80% of successful cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities that already have patches available. Not zero-days. Not sophisticated nation-state tools. Just old software with known holes that nobody got around to updating.
Patch management is boring. It’s also one of the most effective security controls you can implement. Here’s how we handle it.
The Problem with “We’ll Update It Later”
Without managed patching, here’s what happens:
- Windows Update pops up. User clicks “Remind me later.” Forever.
- Critical security patch for Chrome released. Nobody notices for weeks.
- Adobe Reader CVE published. Your machines still run the vulnerable version 3 months later.
- Server hasn’t been rebooted in 6 months. 47 pending updates queued.
Each unpatched vulnerability is an open door. Automated scanners run by attackers find these doors constantly.
How We Handle Patch Management
Automated OS Patching
Windows, macOS, and Linux updates pushed through Syncro on a defined schedule. Critical security patches applied within days of release. Non-critical updates batched weekly or bi-weekly. Applied outside business hours so your team isn’t interrupted.
Third-Party Application Patching
The OS is only part of the picture. We also patch:
- Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
- Adobe products (Reader, Acrobat)
- Java
- Zoom, Teams, Slack
- Office applications
- Other common business software
CVE Monitoring
When a new Critical or High severity CVE is published for software in our clients’ environments, we don’t wait for the normal patch cycle. We assess exposure, test the patch, and deploy it on an accelerated timeline.
Patch Reporting
Monthly reports show patch compliance across all devices – what’s current, what’s pending, what failed. For compliance frameworks (SOC 2, CMMC, HIPAA), this documentation proves you maintain systems in a timely manner.
What Happens Without Patch Management
- WannaCry (2017) – Exploited a Windows vulnerability that had a patch available for 2 months. 200,000+ machines encrypted worldwide.
- Log4Shell (2021) – Critical Java vulnerability. Companies without patch management were exposed for weeks. Those with it patched in days.
- MOVEit (2023) – File transfer vulnerability exploited before many organizations even knew they were affected.
Every major breach you read about in the news started with something that could have been patched. We make sure your business isn’t the next headline.
Compliance Alignment
- SOC 2 – CC6.1, CC7.1 (system operations, change management)
- CMMC – SI.1.211, SI.1.212 (flaw remediation, malicious code protection)
- HIPAA – 164.308(a)(5)(ii)(B) (protection from malicious software)
- ISO 27001 – A.12.6 (technical vulnerability management)
Need IT help? Seashore IT provides managed IT for businesses with 5-250 computers across the Western US. Flat monthly rate, 30-60 minute response, 24x7x365. Call (833) 997-6886 or email info@seashoreit.com.
Seashore IT – Your transparent IT partner, aligned to your goals, embedded in your success.