Patching is no longer a task that can be put off, staying up to date is mandatory for data security. With the increase in attack vectors and frequency of attacks, there is more scrutiny being placed on IT security, and the liability associated with out of date patches has never been higher.
The challenge for IT departments is to find a patch management solution that is (1) simple to implement and manage, (2) handles all patching needs for servers and workstations - no matter where they’re located or what operating system they run, and (3) is affordable enough that companies of every size can afford it.
The first element to look for when selecting a new patching solution to meet the criteria listed above is whether or not the solution is cloud-native. Older patching solutions were all on premise. This approach required additional hardware and a lengthy setup process with the vendor’s professional services team. On premise solutions also functioned behind the company’s firewall. If an end user is working from home or another location, they couldn’t be patched effectively.
In today’s distributed workforce, on premise patching solutions are ineffective at keeping end user devices patched. They are also unable to patch cloud and hybrid server environments. Cloud-native patch management solutions are lightweight, can handle a global infrastructure, and are quick and easy to implement and manage. The time to value is minutes rather than weeks or months.
A second element to consider in your patch solution search is the level of automation provided.
Historically, many solutions provided the ability to inventory and scan, with the result being a long list patches that required manual remediation.
New patch solutions take action and can remediate automatically. Smaller companies can configure these solutions to be “set it and forget it” automation, ensuring their infrastructure is patched on a daily basis.
However, as the number of systems grows and dependencies are introduced, patch workflow and testing processes are implemented. “Set it and forget it” won’t work for these environments. The automation has to work with existing workflows. The ability to control when and how automation is applied is critical to meet the needs of larger companies.
The third element to take into account with automated cloud solutions is the feature set provided. Most solutions have focused on a single operating system. Most will work with Windows, while a few focus on Mac, and finding a Linux solution has been difficult.
Solutions like Automox work across all three operating systems, allowing you to manage your entire infrastructure from a single dashboard. Automox also deploys and patches 3rd party or custom software.
In addition to outdated patches, end user mistakes are another key vulnerability. Automox provides the ability to manage configuration settings such as USB port access and password complexity requirements. Automated enforcement of configuration setting reduces the risk associated with cyber attack through a user’s device.
By paying only for what you use, and bulk discounts, Automox is a simple, effective, and affordable patch solution. As an automated, cloud-native platform, the time to value is immediate, freeing up valuable IT resources and reducing the time to confidently patch.
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.
