When was the last time you restarted your computer or updated your software? For many business owners, it’s easy to click “remind me later” when update notifications pop up. But those updates — known as patches — play a critical role in protecting your company.
What is Patch Management?
Patch management is the process of applying updates (patches) released by software vendors to fix security holes, bugs, or other issues. These updates cover everything from endpoint operating systems (Windows, macOS, etc.) to business applications (email, CRM, accounting software, etc.).
Why It’s Critical for Businesses
- Security: Without patches, even well-protected networks can be breached through simple, known vulnerabilities.
- Stability & Performance: Old or outdated software tends to run slower, crash more often, and interrupt productivity.
- Compliance & Reputation: Many regulations require up-to-date software. Falling behind can lead to fines, breaches, or loss of customer trust.
- Cost Avoidance: Fixing a security breach is far more expensive than applying patches regularly.
Real-World Example: When Skipping Updates Backfires
Cyberattacks often succeed because of outdated software. In 2021, flaws in Microsoft Exchange Server (Microsoft’s email and calendar platform used by many businesses) left thousands of U.S. organizations exposed. Patches were already available, but many companies hadn’t applied them. This resulted in hackers gaining access to sensitive data of more than 30,000 U.S. businesses — from small companies to local governments – proving the true threat of skipping critical updates.
What to Do: Practical Steps You Can Take
- Enable automatic updates wherever possible — for both software and OS.
- Restart devices regularly (desktops, laptops, servers) so patches can finish installing.
- Monitor endpoints — track which machines or systems are behind on patches.
Helpful Tools for Patch Management
- NinjaOne – offers automated patch scanning, approval, deployment, and remote reboots. Great for small teams that want less manual effort.
- ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus – provides both on-premises and cloud deployment options, supports updates for third-party apps, scheduled & on-demand patching.
- Avast Business Patch Management – affordable per-device licensing, with flexible patch schedules and tools to roll back faulty updates.
Patch management might not be flashy, but it’s one of the simplest, most effective defenses your business can implement. Staying current with updates reduces risk, improves reliability, and gives you peace of mind.
Not sure where to begin? Managing updates across every device and application can quickly become overwhelming; that’s where we come in. At CMIT Solutions of Northern Westchester & Putnam, we manage patches for our clients daily, ensuring every endpoint and application is secure, stable, and compliant — so you can focus on running your business. Contact us today for a free consultation on keeping your systems updated, protected, and compliant.
