What is the main goal of patch management?

The main goal of patch management is to address security vulnerabilities in software. This process involves regularly updating software applications and operating systems to fix bugs, improve functionality, and, most importantly, mitigate security risks. Cyber threats often exploit known vulnerabilities in software. By implementing a robust patch management strategy, organizations can effectively safeguard their systems against attacks and breaches that take advantage of these vulnerabilities.

Staying up-to-date with patches ensures that threats are neutralized before they can be exploited, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of the organization. This proactive approach to security is crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, where new vulnerabilities are continuously discovered.

While other aspects of software might be impacted by patch management, such as user experience or performance, the primary and most critical function is to protect against security vulnerabilities, making it an essential component of an organization's cybersecurity strategy.