Your network is at risk due to delayed software patches. How can you ensure your systems remain secure?

I focus on a few essential strategies to reduce the danger brought on by postponed software patches. I start by taking a complete inventory of every system to find out what needs to be fixed. In addition, I score updates based on potential risks using a risk assessment process. In the interim, I lessen risks by utilizing alternative security measures, such as firewall rules and intrusion detection systems. I keep lines of contact open with suppliers regarding patch releases, and vulnerability checks on a regular basis help find vulnerabilities. This approach maintains system security even in the event of delays.

El asunto con los parches de seguridad es que no son particulares a cada implementación, efectivamente es un gran riesgo no gestionarlos o pasarlos por alto, pero también hay que considerar que pueden traernos algunos problemas de continuidad de negocio si no se gestionan en ambientes paralelos de prueba antes de implementarlos en producción.

Esto tiene relación con lo del equilibrio de la velocidad de la red y seguridad de los datos en la misma. Haría similar recomendación de: 1) Segmentar la red 2) En este caso, si se maneja como un incidente detectado/identificado, implementar soluciones para monitorear la red y otras soluciones para detectar amenzas a la misma. 3) Otra más que sugeriría es implementar políticas de backup y recuperación pero más robustas a las que se posean o usan. Asegurar que esos datos que son críticos se respalden de manera regular y que los procedimientos de recuperación estén probados/verificados y sean efectivos.

To avoid becoming stuck in your Patching Strategy, deployments have to be seamless so users and employees don't get affected from downtime. I would go for a High Availability (HA) and Failover capacities as the core of the strategy. To achieving a HA architecture we require Redundant Systems, multiple servers, load balancers, and clustering to provide failover capabilities. The strategy would be divided by two fronts. - Rolling Updates is apply patches in a phased manner, updating one server or node at a time while keeping the others operational. - Blue-Green deployments means deploying patches to the blue environment first, test it thoroughly, and then switch traffic to it. If issues arise, you can quickly revert to the green environment.

Deben existir protocolos que tengan una estrategia clara de gestión de actualizaciones en su red, pues requiere especial atención no solo el afán de aplicarlos, sino el gestionarlos y administrarlos de manera adecuada.

En este aspecto, hoy por hoy existen diversas profesiones y talentos apoyados en la tecnología, que no tienen alcance a la parte técnica y su correcta aplicación, es de responsabilidad del departamento de TI, gestionar este tipo de actividades de aplicación de actualizaciones mediante una estrategia que permita un desarrollo consiente de la misma.

Regular security audits are essential, but complement them with a dynamic threat intelligence strategy. Leverage real-time data on emerging threats to stay ahead of potential risks. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by integrating feedback from audits into your security protocols. Engage with cybersecurity experts to gain external insights and validate your defenses. Encourage cross-departmental collaboration to ensure comprehensive coverage of all potential entry points. This multifaceted approach, alongside regular audits, fortifies your network against evolving cyber threats and promotes a resilient security posture.

Continuous scans and assessment will help you get more context on unpatched vulnerability risks. What I'm trying to say is when we have an unpatched system, It is not only important to "do the patch" but also "understand the risk and the vulnerability". Patching a system does NOT mean an update and upgrade. It can be additional configuration. In a pragmatic point-of-view, we may have a "vulnerable component" in our system, but the question is "is it really expoitable and reachable bad any actors?". with this in mind prioritizing patch and optimizing its process can be done smoothly!

Automated Patchjng Tools can be deployed to identify, streamline, download and deploy the missing patches in accordance with a defined schedule