Managing IT updates and patches for your critical business applications is far from easy, especially if you’re managing IT for a small business with limited staff and resources. After all, staying ahead of security threats alone is a full-time job for some people. The good news is that by taking certain steps, the process can be simplified. For all IT pros and business owners, here are some best practices for managing updates.
Why do computer updates?
Since downloading and installing computer updates takes time and the associated reboots are disruptive, managing computer updates is a cumbersome task.
Have you, however, ever wondered how secure the apps installed on your device are? Cybercriminals do this and look for vulnerabilities in program security and take advantage of these exposures to gain access to your device.
Once they gain access, they can wreak havoc on your device. Examples are varied such as allowing a keylogger to track what you type, stealing confidential information, or even worse, installing ransomware to prevent you from accessing your files and demanding payment for it. access. Software developers help prevent breaches like the examples listed above by patching vulnerabilities as soon as possible. Fixes are included in software updates. This means that the sooner you install your update, the less likely your system is to suffer a cyberattack.
Make an inventory of all positions in the company
Taken individually, the daily tasks required to operate a computer are not complicated. However, when you have a lot of devices to deal with and maybe no IT staff, it can feel like an endless battle. The best way to fix this problem is to examine all of your computer hardware and software and then implement a plan for the smartest way to manage updates.. An inventory makes it possible to map in depth the entire IS of your company at a given moment. Thus, this makes it possible to take into account all the functioning of the company and to prevent major problems. The inventory is the ideal time to call on someone from outside the company to take a fresh and above all neutral look.
Schedule automatic updates
If you still don’t feel like clicking “Update Now”, you can set your devices to update automatically. In this case, you will solve the problem.
Microsoft offers Windows 10 users the ability to manage automatic updates : specify, as an administrator, how and when devices in your organization receive security updates and other important downloads through the service. automatic system update.
Another alternative and best practice for IT maintenance of updates is automation via scripts. It allows you to remember the updates. With a script, you can schedule installation during off-peak hours so it doesn’t affect your workflow.
Use an outsourcing provider to manage IT updates
For small businesses without full-time IT staff, managing IT updates is a cumbersome task. Indeed, the knowledge required to keep all of their IT equipment running, up-to-date, and secure can seem overwhelming. If you’re not sure you can deploy updates yourself, consider using an IT outsourcing service .
A managed service provider is a third-party company responsible for remote IT management and maintenance. It allows businesses to focus on improving their services without worrying about outages or disruptions. An IT provider will deploy critical updates immediately, ensuring that you won’t miss any important system changes. For other updates, the latter will ensure that the patches are stable before installing them on your system. This helps to minimize complaints about accidental updates causing problems in the system.
Be careful though: Go to a legitimate source for all downloads. Cyber criminals and online scammers lurk in every virtual corner. That’s why it’s important to check trusted sources for software and application updates.
Also Read: Data Protection And Security In The Cloud