What are the benefits and risks of automating patch management processes?

1 Benefits of automation

One of the main benefits of automating patch management processes is that it can save you a lot of time and effort. Instead of manually checking for updates, downloading them, and applying them to each device or application, you can use a patch management tool that can do all these tasks for you, in the background or at scheduled intervals. This way, you can ensure that your system is always up to date, without having to interrupt your work or monitor the progress. Automation can also reduce human errors, such as missing or skipping patches, installing the wrong ones, or forgetting to restart the system after applying them.

2 Risks of automation

However, automating patch management processes also comes with some risks that you need to be aware of and mitigate. One of the main risks is that some patches may not be compatible with your system or may cause unexpected issues, such as crashes, glitches, or conflicts with other software. If you automate the installation of patches, you may not be able to test them beforehand, or revert them easily if something goes wrong. Another risk is that some patches may require user input or consent, such as accepting a license agreement or configuring some settings. If you automate the installation of patches, you may miss these steps, or agree to something that you are not fully aware of.

3 How to balance automation and control

To balance the benefits and risks of automating patch management processes, you need to have a clear strategy and a reliable tool. You need to decide which patches you want to automate, and which ones you want to review and approve manually. For example, you may want to automate critical security patches, but review optional or feature updates. You also need to choose a patch management tool that can give you flexibility, visibility, and control over the patching process. For example, you may want a tool that can scan for patches, but let you decide when and how to install them. Or, you may want a tool that can install patches automatically, but let you monitor their status and impact. You also need a tool that can backup your system and allow you to rollback patches if needed.

4 Best practices for automating patch management

To automate patch management processes effectively and enjoy the benefits while minimizing risks, you need to follow some best practices. Start by keeping an inventory of your devices, applications, and platforms, and identify their patching requirements and frequency. Then, choose a patch management tool that can support your inventory and strategy and integrate with your existing IT infrastructure and processes. Configure the tool according to your preferences and policies for scan schedules, patch sources, installation options, and notification settings. Before deploying patches to your production environment, test them in a sandbox or test group. Monitor the patching process and its outcomes through reports, logs, alerts, and feedback. Identify any issues or gaps and resolve them promptly. Lastly, review and update your patch management strategy and tool regularly to keep up with changing needs and challenges.