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How do you patch network devices to prevent vulnerabilities?

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Network devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and servers, are essential for connecting and securing your telecommunications network. However, they can also become targets for hackers and cyberattacks if they are not properly patched and updated. Patching is the process of applying software updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance security features of your network devices. In this article, you will learn how to patch network devices to prevent vulnerabilities and protect your network from threats.

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1 Why patch network devices?

Patching network devices is not only a good practice, but also a necessity for maintaining network security and compliance. Unpatched devices can expose your network to various risks, such as data breaches, malware infections, denial-of-service attacks, and unauthorized access. Patching can help you avoid these risks by closing the gaps and loopholes that hackers can exploit. Moreover, patching can also help you comply with industry standards and regulations, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR, that require you to keep your network devices updated and secure.

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Justin Nix

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I'd like to add another answer to "why"... depending on the actual type for working exploit, your network device may provide the attacker direct access to your assets or identities. Examples: Fortinet's traversal bug in 2019 (CVE-2018-13379) allowed your VPN's user creds to be read in the clear directly from the VPN console page. Or Log4J, which affected a wide spectrum of software and appliances; a single string could allow unfettered access.

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2 How to identify network devices that need patching?

Before you can patch your network devices, you need to know which ones need patching and what kind of patches are available. You can use various tools and methods to identify and inventory your network devices, such as network scanners, asset management software, configuration management databases, and vendor websites. These tools and methods can help you collect information about your network devices, such as their model, serial number, firmware version, software version, and patch level. You can then compare this information with the latest patches released by the vendors and determine which devices need patching and what kind of patches they need.

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Justin Nix

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An administrator can be driven to drink just trying to keep up with the moving goalpost of patching. Scanners are very useful, and there's dozens out there, but the reports often need a thorough lookover and triage to make a practical decision on how to start. When I triage for my clients, I ask myself: 1. Which vulnerabilities have known, active weaponized tools, and how often are they being used in the wild? Keeping up with threat intelligence news and researching MITRE's ATT&CK framework help me evaluate the threat level. 2. Where is the vulnerable asset in my network? I start with assets that logically touch the outside internet (your B1/DMZ devices). From there I move into the distribution networks (internal switches / routers).

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3 How to plan and schedule network device patching?

Patching network devices can be a complex and time-consuming task that requires careful planning and scheduling. You need to consider several factors, such as the priority, impact, compatibility, and testing of the patches, as well as the availability, backup, and recovery of the network devices. You also need to coordinate with your stakeholders, such as network administrators, users, vendors, and managers, and communicate your patching plan and schedule with them. You should also establish a patching policy and procedure that defines the roles, responsibilities, frequency, and scope of patching.

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Justin Nix

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In order to ensure the IT team is on the same page, and to make it more convenient, I plan patch scheduling within the confines of the change management process. If you have any Windows devices on your network, you're likely already in this practice the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Depending on your team size, you may want to make the patching discussion with your server and switch/router people a Slack channel, or actually have a monthly call. Read up on the patches, what they are intended to do, read support forums for signs of possible bugs, and discuss the risk/reward with your admins. Know how to roll back updates on ALL your devices, and include this written plan in all of your change management proposals.

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4 How to implement and verify network device patching?

Once you have planned and scheduled your network device patching, you need to implement and verify it. You should follow the vendor's instructions and best practices for applying the patches to your network devices. You should also use tools and methods to automate and streamline the patching process, such as patch management software, scripts, and commands. You should also monitor and document the patching process and check for any errors or issues. After patching, you should verify that the patches have been applied correctly and that the network devices are functioning normally. You should also test the network devices for any performance or security issues.

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5 How to maintain and improve network device patching?

Patching network devices is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires maintenance and improvement. You should regularly review and update your patching policy and procedure to ensure that they are aligned with your network security and compliance goals. You should also monitor and audit your network devices for any new vulnerabilities or patches and apply them as soon as possible. You should also evaluate and measure the effectiveness and efficiency of your patching process and look for ways to improve it. You should also train and educate your staff and users on the importance and benefits of patching network devices.

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Justin Nix

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I've worked in many environments where vulnerability scanning was a nightly occurrence, often happening at the same time as patching. Over time I've realized that this is really only needed in networks that are constantly attacked (read DoD networks) but the average joe SMB does not need this constant simulated bombardment. 1st of the month or quarterly is enough if a monthly patch schedule plan is in place. One exception: high risk emergent threats (eg: Log4J) - you'll want to kick off that scan as soon as your scanner has a signature for it.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Justin Nix

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I've been in situations in the past where a particularly damning scan report comes out and management or admins take it personally. Vulnerability scans show us often what we don't see in everyday work. Some folks feel like it's "calling them out" or blaming them for not doing their job. This should never be the case. When presenting a bad report to a client, always approach with a team-focused mindset. I've started meetings with the premise of, "We're not going to point fingers at each other. This report is what it is. Let's talk about what we can fix, what we can't, and how we can mitigate what we can't fix." Also, a detection on a scan may be a false positive. Always make sure your "gurus" are on the meeting to help point these out.

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How do you patch network devices to prevent vulnerabilities?

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4

5

6

1 Why patch network devices?

2 How to identify network devices that need patching?

3 How to plan and schedule network device patching?

4 How to implement and verify network device patching?

5 How to maintain and improve network device patching?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Telecommunications Engineering

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How do you patch network devices to prevent vulnerabilities?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Why patch network devices?

2 How to identify network devices that need patching?

3 How to plan and schedule network device patching?

4 How to implement and verify network device patching?

5 How to maintain and improve network device patching?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Telecommunications Engineering

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