Third-Party Patch Management: A Comprehensive Guide – Source: heimdalsecurity.com

In today’s digital age, software vulnerabilities are on the rise, and cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated. As a result, businesses must be proactive in their approach to cybersecurity to minimize the risk of a data breach. One way to achieve this is through patch management, and today we’ll be talking about patching third-party applications. Third-party patches are updates released by software vendors to address security vulnerabilities, bugs, and other issues. In this article, we’ll explore third-party patch management, its importance, the benefits of implementing it, and also possible risks.

What Are Third-Party Applications?

A third-party app is any software program that has been developed by a vendor other than the manufacturer of the device, or the manufacturer of the OS (think for example about Google Chrome, Adobe Acrobat Reader, TeamViewer, WinZip, etc.). These apps can be downloaded and installed on a device, either for personal or business use and are often created to meet specific needs not addressed by the built-in software on a device.

What Is Third-Party Patching?

Third-party patching or third-party patch management is essentially the process of deploying patch updates to the third-party apps installed on your machines. Patches address bugs or vulnerabilities in the software that either affect its function or security or can be deployed to install additional functionalities to the installed applications.

Why Patching Third-Party Apps Is Important?

To make it clear, patching in general, not only third-party patching, helps sustain a positive cybersecurity posture. However, third-party apps are more prone to be targeted and used by threat actors.

In recent years, third-party applications have become the primary attack vector for a variety of cyberattacks. Studies indicate that about 75% of cyberattacks happen due to vulnerabilities found in third-party applications, so with that high of a percentage you can’t afford to ignore third-party applications patching.

Unlike Windows updates for example, which are released monthly through Patch Tuesday unless a patch needs to be immediately released, third-party app vendors do not strictly adhere to a patch release schedule. Since organizations nowadays rely on different third-party apps for everyday operations, keeping up with all the updates and available patches is challenging.

Possible Risks Associated With Third-Party Patching

While third-party patching may seem like an ideal solution to keep all software up-to-date, there are risks involved. One of the significant risks is compatibility issues between patches and existing applications. Third-party patches may cause conflicts with custom-built or legacy systems that can result in system downtime.

Moreover, third-party patch vendors may not be as diligent in testing their updates as major software vendors such as Microsoft for example. This lack of testing could lead to poorly designed patches that introduce new vulnerabilities into your system instead of addressing them.

Another risk associated with third-party patching is downloading malware disguised as a legitimate patch. Hackers often take advantage of users’ trust in third-party providers by creating fake updates that contain malware payloads.

Automated Third-Party Patch Management and Its Benefits

Given the variety of software programs used in modern businesses, managing third-party patching can be a daunting task. Different software vendors may release patches at different times and frequencies, making it challenging to keep track of all of them. The volume of patches can also be overwhelming, especially if you have a large number of systems to manage. Moreover, failing to manage third-party patches can put your organization at risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.

Opting for an automated patching solution will guarantee that your third-party apps are up-to-date and secure. It goes without saying that automated patch management allows you to do away with manual patching, saving you time, while also assisting in keeping your endpoints secure and up to date. Other advantages of considering an automated patching solution are:

• Compliance with industry regulations and standards;
• Better use of resources;
• Decreased downtime;

Our Patch & Asset Management module is an example of an automated patching tool that represents a comprehensive all-in-one solution. Not only will your third-party apps be constantly patched and secured, but also the apps for your Windows, macOS, or Linux operating systems, and even proprietary apps. You can also breathe safely, as all the patches deployed through our solution have been tested and are encrypted. Plus, you also have:

• Software & Asset Inventory;
• Vulnerability Management;
• Automated Deployment of Patching;

All with granular control for precise actions, accessible anytime, from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, being completely customizable, our solution is guaranteed to suit your needs best. Book a demo and make patching easier with Heimdal®.

Conclusion

Third-party patching is a crucial aspect of patch management that cannot be ignored. With the increasing number of vulnerabilities in third-party applications, it has become imperative to include them in any organization’s security strategy. Third-party patching provides many benefits like reducing the risk of cyberattacks and ensuring compliance with regulations.

By implementing effective third-party patching processes into your organization’s security plan, you can help protect against cyber threats while keeping your network running smoothly. So take the necessary steps today to safeguard your business from external threats by adopting an efficient third-party patch management system!

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