Cybercriminals don’t wait. The moment a vulnerability is discovered, they look for ways to exploit it. If you’re not patching quickly, you’re leaving the door wide open.
Yet many businesses take days or even weeks to apply critical updates. Whether it’s a lack of time, concerns about downtime, or simply not having a solid process in place, the result is the same: unnecessary risk.
Let’s break down why timely patching isn’t optional, the cost of getting it wrong, and how to put a foolproof patching strategy in place.
What’s the Risk?
Patching isn’t just about fixing bugs. It’s about closing security gaps that hackers are actively looking for. Every unpatched system is a potential target.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 61% of breaches involve unpatched vulnerabilities.
- Exploits for newly announced vulnerabilities are often available within hours.
- Ransomware gangs routinely target businesses that haven’t patched known weaknesses.
- The cost of an attack can range from £5,000 to £50,000, not including regulatory fines, lost revenue, and reputational damage.
Cybercriminals don’t need to invent new ways to break in. They just wait for businesses to leave the door open.
Why Businesses Struggle to Patch in Time
If patching is so critical, why do so many businesses delay it?
1. IT Teams Are Already Stretched
Patching takes time, and many IT teams juggle multiple responsibilities. When security updates are seen as ‘another thing on the list,’ they often get pushed back. The problem is that cybercriminals don’t wait until it’s convenient.
2. Fear of System Downtime
Many businesses worry that an update might cause compatibility issues, break software, or disrupt operations. While this can happen, the risk is usually much smaller than the damage a cyberattack could cause. Testing updates before deployment significantly reduces these concerns.
3. Manual Patching is Slow and Error-Prone
Keeping track of every update for every system is time-consuming. Without automation, patches can easily be missed, delayed, or inconsistently applied across different devices, creating gaps in security.
4. Outdated Patch Management Policies
Security experts now recommend patching critical vulnerabilities within 24 to 48 hours, but many businesses still operate on outdated policies that allow for weeks of delay. That’s no longer enough. Attackers move faster than ever, and patching needs to keep up.
The Cost of Delayed Patching
Businesses often underestimate the impact of delaying patches. Here’s what’s really at stake:
- Financial Losses: Recovering from a cyberattack is expensive. Whether it’s ransomware, data theft, or system downtime, the costs add up quickly.
- Regulatory Fines: Data protection laws such as GDPR require businesses to keep systems secure. Failing to patch known vulnerabilities could result in hefty fines.
- Reputation Damage: Customers and partners expect businesses to take security seriously. A breach caused by an unpatched system can erode trust and damage your reputation.
A Smarter Approach to Patching
A strong patch management strategy doesn’t rely on luck. It requires clear processes, automation, and accountability.
1. Set Clear Policies and Responsibilities
Businesses need a formal patch management policy that outlines:
- How vulnerabilities are identified and prioritised
- How quickly patches should be applied (critical patches within 24 to 48 hours)
- Who is responsible for ensuring patches are deployed
Without a clear process, patching can easily fall through the cracks.
2. Automate Wherever Possible
Manual patching slows everything down. Using patch management software ensures updates are deployed consistently, reducing human error and delays.
Automation also means fewer disruptions. Many tools allow patches to be applied outside of business hours, minimising the risk of downtime.
3. Regularly Audit Your Systems
Even with automation, regular reviews are essential. Conducting security audits helps identify any missed patches and ensures compliance with industry standards.
4. Train Your Team
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue. Employees should be aware of the risks of unpatched software and be proactive in keeping their devices up to date. Regular training helps build a security-first mindset across your organisation.
How IT Naturally Can Help
We take patching seriously because we know what’s at stake. Our Managed Patch Services ensure security updates are applied quickly and efficiently, so your business stays protected without the hassle.
Why Choose IT Naturally?
- Automated Patch Deployment: We handle updates for you, reducing delays and ensuring nothing gets missed.
- Proactive Monitoring: Our team constantly monitors your systems for vulnerabilities, fixing issues before they become a problem.
- Security Audits: We regularly review your patching strategy, helping you stay ahead of evolving threats.
- Expert Support: Our team takes care of the technical side, so you don’t have to.
Patching isn’t just about compliance. It’s about keeping your business secure, reducing risk, and ensuring operations run smoothly.
Let’s make sure your systems are protected. Get in touch to discuss how we can help.
If you’re looking to keep your business secure and running smoothly, we’re here to help!
At IT Naturally, we provide tailored IT solutions that keep your systems protected, while making everything work a little bit easier for you. So, whether it’s securing your endpoints, managing IT tools, or setting up a solid security framework, our team’s got it covered.
