What is Patch Management? A Complete Guide

Patch management applies vendor-issued updates, known as patches, to software and systems to close security vulnerabilities and optimize performance. It is an essential task for IT professionals to ensure the security and stability of their IT infrastructure.

The process typically involves several steps, including asset management, patch monitoring, patch prioritization, patch testing, patch deployment, and patch documentation. Each step is crucial in ensuring the effective management of patches and minimizing the risk of security breaches.