Every month, software vendors release dozens of security patches meant to protect your systems from newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Yet many businesses still treat these security updates as optional; something to do "when we have time" or during the next scheduled maintenance window.
This mindset is not just outdated; it can be potentially dangerous. Delaying security updates increases your risk of being hacked. In fact, skipping even one critical update can create a gap in your defences that cybercriminals can exploit.
At Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS), we manage updates for thousands of endpoints across different industries. Our work has shown that companies who apply updates quickly stay safer, maintain trust with customers, and run more smoothly.
Those that delay? They risk data breaches, system downtime, non-compliance fines, and more.
Let’s look at why timely updates are critical, and what can happen if you put them off.
The Hidden Urgency Behind Every Security Update
When Microsoft rolls out “Patch Tuesday” updates or your firewall provider issues a hotfix, there’s always a reason. These sometimes include critical updates that resolve a security flaw that could be used by attackers to access your systems. Without them, cybercriminals can easily steal your data or take control of your network. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize security patches.
“You want to patch for security reasons, definitely,” says Francois Goosen, Centralized Services Lead at ITS. “Leaving systems unpatched means you are giving attackers the opportunity to get right into the heart of your business.”
Attackers are getting faster. The time it takes between the discovery of a vulnerability and the launch of an attack keeps shrinking. Where hackers used to take months to exploit new flaws, now they need only days, or even hours.
Cybercriminals actively monitor update releases and patch notes. They use this information to identify vulnerabilities and immediately begin scanning the internet for unpatched systems.
In short, every unpatched security vulnerability is an open door, and the longer it stays open, the greater the risk.
The Real Cost of "We'll Get to It Later"
Delaying security updates creates a compounding risk that grows more expensive over time. What starts as a manageable patch deployment can quickly escalate into a business-threatening security incident. "The longer you wait, the longer you will have that issue. That window is all an attacker needs to get in," Francois warns.
Here are the four main risks of delaying security updates:
1. Increased Exposure to Cyberattacks
Unpatched systems are a prime target for attackers. Criminals use automated tools to scan for systems with known vulnerabilities, often gaining access within minutes once they find an opening.
2. Regulatory Non-Compliance
If your business operates in a regulated industry, such as healthcare, finance, or government contracting, skipping updates can violate compliance requirements like HIPAA, PCI DSS, or CMMC. Non-compliance can lead to heavy fines and reputational damage.
3. Operational Downtime
A successful attack can shut down your systems for days or weeks. Downtime impacts productivity, customer service, and revenue.
4. Data Breaches and Loss
Cybercriminals can steal sensitive customer and business data from unpatched systems. This can lead to lawsuits, lost contracts, and long-term damage to your brand.
The Strategic Value of Proactive Patching
Timely updates do more than reduce risk, they add value to your business. Companies with strong update habits improve productivity, gain trust with customers, show maturity to stakeholders, and become more agile in adopting new technologies.
Here are some benefits:
- Client Trust: Clients are more willing to work with companies that show strong cybersecurity practices.
- Faster Innovation: With current systems, you can integrate new tools and services more easily without worrying about compatibility issues.
- Cyber Insurance: Many insurers now require proof of active patch management. Companies that fall behind may face higher premiums or lose coverage.
Building an Effective Update Strategy
Successful security update programs balance urgency with operational stability. Critical security patches require rapid deployment, often outside normal maintenance windows, while routine updates can follow standard schedules. Here are the five best practices to keep your environment up-to-date:
1. Establish a Patch Management Program
Create a clear process for identifying, testing, and applying updates across your entire environment.
2. Automate Where Possible
Use automated tools to deploy patches quickly and consistently, especially for remote devices.
3. Prioritize Critical Updates
Not all updates are equal. Apply critical security patches as soon as they are available, and schedule less urgent updates regularly.
4. Monitor for Vulnerabilities
Continuous monitoring helps you identify systems that missed updates or are running outdated software.
5. Partner with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)
An MSSP like ITS can handle patch management at scale, ensuring every system is updated promptly and correctly.
Making Security Updates a Business Priority
Effective security update programs require support from business leadership, not just IT departments. When executives understand the risk of delayed patches and the cost of compromise, they're more likely to allocate resources for proactive maintenance.
Regular reporting on patch deployment helps demonstrate the value of security updates to business stakeholders. Metrics like the number of critical vulnerabilities addressed, time to deployment, and systems coverage show the ongoing effort required to maintain security.
Integration with business planning ensures that security updates receive appropriate priority alongside other operational needs. This includes budgeting for patch management tools, testing infrastructure, and staff time required for effective deployment.
Need Help Keeping Up with Security Updates?
Security updates aren’t just some unnecessary IT task, they’re essential to keeping your business safe. Delaying them gives attackers more time to find and exploit your systems. And while managing updates may seem costly, it’s nothing compared to the damage of a preventable cyberattack.
“You don’t want to learn the cost of an update the hard way,” Francois warns. “Being proactive is always cheaper than recovering from a breach.”
At ITS, we know how quickly threats evolve and how essential proactive security is to long-term business success. We’ve helped companies across industries stay protected by patching tens of thousands of devices every month. We stay ahead of vulnerabilities so our clients don’t have to deal with costly incidents after the fact.
Protect your business before attackers have a chance. Schedule a free cybersecurity consultation with our experts and find out where your systems need attention. If you want to learn more about patch management, check out the following resources:
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