I think we can all agree, patching remote endpoints is a nuisance. Remote devices need to adhere to the same patching and security standards as on-premise servers and workstations, yet patching solutions are rarely geared towards cloud connected devices.
Vendor-provided patching tools such as WSUS rely on VPN connections for remote patching, and even enterprise-level patch automation tools focus on on-premise endpoints, leaving the growing contingent of remote workers and the devices they use as security risks.
Because of the difficulty in getting updates, remote users are more likely to delay or ignore necessary updates if they are not receiving regular reminders. This combination of difficult patching options for remote devices and end users not adhering to security best practices can result in dangerous unpatched vulnerabilities.
The growth of malware and ransomware attacks, as well as new legislation like GDPR, has increased the need to keep every endpoint compliant through patching best practices. You need a solution that allows you to patch remote endpoints as quickly and easily as on-premise endpoints. And, without relying on end-users to keep their machines up to date.
Patches should be applied as soon as they they reasonably can after they are released. Immediately for low impact patches and within an acceptable time frame for those that need testing.
Cloud native automated patching solutions, like Automox, enable you to apply patches to any endpoint regardless of location. Through a lightweight agent deployed to all of your endpoints, you have full visibility into the patch status of every server and workstation in your infrastructure.
By automating the patching process, you’ve regained control and eliminated the need to rely on end users to update their devices.
Instead of forcing endpoints to connect to one central server for patching, Automox’s cloud-native agent facilitates an encrypted connection to the Automox policy engine. This powerful policy engine manages your entire patching process by checking for new patches, identifying systems or applications that require each patch, applying patches that you’ve approved, testing patches that require approval, and keeping detailed records of patch status for all devices and servers.
Through the policy engine, you can group patches and set rules to customize the patching experience to your organizations needs. This flexibility allows for cloud native automation that integrates with your existing patch management process.
The policy engine has additional benefits for managing remote users. You can manage software deployment, so required software remains on remote devices. You can also blacklist software you don’t want on your network and control configuration settings for devices. And because Automox “self heals” with daily updates, deleted software is reinstalled and blacklisted software is removed, so you’re always maintaining your gold standard.
As the number of remote employees and mobile access devices continues to rise, patching remote endpoints manually is simply not a viable option. Through cloud native automation, you can maintain consistent security best practices across your infrastructure.
About Automox
Facing growing threats and a rapidly expanding attack surface, understaffed and alert-fatigued organizations need more efficient ways to eliminate their exposure to vulnerabilities. Automox is a modern cyber hygiene platform that closes the aperture of attack by more than 80% with just half the effort of traditional solutions.
Cloud-native and globally available, Automox enforces OS & third-party patch management, security configurations, and custom scripting across Windows, Mac, and Linux from a single intuitive console. IT and SecOps can quickly gain control and share visibility of on-prem, remote and virtual endpoints without the need to deploy costly infrastructure.
Experience modern, cloud-native patch management today with a 15-day free trial of Automox and start recapturing more than half the time you're currently spending on managing your attack surface. Automox dramatically reduces corporate risk while raising operational efficiency to deliver best-in-class security outcomes, faster and with fewer resources.