The recent release of Apple’s 16th mobile operating system – known officially as iOS 16 – and its long list of new features has seen many iPhone users rushing to update their smartphones. Whilst sparkling new features are of course a major perk of such software updates, they have a more practical, protective role to play that isn’t always as appreciated.
Apple, Google and Microsoft recently announced a slew of critical software updates due to vulnerabilities. The security patches would provide much-needed fixes for a plethora of already exploited vulnerabilities to offer users the protection they need in the face of cyber threats. The updates end a tense period of high-impact cyberattacks which used spyware and surveillance to leave sensitive information, including bank details, woefully exposed.
The recent updates only cement the importance of patch management. Patch management isn’t just critical to our personal devices however. The tech we use professionally as part of our business operations should be continuously updated to ensure ongoing information security amongst other things.
Read on to discover why patch management is important for your business productivity and security.
Don’t become a statistic
According to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022, 39% of UK businesses have suffered cyberattacks during the past 12 months. Of the affected organisations, 31% of businesses and 26% of charities faced attacks at least once a week and reported a series of negative outcomes as direct consequences of these security breaches.
Regular patch management ensures your business or charity doesn’t fall into this category to become yet another statistic. With patch management, you can manage and maintain improved network security to safeguard your business, and the sensitive company and customer data within, from exploitation.
Patches and productivity go hand-in-hand
Whilst enhanced information security is a key benefit of patch management, you may be surprised by the positive effect that regular patches can have on your team and its output.
The cyber attacks and security breaches made possible by poor patch management are particularly costly and time consuming to resolve, which will set your team and wider business back significantly. With patch management, you can reduce the number of bugs and decrease the time your team spends fixing them to ensure your workers can concentrate on the job in hand and minimise the risk of downtime company-wide.
Protecting your remote workforce
It’s not just your in-house team who will benefit from ongoing patch management. If you’re one of the businesses who has taken remote or hybrid working policies in its stride, your staff will need protection wherever they work.
Patch management paves the way for remote protection, meaning the devices remote workers use can remain safe and secure.
Be at the forefront of innovation
Technology plays a vital role in today’s business world, and with patch management you can have access to the latest and greatest features to ensure your business can do what it does best.
As well as helping you to stay innovative, patch management ensures complete compliance with the latest regulations and best practices so your company and customers can enjoy the highest standard of protection and privacy.
