What are security patches used for in cybersecurity?

Security patches play a crucial role in cybersecurity by addressing vulnerabilities in software. When developers identify weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers—such as bugs or flaws in the code—they create patches to revise the software and mitigate these risks. This process helps protect systems from security breaches, data theft, and other malicious activities.

The importance of applying security patches lies in their function of proactively fixing identified issues, thereby strengthening the overall security posture of an organization or individual using the software. Regularly updating software with patches is an essential practice in cybersecurity to safeguard against potential threats.