What are the most effective ways to patch and update network devices and software?

1 Assess your network inventory

Before you start patching and updating, you need to know what devices and software you have in your network, where they are located, and what vulnerabilities they may have. You can use tools like network scanners, asset management software, and vulnerability scanners to collect and analyze this information. You should also document your network architecture, configuration, and dependencies. This will help you to prioritize and plan your patching and updating activities.

2 Establish a patch management policy

A patch management policy is a set of rules and procedures that define how you will patch and update your network devices and software. It should cover aspects such as patch sources, patch testing, patch deployment, patch verification, patch rollback, and patch reporting. A patch management policy will help you to standardize and automate your patching and updating process, reduce human errors, and ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.

3 Schedule and communicate your patching and updating

Patching and updating can disrupt your network operations and affect your users and customers. Therefore, you should schedule your patching and updating activities carefully, taking into account factors such as urgency, impact, availability, and compatibility. You should also communicate your patching and updating schedule and expectations to your stakeholders, such as network administrators, users, vendors, and auditors. You should inform them of the benefits, risks, and contingencies of your patching and updating activities.

4 Test and deploy your patches and updates

Before you apply patches and updates to your network devices and software, you should test them in a controlled environment, such as a lab or a sandbox. You should verify that the patches and updates work as expected, do not introduce new vulnerabilities or errors, and do not conflict with other devices or software. You should also backup your network data and configuration before deploying the patches and updates. You should deploy the patches and updates in phases, starting with the most critical and vulnerable devices and software, and monitor the results.

5 Review and audit your patching and updating

After you complete your patching and updating activities, you should review and audit the outcomes. You should check that the patches and updates have been applied correctly, that the network devices and software are functioning properly, and that the network security has improved. You should also document the patching and updating process, including the patch sources, patch versions, patch dates, patch logs, patch issues, and patch resolutions. You should use this information to evaluate your patching and updating performance, identify gaps and areas for improvement, and update your patch management policy accordingly.

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?