As one of Cyber Essentials’ key technical controls, Security Update Management is a crucial domain that ensures your systems remain resilient against evolving cyber threats. Keeping your software and systems up-to-date with the latest security patches is fundamental to safeguarding your business from vulnerabilities that cyber criminals exploit.
What is Security Update Management?
Security Update Management is the systematic process of identifying, acquiring, testing, and applying software updates to your IT infrastructure. These updates, also known as patches, address vulnerabilities in software applications, operating systems, and firmware that could be exploited by attackers. This process is not just about applying updates as they become available; it’s about having a structured approach to ensure that your systems remain secure over time.
In the context of Cyber Essentials, Security Update Management is expected to be conducted regularly, within a 14-day update patching window. It demonstrates that your organisation is committed to maintaining a secure environment, reducing the risk of security breaches, and ensuring compliance with industry best practices.
Failing to apply security updates promptly can leave your systems exposed to known vulnerabilities. Cyber attackers often exploit these weaknesses, especially when they know that organisations delay applying patches. By regularly updating your systems, you close these security gaps and reduce the risk of a successful cyber attack.
Key Aspects of Security Update Management Include:
1. Regular Scanning for Updates: Regularly check for updates to ensure that all software, including operating systems, applications, and firmware, is current. All critical or high updates older than 14-days from release, must be remediated.
2. Timely Application of Updates: Apply critical updates as soon as possible to minimise the window of exposure. For less critical updates, establish a schedule that balances security needs with operational considerations.
3. Patch Testing and Validation: While not specifically a requirement of Cyber Essentials, it is advised that before deploying updates across your entire estate, that you test them in a controlled environment. This helps to ensure that the updates won’t disrupt business operations or introduce new vulnerabilities.
4. Automated Update Management: Where possible, automate the update process. This reduces the burden on IT staff and ensures that updates are applied consistently across all systems.
Conclusion:
To summarise, Security Update Management is an essential practice within the Cyber Essentials framework that serves as a frontline defence against cyber threats. By systematically identifying, testing, and applying updates, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation from known vulnerabilities. Regular and timely patching, especially within the prescribed 14-day window, demonstrates a proactive commitment to cyber security and compliance with industry standards.
Ultimately, maintaining strong practices through effective Security Update Management not only protects your business from potential breaches but also strengthens its overall cyber resilience.
Previous Cyber Essentials technical controls guides: