Unpatched systems pose a significant risk in the realm of cybersecurity, with many organizations failing to act on available patches that could have prevented breaches. Research shows that the average time to detect cyberattacks has increased, giving attackers more opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities. Manual or partially automated patching methods are often deemed burdensome, leading to delays in addressing critical security issues.
When it comes to patching, complacency can have devastating consequences. Attackers are adept at exploiting legacy vulnerabilities, with many successful attacks targeting CVEs that are over a decade old. The lack of alignment between IT and security teams further complicates the patching process, with disagreements on schedules and strategies. Automating patch management can help bridge this gap and streamline the patching workflow.
Ring deployment emerges as a proactive defense strategy at scale, offering a phased approach to patch deployment that minimizes risk and reduces breach opportunities. By rolling out patches incrementally through different stages, organizations can ensure patch stability and compatibility before a full-scale deployment. This method, exemplified by Ivanti’s recent release, aims to provide security teams with greater control over patch deployment and minimize disruptions.
