For many hackers and malicious data thieves, an easy way to compromise the security of a business and gain unauthorised access to its network is by exploiting the company’s failure to keep up to date with all the required patches and updates for their applications.
Older versions of apps can be used like an open back door for hackers and working with the software in its pre-patched state the hackers operate in a sort of wild west environment - in a time when the rules had not been finalised and known ways of dealing with crime had not been put in place.
By exploiting those versions of files and software that have not been updated with the latest patches fixing known vulnerabilities, the hackers are able to go back in time in a sense, to a time maybe 3 or 4 years ago when their particular version of cybercrime had not been fully recognised and dealt with. Even redundant and unused files for older applications, such as a VLC media player, can be used by hackers in this way to gain entry.
In fact, 80% of all cyber attacks use vulnerabilities that are more than a year old.
How can Patch Management Tools Help?
Patch Management Tools work by automatically scheduling and updating all relevant applications across the network with the current patches and updates. In today’s era of sophisticated hackers, patch management tools are an essential component of vulnerability management.
Manually going through every device and application in your business network to ensure all the patches are correctly applied can be time-consuming, costly and in most cases not practically possible to do while operations are ongoing.
Patch management tools ensure timely updates that are automated and arranged so as to cause as little downtime or disruption as possible.
There are, however, varying versions of patch management tools available online, each with its own functionality and features—therefore, choosing the right patch management tool for your business can be a daunting prospect.
What are the Top Patch Management Tools in 2024?
Atera
Atera is a cloud-based monitoring and management platform that can be used by IT departments themselves, or with a different version available to be used as an outsourced solution by MSPs (Managed Service Providers).
The managed solution would normally be recommended for most businesses as this means they can get the full benefits of the product with support from dedicated experts running the system.
Atera provides a range of services, including
- IT automation
- Custom scripting
- Network discovery
- Ticketing
- Reporting
- Real-time alerts
- Patch management
Atera enables the user to identify and update patches on Windows/macOS from a central dashboard where they can gain a good overview of the status of their applications and apply patches or reboot remote systems from the cloud.
Automox
Automox is a cloud-based systems management tool that includes automated patching, compliance reporting and endpoint configuration.
Especially helpful with Automox is the function that allows you to automatically provide a full list of all devices and all the software that is installed on them, whether this is authorised software or not.
With a comprehensive inventory of all hardware and software, it is easier for business leaders to gain an overall view of their entire operation from one central console. Any malicious or unauthorised applications that have been installed on work computers will show up in this full list, giving greater transparency and further opportunity to identify suspicious activity.
Automox also provides IT departments with the option to create custom scripts so they can fine-tune the process and configure the system to schedule the patching for a specific time, or whenever a device connects to the internet for example.
NinjaOne Patch Management
NinjaOne Patch Management works on Windows, macOS and Linux and features an impressive 135 third-party applications that can be patched remotely.
Even devices that are not connected to the business network can still be managed by NinjaOne, provided they are connected to the internet.
NinjaOne includes a range of useful functions for business leaders and IT departments, especially those in larger organisations that need to scale up operations or patch large numbers of endpoints.
Through the NinjaOne platform company-wide patch policies can be set up helping to optimise the patching process when conducted on a large scale, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption.
NinjaOne is commonly viewed as one of the top providers in patch management for remote settings. It is however slightly more expensive than some of its competitors which may represent a higher investment than is feasible for smaller-sized companies.
Heimdal
Heimdal is perhaps one of the most comprehensive patch management tools available with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features.
With Heimdal users get full integration with third-party apps and can perform zero user interruption updates and silent software installation, the ability to delay, version manage and roll back any update, as well as providing a full vulnerability inventory and CVSS/CVE score.
With Heimdal users can fully customise the product config to set the patching process how they want it, or leave it to do its thing fully automated with minimal human interaction.
Heimdal also includes a suite of other useful features, depending on the nature of your business, such as compliance reporting and the ability to remove admin rights remotely, or even schedule and force reboots on computers that are connected to the network.
Users have frequently praised Heimdal for its ease of use and the powerful analytics that help them ascertain risk profiles for the business, along with effective patch management and compliance reporting integrated into one product.
Lyon Tech
At Lyon, we provide businesses with full patch management and vulnerability scanning solutions employing a range of sophisticated technology with teams of dedicated security engineers and analysts interpreting and processing the data.
At Lyon we take some of the hassle and complexity out of patch management with a fully managed solution, allowing your IT department more time and resources to work on critical tasks that are needed to help grow and expand the business.
If you are thinking about adopting the use of a patch management solution but are unsure as to which would be most relevant or effective for the needs of your business, get in touch with our specialist advisors today.
We can take you through the process of installing and setting up a patch management solution and help you decide which options would be best for your business.
