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Why Speed Matters: The Urgency of Applying Critical Patches

By October 24, 2024360 Articles

In today’s fast-paced digital world, cybersecurity threats are more aggressive and sophisticated than ever. Did you know that 1 in 5 critical vulnerabilities were exploited within the 48 hours of their discovery according to the ASD Cyber Threat Report 2022-2023? This was despite patching or mitigation advice being available. Malicious cyber actors used these critical flaws to cause significant incidents and compromise networks, aided by inadequate patching. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for businesses to prioritise the application of critical patches.

Why the rush?

Attackers act fast, Cybercriminals monitor for newly disclosed vulnerabilities, and they waste no time in developing exploits. The first 48 hours are a critical window where businesses are most vulnerable. By applying patches quickly, you drastically reduce the attack surface and minimise the chances of a breach.

What can you do?

Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest security advisories and ensure your IT team is aware of newly released patches.

Automate where possible: Implement automated patch management tools that can quickly apply critical updates across your infrastructure.

Prioritize and act: Ensure that critical patches are at the top of your priority list and act within the first 48 hours to safeguard your business.

 

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Author Tori Morrissey

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