Patch Management – Why Ignoring Software Updates is a Security Risk
We've all been guilty of clicking "Remind me later" when a software update pops up. But when it comes to cybersecurity, delaying updates is one of the riskiest decisions a business can make.
Every day that your systems, apps, or devices go unpatched is a day they're exposed to known vulnerabilities — and cyber criminals know it.
At Beyond, we help businesses build strong patch management strategies that align with the Cyber Essentials framework (whether you’re certified or not) and keep them protected.
What is Patch Management?
Patch management is the process of identifying, testing, and applying software updates (or "patches") to your systems. These patches can fix bugs, improve performance, and most importantly — close security holes that attackers can exploit.
Most successful cyber attacks target known vulnerabilities — things the software developer has already fixed, but the user hasn’t updated.
What Happens When You Don’t Patch?
Here’s what’s at stake when updates are ignored:
Outdated systems become easy targets
Security flaws are publicly known and documented
Attackers use automated tools to scan for unpatched devices
One vulnerable app can compromise your entire network
Some of the worst ransomware outbreaks in history (like WannaCry) exploited simple vulnerabilities that had patches available months before the attack.
What Does Cyber Essentials Say?
Cyber Essentials requires all security patches to be applied within 14 days of release — especially for:
Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
Productivity apps (Office 365, Adobe)
Third-party apps used for business
You must also remove unsupported software — anything that no longer receives updates (e.g. Windows 7, Office 2013, or legacy web plugins).
Good Patch Management Looks Like This:
Automatic updates enabled wherever possible
Centralised management of device updates (e.g. using Microsoft Intune)
Regular scans to detect missing patches
Policies to ensure critical updates are installed fast
End-of-life software is removed from all systems
At Beyond, we help businesses automate this process using modern tools and monitoring systems that track compliance in real time.
The Bigger Picture
Patch management is a key part of a layered cybersecurity strategy. It works hand-in-hand with:
Strong access control
Threat detection (EDR)
Backups and recovery
User awareness training
Without up-to-date software, all those other defences are weakened.
How Beyond Helps
We provide fully managed patching as part of our IT support and cybersecurity services, including:
Scheduling patches around business hours
Monitoring for missing or failed updates
Reporting and evidence for Cyber Essentials certification
Removing outdated or unsupported applications
Final Word
You wouldn’t leave your office door wide open overnight — so don’t leave your software open to attack either.
Patching isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Talk to us today about tightening your patching process and working toward Cyber Essentials compliance.