"We Don’t Know What We Don’t Know!" – The Truth About 14-Day Patching

You know that feeling when you think you’re doing everything right, only to find out you’ve been missing a crucial step the whole time? Yeah, that’s basically what happens with a lot of IT companies when it comes to the 14-day patching requirement for Cyber Essentials (CE) compliance.

Here’s the thing: a lot of IT teams think they’re on top of things just because they patch regularly. Some even pass the buck to an IT supplier, thinking, “Hey, they’ve got this, right?” But let’s be real—just because IT is done, doesn’t mean it’s done right.

Now, here’s the kicker: patching every week doesn’t automatically mean you’re compliant with the 14-day rule. Yep, you heard that right. The 14-day patching requirement specifically targets critical and high vulnerabilities. So, how do you know if you’ve got those lurking in your system? And more importantly, how does your IT team know?

Well, if they don’t have the right tools, they probably don’t. And guess what? Those tools don’t come cheap. So, before you start blaming your IT folks for not patching critical and high vulnerabilities, ask yourself—do they even know those vulnerabilities exist?

That’s where independent security vulnerability checks come in. We at Meta Defence Labs Ltd can scan your systems using the right tools, and let your IT team know exactly which vulnerabilities need their immediate attention and how to prioritise the work. This process is called vulnerability management, and it’s a game-changer.

Here’s a pro tip: it’s best if your IT team doesn’t handle their own vulnerability management—after all, you wouldn’t want them marking their own homework, would you? That’s where we come in. We’re an independent security company, and we can help you design and set up a vulnerability management programme that not only keeps you secure but also compliant with CE Plus requirements.

So, next time there’s a data breach, don’t be so quick to point fingers at your IT guy for not patching on time. First, check if they even knew about the vulnerabilities. Oh, and by the way, not all vulnerability scanning tools are created equal. We use approved tools specifically for CE Plus audits, so you know you’re getting the real deal.

If you’re curious and want to see what we’re all about, why not run a free 3-month proof of concept with us on vulnerability management? Get in touch—we’d love to help you stay secure and compliant, without all the headaches!

Having a vulnerability management programme with an independent security company offers several significant benefits over relying solely on annual penetration testing. Here's why it's advantageous:

1. Continuous Monitoring and Response

• Proactive Approach: Unlike annual penetration tests, which provide a snapshot of your security posture at a single point in time, a vulnerability management programme offers ongoing monitoring and assessment. This continuous approach ensures that new vulnerabilities are identified and addressed as they emerge, reducing the window of opportunity for attackers.
• Timely Patching: Regular assessments allow for prompt detection and patching of vulnerabilities, ensuring that your systems are protected against the latest threats. This aligns well with Cyber Essentials' requirement to apply critical updates within 14 days.

2. Comprehensive Coverage

• Wider Scope: Vulnerability management covers all aspects of your infrastructure, including internal systems, cloud services, and remote work setups. It is crucial that all devices and services within the organisation’s scope are continuously assessed for vulnerabilities, this will also ensure you are compliant with the 14 day patch requirement of Cyber Essentials.
• Adaptability: An independent security company can adapt the programme to your specific needs, including the integration of new technologies and changes in your business operations. This flexibility is more difficult to achieve with annual testing alone.

3. Expertise and Insights

• Specialist Knowledge: Independent security companies often employ specialists who are well-versed in the latest threats and mitigation strategies. Their expertise ensures that vulnerabilities are not only identified but also remediated in the most effective way.
• Actionable Insights: A vulnerability management programme provides continuous reporting, offering actionable insights into your security posture. This helps in making informed decisions on where to focus your resources for maximum impact.

4. Cost Efficiency

• Resource Optimisation: By regularly identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, you can avoid the higher costs associated with reactive measures, such as responding to a breach. Over time, this proactive approach can be more cost-effective than relying solely on annual penetration testing.
• Avoiding Penalties and Downtime: Continuous vulnerability management helps ensure compliance with regulatory requirements like Cyber Essentials, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties and the associated downtime from security incidents.

5. Better Preparedness for Audits

• Audit Readiness: With continuous vulnerability management, your organisation is always prepared for security audits, including those required for certifications like Cyber Essentials. This readiness simplifies the certification process and reduces the stress associated with audit preparations.

6. Enhanced Trust and Confidence

• Customer Assurance: Demonstrating a commitment to continuous security improvement builds trust with customers and partners. It shows that your organisation is serious about protecting sensitive information, which is increasingly important in today's business environment.

In summary, a vulnerability management programme with an independent security company provides a dynamic, comprehensive, and proactive approach to cybersecurity, offering more robust protection than annual penetration testing alone. This approach ensures continuous alignment with standards like Cyber Essentials, ultimately leading to better security outcomes and business resilience.

Contact us on infor@metadefencelabs.com | +44 203 222 4060