Why you should automate your Patch Management

Working in IT can feel like you’re the “Mr. Fix-It” of a company — but we know that IT professionals are so much more than that. And spending your time and attention on small fixes isn’t always the best use of your time. You’re better served to put your expertise and creativity to work solving more complex problems.

That’s why automated IT solutions are taking IT departments worldwide to the next level – and why your department needs to make sure it’s keeping up. One of the biggest tasks that bogs down IT departments is… you guessed it… patch management.

So what is patch management, and how automated patch management can bring your IT department into modern times, saving you time, money, and effort? This guide will answer all of those questions and more.

What is Patch Management?

Patch management involves systematically deploying software patches (or updates, for any non-IT folks out there) to computer programs. It’s a subset of systems management, and it includes scanning computers for missing patches and then sending out patches manually or via automated patch management solutions.

Finally, a good patch management system should involve generating reports to confirm high patch compliance within the network. Patch management is a crucial component of every system, regardless of scale. It can fix bugs in software code, add new features, and prevent exploitative security threats.

So what exactly is a patch, anyway? It’s basically just a piece of code tailored to any of the functions mentioned above. While individual patches might seem small, comprehensive patch management is a must for any IT department — and in this day and age, automated patch management is essential.

Why you need automated Patch Management

Automated patch management can be a game changer for IT departments looking to stay relevant and show their companies that they’re an important part of the modern workplace. Manual patch management can not only be hectic, but it can also be a serious drain of your business’ time and resources.

Here are a few of the top benefits that you’ll be able to see when you switch over to automated patch management.

#1: Make your IT Department more efficient

Vendors have independent schedules when it comes to releasing patches and updates, and it’s your responsibility as an IT professional to ensure that these patches are installed promptly. Working through an ever-growing litany of patches and manually installing each of them is no small task.

Automating your patch management will totally overhaul the efficiency level of your department. With the more robust patch management automation systems out there, you’ll be able to create software bundles in order to handle patch management at scale.

Work smarter, not harder – and that begins with automating your patch management. By diverting resources from those tasks, you’ll free up your employees to work on more complex tasks and put their high-level technical skills to better use.

#2: Prevent security breaches

One of the most crucial reasons to ensure you’re staying on top of patch deployment is cybersecurity. The number of ransomware attacks and security risks are increasing every single day, and patches are your first line of defense for addressing software and application vulnerabilities.

If you miss a patch or don’t get to one in time because you’re still manually deploying patch management, you might be putting your organization in harm’s way, opening it up to potentially severe security breaches.

Once a vendor has announced a vulnerability and released a patch, you can be sure that hackers know about that vulnerability too. Automating your patch management can ensure that you’re fixing issues as soon as they come up – not as soon as you get to them. You have lots of work on your plate, so let automated patch management services handle some of it.

#3: Ensure your department is compliant

Rising cybercrime has prompted regulatory agencies to take strong steps in order to keep businesses in line with compliance mandates. Part of this compliance is ensuring that all of the endpoints in an organization adhere to given standards – and automated patch management can help you achieve this goal.

Threats to and vulnerabilities in software and applications have increased dramatically since the beginning of COVID-19, and the U.S. government has taken measures to ensure businesses keep their networks secure. The Strengthening American Cybersecurity Act, which was signed into law in March 2022, is an example of the government’s commitment to cybersecurity.

Automating your patch management system can help you ensure that your business is remaining compliant. The new laws don’t just apply to IT departments either. They also apply to MSPs or managed service providers. So no matter how you’re administering IT services, automated patch management is a crucial consideration.

#4: Avoid disruptions to business continuity

Cyberattacks and other threats not only compromise your network’s security but also can cause system downtime. Whenever your systems are offline, that affects the productivity and revenue of your organization. Automated patch management helps to ensure that your endpoints are updated and secure, which prevents any downtime related to security breaches.

You might also be creating disruptive downtime for your business if you have to shut off pieces of your network in order to manually patch. Automated patch management can speed up this process, making both your department and your company more efficient. Productivity is a keyword these days, and we want to help you achieve it.

How Atera can provide the automated Patch Management that’s right for you

Regularly patching endpoints can ensure that your systems stay safe, productive, and compliant. Our patch management software can automate this process to accomplish all of those tasks and more.

We make it easy to add new devices to your systems, bundled software, and generate comprehensive reports to ensure you’re staying on top of everything. Automating patch management can also help you increase devices’ lifespans, reduce downtime, and ensure business continuity. All of these elements are crucial for a well-run IT department.

Using automated patch management software will help streamline your everyday life, allowing for easier and more efficient processes. Plus, it can reduce costs and free up manpower to focus on more important areas of concern that require higher-level strategization.

Atera offers a number of different plans to meet your IT automation needs. You can explore more information about our tiers of services and all of the efficiency-driven solutions that we can offer you as experts in the industry. Feel free to reach out if you’re looking for more answers from our experienced team!