What’s a Patch, and Why Do We Keep Installing Them?

If you’ve ever been prompted to “install an update” or “restart to apply changes,” you’ve encountered a patch. While it might seem like just another minor annoyance, especially when you’re busy, patches are one of the most critical components of your organization’s cybersecurity defense. Understanding what a patch is and why regular updates are non-negotiable can help protect your business from serious threats.

What Is a Patch?

A patch is a small piece of software developers issue to fix problems in existing programs. These problems might include bugs, functionality issues, or, most importantly, security vulnerabilities. Hackers actively search for flaws in software that they can exploit to gain unauthorized access to systems, steal data, or disrupt operations. Patches are the developers’ way of sealing these digital cracks before attackers can use them.

Why Are Patches So Important?

Cybercriminals don’t need to invent new methods to break into systems. They often use known vulnerabilities that haven’t been patched. According to ServiceNow’s 2024 research, 57% of data breaches could have been prevented simply by installing an available patch. In other words, the tools to stop many attacks already existed, but they weren’t used.

Software updates and patches are essential because they:

• Fix security holes that hackers might use to access your network.
• Improve system stability, resolving crashes or glitches.
• Enhance performance by making software run more efficiently.
• Ensure compatibility with other new technologies or platforms.

Real-World Consequences of Skipping Patches

The 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack is a prime example of what can happen when patches are ignored. This global attack exploited a known Windows vulnerability for which Microsoft had already released a patch months earlier. Organizations that hadn’t installed the patch fell victim, with hospitals, corporations, and governments facing locked files and multimillion-dollar damages.

Even today, hackers often scan the internet for devices running outdated software. Small businesses are especially vulnerable, as they may not have dedicated IT teams to monitor and apply updates regularly.

How to Stay on Top of Patching

You don’t need a massive IT budget to manage patches effectively. Here are a few practical tips:

• Enable automatic updates for operating systems, browsers, antivirus programs, and key business software.
• Create a patch management schedule to regularly check systems that don’t update automatically.
• Inventory your devices and software so you know what needs to be monitored.
• Educate employees to restart devices and install updates instead of postponing them.

Conclusion: Avoid the Risks

Timely patch management is a key part of any effective cybersecurity strategy. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and frequent, failing to apply patches leaves your systems and business vulnerable to avoidable risks. At LeadingIT, we help organizations stay secure and compliant by implementing automated patching solutions and proactive monitoring. By keeping your systems current, we reduce your attack risk and ensure business continuity.

Patching may seem like a minor task, but it’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your business from major cybersecurity threats. If your team is still clicking “remind me later,” or you’re unsure what’s being patched (and what’s not), it’s time for a smarter solution. At LeadingIT, we help Chicagoland businesses automate patching, close security gaps, and eliminate the “we’ll do it later” risk.

Let’s schedule a quick IT Assessment to make sure your systems aren’t one patch away from a major problem.