Patch Management Software in 2024: Key Insights and Solutions
Cyber security threats are increasing, and one way cybercriminals access a company’s data is via unpatched software and apps. IT environments are becoming more complex, and regulatory compliance is increasing.
A 2023 Osterman Research report revealed that IT security professionals admit that patching vulnerabilities is the cause of many ransomware attacks. Yet, fewer than half of them confirmed that they rapidly patched their software.
Identifying what devices and applications must be patched or updated is the challenge.
Patch management software is the solution to the problem, as it acts on a large scale and can work across multiple devices, networks, and platforms.
The need for automated patch management tool increases every year. With the increase in remote work, the need for robust cloud-based solutions is also rising. The best patch management solutions can work across multiple environments, including hybrid ones.
1 What is Patch Management Software?
It is a specialized tool that allows IT departments to streamline and automate the deployment of patches across the company’s network. The software ensures that all apps and software are up-to-date, enhancing all systems' security, functionality, and performance.
Characteristics of the Best Software for Patch Management
- Be easy to use: The software must contain an intuitive interface, so IT teams can immediately access and navigate it. Concise documentation and responsive customer support are also necessary.
- Have a centralized management console: A unified management console allows you to view all the computers and devices on the network and allows for instant patch recognition.
- Automate the process: The software must be able to automatically scan for, test, and deploy patches with the minimum of manual input.
Types
- Standalone patch management solutions: their purpose is to provide patch management as their only task and purpose.
- Endpoint management solutions: patch management is one feature of an entire platform that monitors every endpoint in an organization.
- Cloud-based patch management: with the rise in remote work, cloud-based systems deploy patches across different environments.
2How Does It Work?
- Step 1.Scanning for Updates
- Firstly, it scans all the organization's computers and devices to determine what apps and programs need updating or fixing.
- Step 2.Testing for Bugs
- Before a patch is released the software tests it in a controlled environment to ensure the installation won’t cause any system issues.
- Step 3.Deploying to all Devices
- Once confirmed, the patch can be deployed simultaneously to every computer or device that requires it.
- Step 4.Confirm Installation was Successful
- A check is performed to ensure that the patches were deployed and installed correctly.
- Step 5.Audit and Reporting
- For compliance purposes, detailed reports are generated detailing successful patch deployment and suggesting areas for improvement.
3What is the Importance of Patch Management in IT Security?
In 2017, US credit reporting agency Equifax suffered a data breach where the details of 147.9 million Americans were obtained. The breach happened because a patch hadn’t been applied to its version of Apache Struts, which had a vulnerability that hackers took advantage of. A patch had been released months earlier, but the company failed to deploy it on time.
The fallout for Equifax was extreme. It settled with consumers for $425 million but lost its reputation.
After this happened, Equifax invested $1.6 billion in enhancing its cybersecurity measures, including installing tools for patching, in the hopes of keeping its client data more secure and less available to cyber criminals.
This breach prompted discussion about the importance of stricter regulations for financial service companies, especially credit reporting agencies, regarding data security. Compliance regulators emphasize the necessity of patch management tools to ensure all systems are up-to-date and protected.
In May 2023, Equifax released its Security and Privacy Controls Framework as a blueprint for other financial service organizations to maintain better data security. It’s built on five core capabilities: physical security, privacy, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and crisis management.
4Best Patch Management Software in 2024
Below are the Best Patch Management Software Ratings for IT & MSPs
Compare Our Best Picks
| Star Rating | Ease of Use | Ease of Setup | Ease of Admin | Quality of Support | Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | Product Direction % positive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirDroid Business | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.9 |
| NinjaOne | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 9.6 | 9.8 |
| ManageEngine Endpoint Central | 8.6 | 8.6 | 8.7 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 9.2 |
| Avast Business Patch Management | 9.3 | 8.9 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| Patch My PC | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.3 | 9.8 | 9.7 | 9.7 |
| Microsoft Azure | 8.7 | 8.6 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.7 | 9.1 |
| Action1 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 9.6 | 9.7 | 9.8 | 9.9 |
| PDQ Deploy & Inventory | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.7 | 9.8 |
| Solarwinds Patch Manager | 7.6 | 7.7 | 8.2 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 7.1 |
AirDroid Business
AirDroid Business is a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution and a windows patch management software that allows IT teams to monitor, troubleshoot, patch, notify, and bulk update endpoint devices from one centralized location.
It’s fast, efficient, and safe. It simplifies device access and control to ensure adherence to safety policies and minimize risk and misuse.
Best For
- Managing patches on multiple devices from one central location. The dashboard displays the entire data history of every app on every device. AirDroid manages patches directly from Microsoft, ensuring they’re correct and secure.
Support Services
- AirDroid Business's patch features only support Windows. Its extra robust device management function supports all Android and Windows devices, including smartphones, tablets, POS systems, kiosks, digital signage, desktops, and laptops. AirDroid Business also supports Microsoft's official software patch management.
Key Features
- Patch wall: displays missing patches or ones needing updating and any that have failed.
- Configuration options: schedule automatic patch installations, set query intervals for checking patches, and set whether the device requires rebooting.
- Remote management: deploy and install apps on every device regardless of location.
- Patch update history: keeps a history of all patch updates for easy future reference.
- Installed patches display: provides a currency list of all patches installed to allow for seamless device management
- Centralized dashboard: A cloud-based management interface that acts as a control center for every endpoint.
Pricing
- There are three pricing levels: basic, standard, or enterprise. The levels are determined by the number of devices in the network and the features required. Any plan offers a 14-day free trial.
