What is Patch Tuesday & why does your business need it?
If you’ve worked in IT for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard of Patch Tuesday. It’s that magical (or maybe dreaded) day every second Tuesday of the month when Microsoft drops its latest security updates. For many businesses, this means it’s time to roll up their sleeves and install the latest patches to keep systems secure. But here’s the thing—keeping your business safe isn’t just about installing Microsoft updates. Third-party applications need love too!
Patch Tuesday: A Quick Breakdown
Patch Tuesday is Microsoft’s regular release of security updates for Windows and other Microsoft products. These updates fix vulnerabilities that hackers love to exploit. Ignoring these patches? Well, that’s like leaving your front door unlocked in a bad neighborhood—you’re just asking for trouble.
Installing these updates is a must, especially when they include fixes for zero-day vulnerabilities (exploits that attackers discover before vendors can patch them). But if you think Patch Tuesday is the only update day that matters, you’re missing half the story.
The Importance of Third-Party Patching
A lot of businesses focus only on Microsoft updates and completely forget about the other software running on their machines. That’s a big mistake.
Think about all the applications you use every day—Google Chrome, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, Java, and countless others. These third-party applications are just as vulnerable to attacks as Windows itself. In fact, some of the biggest security breaches in history happened because attackers exploited outdated third-party software.
Here’s why third-party patching is just as critical:
Hackers Love Outdated Software – Cybercriminals target software with known vulnerabilities, and outdated applications are easy targets.
Not All Attacks Go Through Windows – Many malware infections come through outdated browsers, PDF readers, and communication tools.
Compliance & Regulations – Many industries require businesses to keep all software updated for compliance with data protection laws. Ignoring third-party updates could put you at risk of fines or legal issues.
Performance & Stability – Besides security, patches often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features that help your apps run smoothly.
What You Can Do About It
Use a Patch Management Solution: Tools like Automox, Ninite Pro, or Microsoft Intune can automate both Microsoft and third-party updates, making life easier.
Prioritize Critical Updates: Not all patches are equal. Security updates should always take priority over minor bug fixes.
Test Before You Deploy: Patching is important, but so is making sure it doesn’t break anything. Always test patches in a controlled environment before pushing them company-wide.
Don’t Delay! The longer you wait to patch, the more exposed your business is. Set up a routine schedule to install updates ASAP.
Final Thoughts
Patch Tuesday is a great reminder to keep your Microsoft software updated, but don’t stop there! Third-party patching is just as important for keeping your business safe from cyber threats. A solid patching strategy will protect your data, keep your systems running smoothly, and save you from costly security breaches.
Need help managing your patching process or translating what I just said into plain English? Nexphase SBS has you covered. Let’s make sure your business stays secure—reach out today!
