The applications we rely on extend well beyond the core systems provided by our primary software vendors, as our technological infrastructure is often interlaced with third-party applications. While these tools bring immense functionality and convenience, they also come with their own set of vulnerabilities. Third-party application patching is the unsung hero that ensures our external software tools remain secure, up-to-date, and optimized.

The amount of technology is growing exponentially as people and organizations undergo the process of digital transformation. More information and data is found online and on machines than ever before. It’s important to keep this data safe in properly functioning software on devices and machines, which is why applying patches is a key task.

Patching is a huge concern within IT environments since the attacks on unpatched vulnerabilities makes up 95% of all cyberattacks. IT teams want to ensure that the IT management tools they choose are capable of delivering reliable patch management. Microsoft has a family of products called the Intune product family. Its focus is on endpoint management in the cloud (whereas Microsoft Configuration Manager is used for on-prem management).

What’s this I hear you cry, “Not another blog about Patch Management, what’s there left to say?”; well a lot, actually. I recently just passed my eighth work anniversary with N-able, and over those eight years I’ve spent more time talking to partners and prospects about Patch Management than any other topic.