Patch management fixes known software flaws before attackers exploit them, reducing intrusion risk; prioritize critical systems and verify deployment.
Search across headline titles and summaries.
Background for this topic.
Patch is a software, firmware, or configuration update that fixes a defect, including a vulnerability an attacker could use to gain access, execute code, escalate privileges, or expose data. Patching reduces the exploitable attack surface across operating systems, applications, network devices, and embedded systems; it does not remove risk from unsupported or misconfigured assets, and updates can sometimes introduce compatibility or availability problems.
Effective patch management starts with an accurate inventory and vulnerability assessment, then prioritizes internet-facing systems, high-impact assets, and flaws known to be exploited. Organizations should test updates where practical, deploy them within defined time limits, verify installation, and retain rollback or compensating controls when immediate patching is unsafe. Monitoring vendor advisories and threat intelligence can identify urgent fixes, while documenting exceptions and coverage supports vulnerability management and audit requirements.
Microsoft today released updates to fix more than 60 security holes in Windows computers and supported software, including two "zero-day" vulnerabilities in Windows that are already being exploited in active attacks. There are also important security patches available for macOS and Adobe users, and for the Chrome Web browser, which just patched its own zero-day flaw.