To ensure a predictable rollout when a patch is deployed across your network, it is important to test it first in a nonproduction environment.
Companies install software and firmware patches to fix bugs, remove vulnerabilities and add new features, but without prior testing, patches can put systems at risk or make them unstable.
Although software vendors rigorously test patches before releasing them, they cannot possibly evaluate the infinite possible configurations and scenarios where every patch will be deployed.
Testing patches before deployment is perhaps the most critical step in the enterprise patch management process to avoid the risk of patches destabilizing the IT environment.
The aim of patch testing is to determine if a patch will cause problems for an organization's unique combination of hardware, software and configuration settings.
A patch might be installed only on a test group of employee workstations, so if it doesn't install fully or causes problems, most employees won't be affected.
Patch testing involves more than just ensuring that devices reboot correctly.
You also need to check that a patch has been deployed successfully, and run smoke tests to determine if all the main functions of the software appear to work correctly.
Tests involve comparing application performance before and after patch deployment and ensuring that other applications running on the target environment are not negatively affected.
Employing the following software patch testing best practices will reveal any conflicts with existing configurations that are unique to the systems on which a patch will be installed, thus avoiding disrupting business operations.
In complex environments, the best way to manage the process is to use an automated patch management tool.
It's the best way to keep track of vendor update and patch announcements related to those components.
When following patch testing best practices, it's not always best to be first.
Virtualization is a valuable part of a software patch testing strategy because you can replicate production environments on one computer, preferably using the same hardware.
Public cloud services, such as Microsoft Azure and AWS, are a cost-effective way to create a dedicated patch testing environment that's identical to your production system.
Software patch testing involves more than just ensuring that devices reboot correctly.
Consider a variety of patch strategies, such as conducting updates on a regular monthly schedule, a big weekend event to patch all systems at once or even deploying small updates throughout the month.
The goal of software patch testing best practices is to avoid unexpected patching problems appearing all at once.
There are companies that provide patching services, such as testing patches for commonly used applications and preparing scripts for deploying patches to production systems.
To make patch testing and rollout processes easier, consider consolidating and standardizing the software used throughout the organization.
This Cyber News was published on www.techtarget.com. Publication date: Mon, 15 Apr 2024 22:43:06 +0000