Patch Management

The structured and consistent closing of software-based security gaps.
Very few organizations consistently think through patch management. Why else do they take over 100 days on average to patch and are 60% of all successful attacks and unpatched systems attributable to?

Does that sound familiar to you?

Patchwork Chaos in Patch Management

Does your patch management process feel incomplete? Then I'm sure these challenges sound familiar to you:

1.

Not enough protection

You hope that no one is exploiting your numerous unpatched applications.

Illustration einer Benutzeroberfläche, die aufdringende Sicherheits-Risiken hinweist.
2nd

Wrong security through automation

Patch management? We do have a tool for that. But does the roll-out really work and are all applications really covered on all endpoints?

Illustration mehrerer Endpoints, die nur teilweise durch ein Skript automatisch aktualisiert werden. Das Bild symbolisiert, dass es schwierig ist sich mit automatischen Skripten sicher zu sein, dass wirklich alle Geräte zuverlässig aktualisiert werden.
3rd

Lack of overview

You're not even aware of your exposure. After all, the application owners are responsible for patching. Some of them feel responsible. Many don't.

Illustration von so vielen Endpoints, dass es schwierig ist den Überblick zu behalten.
4th

Never change a running system

Instead of testing extensively, you'd rather not patch and hope that there won't be a security incident.

Illustration einer Softwarelösung, die schon länger nicht geändert wurde. Das Bild symbolisiert die "Never change a running system" Mentalität, die dazu führt, dass wichtige neuerungen bei der Endpoint Security nicht umgesetzt werden.
5th

Long time-to-patch

Criminals need 14 days before a new vulnerability is exploited professionally and on a large scale. That is your benchmark!

Illustration einer Benutzeroberfläche, die anzeigt, dass Updates und Patches überfällig sind.
6th

Troubleshooting

Complications due to unpatched software or inadequately tested patches are causing an increase in helpdesk calls and “fire extinguishers.”

Illustration von verschiedene Support-Szenarien, die alle sehr stressig und langwierig sind. Das Bild symbolisiert lange Troubleshooting Zeiten bei schlecht oder nicht umgesetzten Endpoint Strategien
The goal of Patch Management

Continuous. Fast. Complete.

The goal of patch management is to close all software-based security gaps in a structured, timely and consistent manner. The requirement of “everything” in particular presents companies with challenges. The solution: Vulnerability management with tool-supported prioritization.

The four KPIs in Patch Management

It's really simple. You need to patch quickly, you need to patch everything, you need to monitor whether the patches are working on every device. And that consistently and continuously. Then optimize these four KPIs:

  • Minimize time-to-patch

  • Maximize patch coverage

  • Maximize patch compliance

  • Establish a regular patch culture

  • Free endpoint security check

    Companies with best-practice endpoint management are demonstrably better protected. With the free Endpoint Security Check, you can find out how well your devices are protected.

    90%

    All successful ransomware attacks originate from poorly and unmanaged devices

    11x

    Higher probability of cyber attacks on > 20% unmanaged or poorly managed devices

    Learn details
    This is how patch management works

    Patch Management - Done Right

    Every company is already doing patch management in some way. However, a truly effective patch management process is structured, consistent and comprehensive. We're turning your patch management from good to great.

    1. Central responsibility
    2. Patch OS
    3. Patch 3rd party standard software
    4. Patching 3rd party non-standard software
    5. Testing, Roll-Out, and Compliance
    6. Check patch coverage

    Patch vs. Vulnerability Management

    Patch Management was originally the purely operational process of updating software when a new version is released without prioritization. Vulnerability management is about identifying, scanning and prioritizing vulnerabilities outside of software exclusively from a security perspective in order to fix them. In reality, the two processes are very closely linked.

    about Managed Vulnerability Management
    Benefits

    Prevention Gets No Glory
    But it should!

    Patch management and other preventive measures have the best cost-benefit ratio in endpoint security and should definitely not be neglected.

    Most effective protection against cyber attacks

    Hackers are looking for easy targets: Master patch management before you buy the next expensive security tool.

    Time-to-patch of <14 days on average

    Speed wins. You're better than the companies with over 100 days of time-to-patch and much harder to attack.

    User experience and productivity

    Employees with tested, up-to-date software versions work with the latest technology and are ideally supported in their work

    Cyber insurability

    60% of cyber insurance policies are rejected due to poor cyber hygiene — particularly patch management. You can answer the risk questionnaire with peace of mind.

    Basis for regulatory compliance

    Patch management is part of basic and crucial cyber hygiene and is required by all regulations, such as NIS2 introduced in 2024.

    Let's get started!

    You can certainly wait a bit longer to question your patch management, but threats won't wait.

    That's why: Let's talk Patch Management. With clear recommendations, implementation strength and tried and tested procedures.

    Patch Management Tools

    Automated patching with the best

    We have four industry-leading tools for automated patching of 3rd party applications in our portfolio, so we can work with the right tool for every customer. Each tool has its own strengths.

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    Performances

    Endpoint Management easier than ever before

    Our services make this strategy a reality. In just a few months. With minimal effort for you. With Microsoft Intune & MECM, Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Entra ID as key technologies.

    We're not doing that
    Let's talk Patch Management

    Born in Application Packaging, raised in Patch Management

    10+

    tested patch tools

    50,000+

    Rolled out patches

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    1

    established process

    12 days

    average time-to-patch

    Secure and productive endpoints in three steps.
    Learn what you need to do and how to get to more structure and secure and productive endpoints in the shortest possible way.
    1
    Free initial consultation

    We'll get to know each other and find out what's currently on your mind when it comes to patch management. You will get initial ideas on how we can help you.

