Third-Party Patch Management Guide

Third-party applications keep your business running, but they're also a favorite target for cyberattacks. If you're still manually tracking down patches for Chrome, Adobe, Slack, and hundreds of other tools, you're not alone, but you're also putting your organization at risk.

There’s some good news, though: Managing third-party patching doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right approach and tools, you can automate updates, reduce vulnerabilities, and finally take back your time.

Here’s everything you need to know about third-party patching, from what it is to how to do it right.

Third-party patching is the process of applying updates to software applications by vendors other than your operating system provider. Think web browsers like Chrome and Firefox, productivity apps like Adobe Reader and Zoom, file-sharing tools, and collaboration platforms. In short, any application that didn't come preinstalled with your OS.

These applications are essential for daily business operations, but they’re also frequent targets for attackers. Why? Because vulnerabilities in third-party software are everywhere, and unpatched applications are easy entry points for bad actors.

Remember that 2017 Equifax breach? That massive data exposure happened because of an unpatched third-party library. It’s a stark reminder that ignoring third-party patches can lead to crippling consequences, like security breaches, data loss, compliance violations, and serious downtime.

Effective third-party patching isn’t just about keeping software current. It’s about reducing risk, maintaining system compatibility, improving performance, and supporting compliance requirements. And it's a critical piece of any effective cybersecurity and endpoint management strategy.

Managing third-party patches can be complex, but it doesn't have to be. Follow these best practices to streamline your approach and minimize risk.

• Centralize your patch management. Juggling multiple tools and dashboards isn't for the faint of heart. Use a unified platform to manage all third-party patches across your organization. Centralized patch management gives you consistent deployment, real-time visibility, and comprehensive reporting, all from one place.

• Keep an up-to-date inventory. You can't patch what you don't know exists. Maintain an inventory of all third-party applications across your endpoints and continuously monitor for newly released patches or vulnerabilities.

• Automate everything you can. Manual patching is slow, error-prone, and tedious. Implement automation solutions that detect, download, and deploy patches based on severity, vendor, and your predefined criteria. Automation ensures timely patching, reduces human error, and frees up your team to focus on more strategic work.

• Prioritize patches based on risk. Not all patches are created equal. Focus first on addressing those critical vulnerabilities, especially ones that are actively exploited in the wild or that could lead to significant data breaches. Risk-based prioritization helps you tackle the most dangerous threats first.

• Test patches before wide deployment. Nothing's worse than a patch that breaks production systems. Test patches in a controlled environment before rolling them out across your organization to identify and solve any compatibility issues or disruptions.

• Define clear patch management policies. Create and document patch management policies that include approval processes, deployment schedules, maintenance workflows, and compliance requirements. Clear policies ensure consistency and accountability across your IT team.

• Generate comprehensive reports and audit logs. Track patch status with detailed reports and audit logs to demonstrate compliance with industry regulations and support security assessments. Good reporting also helps you spot trends, identify problem areas, and prove your security posture to stakeholders.

• Support remote and off-site devices. With hybrid and remote work here to stay, your patching solution needs to reach endpoints no matter where they are. Use cloud-based or lightweight agent approaches that patch remote devices without requiring a VPN. Your security perimeter extends beyond office walls.

Choosing the right tool makes all the difference. From cloud-native platforms to on-premises solutions, modern patch management tools offer automation, reporting, and multi-platform support to keep your third-party applications secure. Here are seven solutions IT teams rely on.

Automox is a cloud-native patch management and endpoint automation platform designed to simplify IT operations for modern, distributed organizations. The platform eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure and VPN requirements by delivering automated patching, configuration management, and software deployment directly to endpoints, regardless of location.

Automox supports Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems and provides automated updates for over 580 third-party applications through a single unified console. The platform combines policy-driven automation with custom scripting capabilities, allowing IT teams to standardize routine tasks while maintaining flexibility for unique organizational needs.

What makes Automox stand out:

• Cloud-native architecture: No infrastructure to maintain, no VPNs required, and no late nights spent patching remote endpoints. Automox works wherever your devices are, whether in the office, at home, or halfway around the world.

• AI-driven automation: Automox doesn't just automate patching; it uses intelligent policies to detect, download, and deploy patches based on your organization's specific needs. Configure it once and let it run, or dive deep into custom schedules and workflows.

• 580+ third-party applications: Automox automatically patches popular apps like Adobe, Chrome, Slack, Zoom, and hundreds more. The catalog is constantly expanding based on customer requests, so if you need it, chances are Automox has it.

• Patch Safe sealed: Every third-party package is scanned using industry-leading malware detection before caching and deployment, ensuring patch safety and integrity. You get peace of mind with every update.

• Cross-platform support: Manage Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints from one console with full OS and third-party application coverage. No more juggling different tools for different platforms.

• Automox Worklets: Extend your automation capabilities with custom scripts for software deployment, configuration management, and endpoint hardening. If it can be scripted in PowerShell or Bash, Automox Worklets can automate it.

• Comprehensive reporting and compliance: Get real-time dashboards, detailed audit logs, and compliance reports to demonstrate security posture and support regulatory requirements.