User ratings on G2
Reporting and Data Analysis Capabilities : The platform comes with a sophisticated, high-level set of reports that are created in real-time for immediate action if required.
NinjaOne
NinjaOne is a cloud-based IT operations platform that manages multiple endpoints across various operating systems, including deploying and reporting on patch management. It’s been built and rebuilt based on client feedback, creating an exceptionally user-friendly platform.
Best For
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT teams need a comprehensive endpoint management platform that includes patch management as a feature.
Support Services
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints.
Key Features
- Automated patch identification, approval, and deployment
- Centralized dashboard for monitoring endpoint health and compliance
- Integration with remote control tools for efficient troubleshooting.
Pricing
- NinjaOne doesn’t have pricing plans; every quote is unique and dependent on the business's needs and number of devices.
User ratings on G2
- NinjaOne rates 4.8/5 on G2.
ManageEngine Patch Management Plus
ManageEngine Patch Management Plus is a comprehensive patch management solution that automates the entire process, from scanning for needed patches to compliance reporting. Additionally, it supports patch management for over 850 third-party applications, including Adobe, Java, and WinRAR.
Best For
- Organizations of all sizes that require an all-in-one patch management platform.
Support Services
- Windows, macOS, Linux endpoints, and mobile iOS and Android devices.
Key Features
- Automated patch deployment for operating systems and third-party applications
- Customizable patch policies
- Can deploy custom patches not included in the standard library
Pricing
- ManageEngine Patch Management Plus has one plan, and the cost increases based on the number of devices, services, and technicians required.
User ratings on G2
- ManageEngine Patch Management Plus scores 4.5/5 on G2.
Avast Business Patch Management
Patch management is included as a feature of Avast’s Endpoint Security Ultimate package. This feature assists with automatic patch deployment and reporting for Windows and macOS devices, even if they’re behind a firewall, on the road, or powered off.
Best For
- Small and medium businesses seeking an integrated cyber-security solution that may already be using Avast Endpoint Security.
Support Services
- Primarily designed for Windows platforms, it can work with some macOS devices, but it has limitations.
Key Features
- Automated patch management
- Centralized dashboard
- Integration with Avast Business Antivirus
Pricing
- The Avast Ultimate Business Security plan contains the patch management feature.
User ratings on G2
- 4.4/5 on G2
Patch My PC
A patch management solution that integrates with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune. It automates the patching process for over 300 common applications included in its catalog.
Best For
- Organizations currently using the Microsoft products mentioned.
Support Services
- Primarily Windows, with some macOS devices covered by Microsoft Intune
Key Features
- Automates third-party updates for applications like Chrome, Adobe, and Java
- Real-time alerts for new updates
- Seamless deployment with the two integrated programs
Pricing
- Three pricing structures: Enterprise Patch, Plus, or Premium, and charged per device.
User ratings on G2
- Patch My PC scores 4.9/5 on G2.
Microsoft Azure
Azure Automation Update Management is a feature of Microsoft Azure that assists businesses with their patching needs across virtual Azure machines and land-based servers. It’s particularly helpful for companies running Windows and Linux environments and can group machines based on specific criteria for targeted patching.
Best For
- Hybrid environments or organizations with cloud-based servers.
Support Services
- Windows and Linux virtual and on-premises machines
Key Features
- Automated patch management
- Scheduling options to deploy patches during system upgrades
- Integration with Azure Monitor
Pricing
- The Azure Automation Update Management feature comes with Azure Stack, and the price is based on the type of units being used.
User ratings on G2
- Microsoft Azure ranks 4.4/5 on G2.
Action1
Action1 is a cloud-native patch management and vulnerability assessment solution for Windows devices. Based entirely in the cloud, it manages the entire patch process and utilizes peer-to-peer (P2P) technology for software updates, optimizing bandwidth usage.
Best For
- Businesses of any size seeking a user-friendly patch management process for Windows devices.
Support Services
- Windows only.
Key Features
- Automated detection and deployment of patches
- Custom application patching
- Real-time patch notifications
Pricing
- Action1 is custom-costed per business. A free trial for up to 100 endpoints is available.
User ratings on G2
- Action1 rates 4.9/5 on G2
PDQ Deploy & Inventory
PDQ Deploy and Inventory is a patch management and a software deployment solution for Windows devices. Where it’s unique is that it can create dynamic collections that automatically update based on defined criteria, rolling out deployment to specific machines or groups.
Best For
- Medium to large businesses who want to manage patch management along with software deployment.
Support Services
- Windows environment only.
Key Features
- Pre-built packages to simplify deployment
- Integration with PDQ Inventory
- Centralized dashboard for patches and updates
Pricing
- PDQ Deploy and Inventory is custom quoted to match the organization's exact needs.
User ratings on G2
- PDQ Deploy and Inventory rates 4.9/5 on G2
SolarWinds Patch Manager
A comprehensive patch management solution that integrates with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). It contains pre-tested, pre-built patch packages for various applications, making the setup even more straightforward. Users can create custom patch packages as well.
Best For
- Businesses using Microsoft SCCM that require patch management capabilities.
Support Services
- Windows only environments
Key Features
- Integration with SCCM for enhanced device and network management
- Automated patch deployment for Microsoft products
- Customizable reporting
Pricing
- SolarWinds Patch Manager is custom-quoted for every client based on the required devices and features.
User ratings on G2
- Solarwinds Patch Manager comes in at 4/5 on G2.
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