IBM notes the risk of not keeping security patches current: “Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in a company's IT environment to launch cyberattacks and spread malware. Vendors release updates, called ‘patches,’ to fix these vulnerabilities. However, the patching process can interrupt workflows and create downtime for the business. Patch management aims to minimize that downtime by streamlining patch deployment.”
Focusing on security fundamentals such as patching can be the strongest defense against these types of attacks. With a strong endpoint patching program in place, healthcare organizations can reduce their chances of becoming another statistic.
How Managed Services Can Bolster Your Cybersecurity
Managed security services have always been a powerful weapon in the cybersecurity arsenal. But as attacks become increasingly sophisticated and healthcare organizations face a widespread shortage of skilled cybersecurity staff, the assistance of a trusted partner is more valuable than ever.
According to Ramana Reddy Depa, CDW’s global head of strategy for managed services, “Cybersecurity, obviously, is a huge thing. Because the threat landscape keeps expanding and evolving, and attacks are different every day, a lot of organizations are struggling to keep up.”
DIVE DEEPER: Discover the essentials for protecting your organization in the cloud.
For health systems that may not have the staff, expertise or resources to adequately defend themselves, Depa recommends managed services such as managed detection, backup and response.
Updating software and devices with appropriate patches is another area where managed services can lighten the load of an already overworked cybersecurity staff. Visibility is critical to building a comprehensive strategy and executable patch management solution. Managed Patching as a Service can help healthcare organizations gain insight into their current IT environments so that they can identify assets, assess vulnerabilities and develop an effective patch management strategy.