Problems Automox eliminates:

• Manual, time-consuming patching workflows

• Lack of visibility into third-party software across distributed endpoints

• Vulnerability gaps caused by missed or delayed patches

• Tool sprawl from managing multiple patching solutions

• Complex infrastructure and VPN requirements for remote patching

Real results: Organizations using Automox have seen a 128% increase in the number of software titles they can patch, a 50% reduction in time spent patching, and 96% more patches automated. See the IDC Business Value Study for full details.

Perfect for: Distributed teams, cloud-first organizations, MSPs, and IT teams tired of juggling multiple tools and manual processes.

See how users rate Automox on Gartner Peer Insights, G2, and TrustRadius.

Patch My PC specializes in third-party application patching with deep integration into Microsoft SCCM and Intune environments. The platform automates the creation, testing, and deployment of third-party updates using Microsoft's native deployment structure, making it a strong choice for enterprises already invested in Microsoft management tools.

Key capabilities: Automated publishing to Intune, ConfigMgr, and WSUS; same-day patch releases with Teams alerts; Automatic Deployment Rules (ADR) integration; Power BI compliance dashboards; and application lifecycle management with Autopilot support.

ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is an enterprise-grade solution supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints, along with hundreds of third-party applications. The platform offers centralized management with pre-deployment testing, rollback capabilities, and built-in compliance templates for regulatory standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and SOX.

Key capabilities: Cross-platform OS and third-party patching; pilot group testing with rollback; automated approval workflows by severity or vendor; flexible deployment scheduling with maintenance windows; and on-premises or cloud deployment options.

GFI LanGuard combines patch management with vulnerability scanning, making it a good fit for small to midsize businesses seeking integrated endpoint security. The platform covers Windows, macOS, and Linux systems along with hundreds of third-party applications, and includes compliance auditing and network asset discovery.

Key capabilities: Vulnerability scanning with patch remediation; compliance auditing against security standards; multi-OS and third-party application support; patch rollback for problematic updates; and automatic network device discovery and inventory.

Heimdal Patch and Asset Management takes a security-first approach, integrating patch management with asset tracking and broader cybersecurity tools. The platform supports Windows, macOS, and Linux systems with detailed asset inventories, and connects with Heimdal's threat prevention and endpoint detection products.

Key capabilities: Multi-OS automated patching with customizable policies; real-time hardware and software asset inventory; centralized security dashboard for patch and vulnerability status; integration with Heimdal's security stack; and compliance reporting with remediation timelines.

Comodo Patch Management is part of the broader Comodo security ecosystem, integrating with endpoint protection, threat intelligence, and device management tools. The platform supports Windows, macOS, and Linux patching with custom scripting capabilities for unique deployment scenarios.

Key capabilities: Unified console for patch and endpoint management; OS and third-party application patching; custom PowerShell and batch script support; Comodo security suite integration; and automated workflows for patch scanning, downloading, and deployment.

NinjaOne offers a cloud-based RMM platform with integrated patch management, designed for IT teams and MSPs. The solution supports Windows, macOS, and Linux patching without on-premises infrastructure, combining patch management with endpoint monitoring, remote control, and IT automation.

Key capabilities: Automated patch deployment with customizable policies; multi-OS support from a single dashboard; granular policy controls by device group or organization; compliance reporting with historical data; and unified RMM with remote control and automation.

Not all patching tools are created equal. Here’s what to evaluate when choosing the right solution for your organization.

• Supported platforms and applications: Make sure the tool patches the operating systems and third-party applications your organization relies on. Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux) and a broad app catalog are essential for comprehensive coverage.

• Automation capabilities: Look for tools that automate patch scanning, testing, deployment, and remediation to minimize manual effort and reduce patch latency.

• Reporting and compliance: The solution should offer real-time dashboards, detailed reports, and audit logs to support compliance requirements and provide clear visibility into patch status.

• Integration with existing systems: Evaluate compatibility with your existing RMM/PSA, endpoint management, SIEM, or ticketing solutions. Easy integration means less friction and better workflows.

• Scalability: Choose a tool that handles your current and projected endpoint numbers across distributed or remote environments without performance issues.

• Vulnerability management: Advanced tools often include vulnerability scanning to help prioritize patches based on actual risk exposure (not just release schedules).

• Ease of use and administration: Assess the interface, policy management, and ease of deployment, especially if your IT team has limited resources or bandwidth.

• Security and role-based access controls: Ensure the tool has strong security features, encryption, and role or group-based access controls to protect sensitive systems and data.

• Cost and licensing model: Analyze pricing structures (per endpoint, per admin, per feature) and evaluate overall value relative to your organizational needs and growth trajectory.

• Vendor reputation and support: Consider the vendor's industry reputation, frequency of updates, quality of support, and reliability of their user community. You want a partner, not just a product.

Third-party patching isn't optional. With cyberattacks on the rise and vulnerabilities lurking in every unpatched app, organizations need a modern, automated approach to stay secure and compliant.

The right tools, clear policies, and consistent automation make all the difference. Whether you’re managing a few hundred endpoints or thousands of devices across the globe, solutions like Automox help you eliminate manual patching headaches, reduce risk, and keep your team focused on what matters most.

Stop letting third-party vulnerabilities slow you down. It’s time to take control of your patching strategy. Automox can help.

Ready to see how Automox can transform your third-party patch management? Get a demo and see how cloud-native automation gives time back to your team, while you strengthen your security posture.