Nowadays, we use so much technology for work that we sometimes don't even realize it. But the more we depend on it, the more opportunities cybercriminals have to sneak in where we least expect it. And while keeping your operating system up to date is a good start, it's not always enough.
Does this sound familiar? That PDF reader you use every day, the browser with a thousand tabs open, or that meeting app that's now part of your routine... any of these tools can become a backdoor for an attack. Not because you did something wrong, but simply because it wasn't up to date. It happens more often than you think, and it has already been responsible for several serious breaches in large and small companies.
The thing is, we live with tons of third-party applications that are constantly connecting to our systems. And if we don't keep them properly patched, they can jeopardize the security of the entire network, including sensitive information and critical data.
The good news is that there is a way to prevent this. It's called third-party patch management, and it's a key strategy for closing those gaps that often go unnoticed.
What are third-party patches?
Third-party patch management may sound technical (and it is), but it's actually quite simple: keeping all those programs we use every day that don't come with the operating system up to date. We're talking about things like Chrome, Zoom, Adobe Reader, or that digital signature software you have installed on all your office computers.
These apps, like any other, are not perfect. Developers discover bugs, vulnerabilities, or simply ways to improve their performance. And when that happens, they release updates or patches to fix them. The problem arises when those patches are not installed in time. Because yes, cybercriminals are on the lookout and take advantage of any oversight to sneak in and cause damage.
And beware, newly released applications are especially vulnerable. They often have bugs that have not yet been detected or corrected. That's why updating is not just good practice, it's a necessity. If you don't, you're basically leaving the door open to anyone who wants to come in.
This is where third-party patch management tools come into play. These solutions check which apps you have installed, detect if any updates are available, and apply the corresponding patch. All this is done automatically, without you having to keep an eye on it all day long. They are like a digital security guard that never sleeps.
To illustrate this with an example: think about your cell phone. If you use Android or iPhone, you receive system updates from time to time. Those are for the operating system. But you also have a lot of apps (such as WhatsApp, Spotify, or your bank) that are updated separately. Every time they do, they are fixing bugs or plugging security holes. In the corporate world, that's exactly what we call third-party patch management.
In short, any patch that comes from an app outside the operating system falls into this category. And with how interconnected our systems are today, every one of these updates counts. Leaving a single app unpatched can be like leaving a window open when you thought you locked the front door.
Yes, keeping track of all those updates can seem like a daunting task. But with the right tools and a well-thought-out process, it's totally manageable. And believe me, it's worth it. Not only to prevent an attack, but also to maintain system performance, comply with regulations, and sleep more peacefully.
A comprehensive and efficient option in this field is TecnetProtect Backup. In addition to offering reliable backups, it also includes advanced device management features. Among them, endpoint patch management stands out, allowing you to scan your computers, identify vulnerabilities, apply the necessary patches, and generate detailed reports. All in a single platform, designed to simplify your work and proactively strengthen the security of your infrastructure.
Patch update module in TecnetProtect Backup
Read more: Differences between Patch Management and Vulnerability Management
Automation in Patch Management: Your best ally for keeping everything up to date
Dealing with dozens of applications in a company (each with its own updates and patches) can quickly become a headache. Sound familiar? Having to manually check what is out of date, search for patches, and apply them one by one is not only time-consuming, but also a recipe for human error. And when it comes to security, those kinds of mistakes are unacceptable.
That's where automation comes in, basically saving the day. Not only does it help you detect problems before they become a nightmare, but it also acts quickly to fix them.
What exactly does automation in patch management do?
1. Intelligent detection: Instead of checking each device individually, automation constantly scans all devices, detecting which applications are out of date or have known vulnerabilities. That way, nothing slips through the cracks.
2. Automatic remediation: When it finds a problem, it fixes it. It's that simple. The system finds the latest patch and applies it without you having to lift a finger. This reduces errors, delays, and the risk of someone exploiting that vulnerability.
What do you gain from this?
