Patching is one of the most common and crucial methods of fixing security flaws in software, operating systems, and applications. By applying patches, organizations can prevent cybercriminals from exploiting vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of data breaches and systems being compromised.
Patching Defined
Patching means applying improvements or fixes to software, hardware, and firmware to address security gaps, bugs, or flaws and boost system performance. Software vendors or in-house developers provide patches as part of regular updates or emergency fixes.
Regular and timely patching guarantees that your systems are protected against known vulnerabilities. That makes it essential for maintaining system security and stability over time.
How Does Patching Work?
Patching works by replacing or modifying the parts of code that contain security gaps. When a vulnerability is discovered, software vendors usually develop a patch to fix the issue and release it to users. The patch is then downloaded and installed manually or automatically.
Here’s how patching typically works:
- Vulnerability Discovery: Anyone, from the software vendor to security researchers to hackers, can find a vulnerability in a system, application, or device mostly through scanning. Depending on who it is, they can either report it or try to exploit it.
- Patch Development: Once the vulnerability becomes known, the software vendor develops a patch to fix it. This patch usually involves code updates that close the security gap.
- Patch Release: The patch is released, often as part of a larger software update or as an emergency fix if the vulnerability is critical. Vendors notify the users and encourage them to apply the patch.
- Patch Installation: Users install the patch on their systems. Depending on the system setup, this process might be automatic or manual. Once installed, the patch fixes the identified flaw, removing the risk of exploitation.
Patching vs. Other Security Measures
Patching is necessary, but it’s only one of many forms of protection. It works best when combined with other security methods.
- Patching vs. Antivirus Software: Patching deals with fixing the vulnerabilities that malware can exploit to gain a foothold. Antivirus software, on the other hand, scans for and removes known malware in cases of missing or delayed patches.
- Patching vs. Firewalls: Firewalls monitor and control inbound and outbound network traffic. To achieve security goals, it relies on predefined rules that block unauthorized access. Conversely, patching fixes security flaws that attackers can target even with firewall protection.
- Patching vs. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): An IDS observes network traffic for signs of suspicious or obviously malicious activities. It helps you detect ongoing attacks attempting to exploit unpatched security gaps and adds an additional layer of protection that is necessary for every organization.
Examples of Patching in Use
A common example of the significance of timely patching was the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017.
This attack exploited a vulnerability in older Microsoft Windows systems, spreading rapidly across the globe and wreaking havoc on organizations of all sizes. Had people applied the critical patch Microsoft released months before, WannaCry wouldn’t have become one of the most notorious and successful cyberattacks in history.
Patching as a Cybersecurity Fundamental
Patching strives to address known vulnerabilities before threat actors exploit them, making it a fundamental cybersecurity practice. By keeping systems, software, and applications up to date with the latest patches, you reduce exposure and maintain the integrity of your systems — especially if you combine it with mitigation mechanisms and other security measures.