    2
    Proposed solution & offer

    After the initial discussion, we will present you with a specific proposed solution and the offer for implementation.

    3
    Transposition

    Equipped with automation and best practices, our team implements the proposed solution in record speed.

    Your contact person:

    Your contact person:

    Dorian Garbe
    CEO
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    Everything you must know bout Patch Management

    1. Patch management as a security strategy — before an emergency occurs

    Every new software update can become a gateway for cyber attacks — if it is not installed in time. Right here puts patch management to: as a decisive measure to specifically close known weak points in systems and applications before they are exploited. Security breaches are among the most common causes of successful attacks on corporate networks — and yet many IT departments are struggling with outdated, manual patch processes.

    Professional and systematic patch management not only helps to minimize risks, but also creates the basis for a stable, high-performance and rule-compliant IT infrastructure.

    2. What is patch management?

    Patch management is the structured process for Distribution and installation of software Patches — i.e. minor and major fixes that fix vulnerabilities, fix bugs, or improve functionality. These patches can be provided for operating systems, applications, drivers, or firmware and are a central part of any IT security strategy.

    The term is clearly differentiated from classic software update or change management: While software updates often introduce new features, patch management is primarily aimed at Ensuring safety and stability off — with minimal risk of adverse side effects during operation. In many cases, patch management is an automated, recurring process that is deeply integrated into a company's endpoint management.

    Well-implemented patch management pursues three core goals: rapidity, comprehensiveness and transparency — i.e. closing all known security gaps across all systems as quickly as possible, comprehensibly documented and implemented in accordance with the law.

    3. Why is patch management crucial for companies?

    Cyber criminals make targeted use of known security gaps — often just a few hours after they have been published. Without structured patch management, the risk of successful attacks increases significantly. Companies that apply patches with delays or do not apply them at all unnecessarily expose their systems to risks.

    Statutory and regulatory requirements such as the GDPR, ISO 27001 or industry-specific IT security guidelines also require the active handling of weak points. Patch management is a central part of every compliance strategy.

    In addition to the security aspect, a professional patch process also improves Stability and availability of systems. Unpatched software can cause crashes, errors, or performance issues. Regular patching helps to minimize these risks and keep the IT landscape robust.

    Last but not least, transparent and verifiable handling of security gaps also strengthens the trust of customers, partners and audit teams.

    4. The patch management life cycle

    Effective patch management follows a clearly defined process that represents the entire life cycle of a patch — from detection to success monitoring. The most important phases are:

    1. Inventory and vulnerability analysis

    First, all IT components in the network must be recorded and classified. Only those who know which systems, applications and versions are in use can identify security gaps in a targeted manner.

    2. Prioritization and patch selection

    Not every patch is equally critical. Security-relevant updates are prioritized, especially if they are actively exploited (zero-day vulnerabilities). CVSS assessments, vendor notes and our own risk analyses help with this.

    3. Test and quality assurance

    Patches should be tested in a test environment before rollout. The aim is to avoid compatibility problems, malfunctions or system failures — particularly with business-critical software.

    4. Rollout and automation

    The actual patching process is ideally automated and centrally controlled. This allows updates to be rolled out efficiently and consistently to many systems at the same time — with minimal manual effort.

    5. Monitoring and reporting

    After the rollout, the success of patching and remaining weak points must be monitored. Dashboards, protocols and regular reports create transparency and demonstrate compliance requirements.

    5. Which patch management software is recommended?

    In 2025, the patch management software market is highly fragmented — there are countless tools that promise automation and security. But not all will be able to assert themselves in the long term. Companies should therefore rely on established, sustainable solutions. Anyone who uses Microsoft Intune and/or SCCM will find Patch My PC and Robopack two leading tools that offer broad application support, deep automation and the ability to integrate your own applications.

    The choice depends on the specific requirements — such as the desired level of automation or the fit to the software portfolio used. For companies that use other systems or operate hybrid infrastructures, it is recommended Ivanti Neurons for Patch Management. You can find out more about this in our great patch management software overview.

    This solution scores points with a risk-based approach, broad compatibility and high flexibility, regardless of the software distribution system used.

    6. Best practices for effective patch management

    Successful patch management is based on clear standards, automation, and continuous monitoring. The following best practices have proven particularly effective in practice:

    Use automation

    Automated solutions enable timely distribution of patches, reduce manual errors and relieve the IT team. The combination of vulnerability analysis, patch deployment and success monitoring in one tool is particularly useful.

    Establish regular patch cycles

    A fixed patch schedule — weekly, for example, or monthly for less critical patches — creates reliability and ensures that no security gaps are overlooked. However, critical updates should also be imported off-schedule (e.g. in the case of zero-day exploits).

    Create transparency

    A central dashboard or reporting system provides an overview of the current patch status, outstanding vulnerabilities and historical patching activities. This also makes it easier to prepare for audits and comply with regulatory requirements.

    Documentation and traceability

    Every patch should be documented — including source, impact, test status, and rollout time. Clean documentation is not only important for compliance, but also for troubleshooting and analysis.

    Test safely

    Before the broad rollout, all patches should be tested in a dedicated test environment. This reduces the risk of system failures and increases operational safety.

    These measures ensure that patch management does not become a reactive emergency process, but is firmly anchored as a strategic element in IT security.

    7. Conclusion

    Patch management is much more than simply importing updates — it is a central component of modern IT security. Only those who systematically close security gaps can create a stable, secure and legally compliant IT landscape. This requires speed, transparency and automation.

    Companies that neglect patch management are exposing themselves to unnecessary risks — both technically and legally. On the other hand, anyone who establishes clear processes, uses modern tools and observes best practices can significantly reduce their attack surface and operate their IT more efficiently.