- More time for important things: You can forget about repetitive tasks like checking for updates every week. Automation does it for you, and your team can focus on more strategic projects.
- Complete coverage: It's not just the most-used apps that get updated. It also monitors those hidden applications that, if neglected, can become a weak point.
- Fast, drama-free updates: As soon as a vendor releases a patch, your system is already aware of it and implements it, minimizing the window of vulnerability.
- Fewer human errors: Manual processes are fraught with risk. Automation standardizes everything, making it faster and more reliable.
- Audit-ready reports: Everything is recorded: what was updated, when, and if there were any failures. Having this traceability makes any security control or audit much easier.
But beware: for it to work, you need visibility
Automation is fantastic, yes. But you can't automate what you can't see. That's why having a centralized tool, such as TecnetProtect Backup, that gives you a clear view of all the applications installed on your network is key. Without that, automation falls short.
And if you've ever tried to keep track of this manually, you'll know that it's like trying to fill a swimming pool with a glass. Even in small businesses, the volume of software is enormous, and keeping everything up to date by hand simply doesn't scale. The good news is that you don't have to do it alone: TecnetProtect Backup is here to help.
Automation: less effort, more security
Switching to an automated patch management solution not only strengthens your security, it also improves your team's efficiency. Instead of putting out fires, you can work proactively and with greater peace of mind. Because yes, keeping up with updates should no longer be a burden. In fact, with the right approach, it can be almost invisible.
In short: automation not only protects you, it also saves you time, reduces errors, and improves your responsiveness. It is undoubtedly one of the smartest decisions you can make to shield your technology infrastructure without complicating your life.
Read more: Patch Management Policy: What is it and how to implement it?
How to apply third-party patches without getting tangled up in the process?
Understanding why it is important to apply third-party patches is great, but putting it into practice is another story. Knowing that it needs to be done does not mean knowing how to do it right. That is why we are sharing some best practices that can help you implement an effective patching strategy without causing chaos in your network.
1. Train your team
Your IT team needs to have a clear understanding of how all this works. It's not enough to know that “you have to update”; you need to have a clear definition of what, when, and how to do it. If everyone is well prepared, they will be able to react quickly to new vulnerabilities... or better yet, anticipate them before they cause problems.
2. Keep an up-to-date inventory
It seems basic, but often we don't even know what programs are installed on our computers. Conduct regular reviews to find out what's on your network, including apps that sometimes go unnoticed. If you know what you have, you can update it in time.
3. Automate as much as possible
When you have several applications running, doing everything manually is a nightmare. Automation is your best ally: it scans, detects, and applies patches for you. This way, you avoid errors, save time, and your team can focus on more strategic tasks.
With TecnetProtect Backup, you can automate the entire patch management cycle: from detection to implementation and monitoring, with detailed reports and risk prioritization. Identify critical vulnerabilities in seconds and apply updates without interrupting operations. All from a centralized platform that simplifies security on your endpoints.
4. Test before applying
Yes, it's important to update, but it can also go wrong if not done carefully. Whenever possible, test patches in a test environment before rolling them out into production. This ensures that nothing breaks.
5. Monitor afterwards
Once you've applied the patches, don't forget to check that everything went well. Sometimes there are glitches that aren't immediately noticeable. Monitor the changes to make sure the system is still running smoothly.
Patch management features with TecnetProtect Backup
TecnetProtect Backup makes keeping your applications up to date a breeze. From a single platform, you can distribute software updates to all devices on your network (no matter where they are) remotely and hassle-free. This allows your IT team to manage patches quickly and efficiently, without complications or wasted time.
It also includes advanced features that make everything much easier: automatic vulnerability scanning, patching based on risk priority, and real-time reports that show you how protected you are and which areas need urgent attention.
What's more, this solution also takes care of automatic backups before applying any patches. What does this mean? If something goes wrong, you can restore everything to how it was before with just a couple of clicks. Security, automation, and peace of mind, all in one.
