prices per endpoint but does not make its pricing public; it is based on custom quotation. To find out more, visit their website.

6. Action1

Action1-homepage

Action1 is a cloud-based patch management solution for IT departments and MSPs. Users can leverage it to update Windows OS on workstations and servers, as well as deploy patches for third-party applications. Action1 monitors a user’s network in real time and alerts them of missing patches. It also allows users to prioritize patch deployment based on security severity. 

Like a few other patching tools, Action1 offers IT automation capabilities. To unlock PSA capabilities—which are vital for many IT teams—Action1 integrates with third-party tools.

G2 rating: 4.9 out of 5.0 (250+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.9 out of 5.0 (100+ reviews)

Action1 pricing:

  • To find out the exact price, request a quote from Action1.

7. GoTo Resolve

GoTo Resolve is an RMM tool with patching capabilities. MSPs and IT departments use it to identify, test, and install patch updates for Windows and third-party applications. The patching tool is accompanied by IT automation, remote access, and MDM tools. The platform also has a simple helpdesk tool for managing support requests from end users.

GoTo Resolve has a patch history feature that allows users to see what patches have been run and are currently running.

G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 (400+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 (190+ reviews)

GoTo Resolve pricing:

  • Patch management is only available in the most expensive plan, Premium. Pricing is based on a custom quotation.

Atera as a prime example

Atera is a leading example of cloud-based patch management software that fits seamlessly into an IT framework. It provides a comprehensive solution that allows managed service providers (MSPs) and IT professionals to automate the deployment of patches across multiple client sites from a single, cloud-based dashboard. Atera’s platform offers real-time monitoring, detailed reporting, and automated patch scheduling, ensuring that all devices are consistently updated without manual intervention. This not only enhances security but also improves operational efficiency by minimizing downtime and reducing the risk of vulnerabilities.

To secure your cloud environment comprehensively, consider leveraging Atera’s solutions. With robust automation, real-time remote monitoring and management in real-time, and proactive patch management capabilities, Atera empowers IT teams to safeguard against evolving cyber threats effectively. Take proactive steps today to strengthen your cloud infrastructure with Atera’s advanced IT management platform. We have a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. You can also contact our sales team for a free demo!

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this helpful?

Related Articles

5 Open Source Patch Management Tools, Their Pros & Hidden Costs

Read now

How to choose the right patch management solution

Read now

8 patch management metrics IT teams should be tracking

Read now

Why IT teams are choosing automated patch management

Read now

Endless IT possibilities

Boost your productivity with Atera’s intuitive, centralized all-in-one platform