If you’re responsible for keeping your organisation’s IT secure, you’ve probably asked this question more than once. The answer matters: outdated software is one of the biggest security risks to businesses.
The short answer
Install critical security patches as soon as possible — ideally within 24–48 hours of release. For non-critical updates, a regular patching schedule (such as weekly or monthly) works best to balance security with operational stability.
Why patching matters
Cybercriminals actively scan for systems running outdated software. As soon as a vulnerability is made public, attacks targeting it can start within hours. Leaving systems unpatched gives them a window of opportunity: in many cases, that’s all they need.
Patching also:
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fixes software bugs that cause crashes or slow performance
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ensures compatibility with other software and hardware
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gives you access to the latest features and improvements.
Automating patch management with Faronics Cloud
Manually installing updates on dozens or hundreds of endpoints is time-consuming. Faronics Cloud Software Updater makes it easy to:
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automate updates for Windows and third-party applications
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test patches first on selected machines to avoid breaking critical workflows
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schedule updates outside of working hours to prevent downtime
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get compliance reports so you know every system is up to date.
Striking the right balance
Some organisations delay updates out of fear they might cause issues. That’s why Faronics Cloud lets you easily stage rollouts. By testing updates on a small group of devices before deploying them across the network, you get security without the disruption.
Final takeaway
Frequent, consistent patching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to secure your systems. Keep every device updated without the manual effort, closing security gaps before attackers can exploit them.
Learn more about Software Updater in Faronics Cloud: https://faronicscloud.com/pages/software-updater-patch-management
