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Why Should I Move To Automated Patch Management?

Automated patch management solutions have grown in popularity as IT Managers and SysAdmins acknowledge that manual patching is unsustainable today and vendor-provided tools such as WSUS are not viable for hybrid and mixed-OS environments. However, deciding on a new patch management solution can be a daunting task. Misconceptions around price, requirements, ease-of-use, features, and flexibility of the tool contribute to hesitation around moving to an automated patch management solution.

In reality, there should be nothing to fear. Cloud-native patching automation solutions like Automox are easy to get up and running, and integrate seamlessly with your current patching workflow while reducing the time it takes to become 100% patched. Here are the top reasons you should move to automated patch management in the coming year:

Save money and time

Automated patch management systems save time and money for stretched IT departments. Modern tools including Automox are much more cost-effective than enterprise solutions such as Microsoft’s SCCM or legacy on-premise patching automation solutions. The cost needed to maintain automated patch management systems has also gone down, as cloud-based solutions do not require the addition and upkeep of a new server.

While free tools such as WSUS or freemium patching systems may seem to save money, they lack in capabilities and are often riddled with bugs. IT departments end up spending time and resources fixing free systems or are forced to manage multiple tools to meet their needs.

Patch more effectively

Cloud based automated patching systems are the most effective way to ensure all devices, operating systems, and software applications are patched. Manual patching processes open the door for human error or neglect, and free tools are inconsistent in their patch success rate and do not patch multiple operating systems or 3rd party applications. Cloud-native automation does not have the same restrictions as on premise solutions, and can reach any endpoint as long as it is connected to the internet.

Simple set up, no ongoing maintenance

Many modern patching automation solutions are simple to onboard and maintain. Automox is deployed network-wide through a lightweight cloud-based agent that takes just minutes to install. Automox keeps track of patches, identifies vulnerabilities, and provides visibility into the patch status of your entire infrastructure. Because Automox is not on-premise, it requires no ongoing server maintenance and continuously auto updates.

Keep existing workflows

With the right automated patch management solution, IT departments can retain their current patch workflows and still reduce the overall time it takes to patch. Automox’s policy engine allows for patch grouping, custom policy configuration, and flexible flow processes so that patches can be deployed according to your needs. SysAdmins can be alerted when a patch has failed or a device has outstanding vulnerabilities, and patches affecting mission-critical systems can be flagged for review before they are applied.

Gain visibility into infrastructure security

System visibility is one of the most important elements of a well-protected infrastructure, and without automated patch management IT Managers can’t be sure that they have an accurate view of their patch vulnerability status across the infrastructure. It only takes one unpatched endpoint for an attack to be successful. This is why the multi tool approach we mentioned earlier is a problem. Using more than one tool does not provide a holistic view, leading to a higher chance of having dark endpoints in your infrastructure. Automox also includes reporting that allows you to educate your stakeholders.

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 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.