1. Avoid cyber vulnerabilities: Many cyberattacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. By regularly patching third-party applications, organizations can mitigate these risks and ensure the integrity of their systems.
2. Comply with laws and regulations standard: Compliance requirements often mandate the use of up-to-date software. Organizations that fail to maintain a secure software environment may face legal and regulatory consequences.
3. Strengthen cyber security: Patching third-party applications reduces the attack surface and strengthens the overall security posture of an organization.
4. Promote work productivity within an organization: When apps and softwares are up-to-date, it will help boost employee productivity and speed up daily operations.
5. Lower operational costs: Proper patch management can help lower the cost of device lifecycle management and repair. As businesses need to stay agile and support a dispersed workforce, remote device management tools with powerful patch management functions are necessary.
5 Tools for Third-Party Patch Management (Windows/Android/macOS)
Organizations rely on a diverse range of software applications to meet their business needs. As the number of software increases, the difficulty of updating, patching, and monitoring also increases. Moreover, the rampancy of cybercrime has forced businesses to take security patches seriously.
Third party software patch management is an ideal solution to take over repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
In this article, we will explore five top tools that streamline the process of patching third-party software across different operating systems such as Windows, Android, and macOS.
What is Third-Party Patch Management?
Third-party patch management refers to the process of identifying, testing, and deploying updates or patches for software applications developed by external vendors. These applications include popular software such as web browsers, productivity tools, media players, and more.
Third-party patch management is essential because vulnerabilities in outdated software can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems, steal sensitive data, or compromise the overall security of an organization's IT infrastructure.
Usually, organizations will use tools that offer centralized management, automated patch deployment, and vulnerability assessment features, to help enhance their security posture and reduce the risk of cyber threats.
5 Tools for Third-Party Patch Management
1 Patch My PC - for Windows
Patch My PC is a comprehensive third-party patch management tool for Windows environments. It can automatically deploy and update more than 900 applications for a wide range of applications, including browsers, productivity suites, and media players. Patch My PC offers users a simple and intuitive interface that allows IT admins to automate patching process, customize dispatch schedule, and conduct compatibility tests to ensure the update experience is seamless and does not interfere with the business hours.
Key Features
- Create SCCM and Intune Applications: Patch My PC will auto-create applications for the initial deployment of products in Microsoft SCCM and Intune. This way it helps save more deployment time for customers.
- Auto Update Applications: Users no need to deploy outdated apps manually anymore.
- Deploy using task sequences and or Collections: Use existing installation methods within SCCM such as task sequences or collections to speed up the overall deployment time.
Pricing & Plans
- Patch My PC offers free trial and 3 different pricing plans, starting at $2.0 per device per year:
- Enterprise at $2.00 per device per year.
- Intune Essentials at $3.25 per device per year.
- Enterprise Plus at $3.50 per device per year.
2 AirDroid Business - for Android
AirDroid Business Mobile Application Management allows IT admins to configure, deploy and manage business Android apps over-the-air with rich rollout options. It supports Google Play Store and enterprise app store solutions. Therefore, organizations can create their own app-library to manage and update in batches or staged rollout remotely. With AMS, organizations can automate patch deployment, schedule patching windows, and generate comprehensive reports on patch compliance.
Key Features of AMS & MAM
- Install/Uninstall Apps: You may deploy apps by device or in batches.
- Staged Rollouts: Use this feature to avoid complete device breakdown.
- Scheduled Release: Avoid running updates during business hours and impact operation flows.
- Force Installation: For unattended devices, you may run mandatory updates on them to ensure streamline operations.
- App Configuration: Create your app configuration for Google Play Store.
- Details Reporting for Patching Process: Understand the deployment status and check app usage across different devices.
- Automated Alerts Set-up: Get immediate notification when abnormal incidents occur and reduce device downtime.
Pricing & Plans
- You can publish one app for free. You can also update or replace it once a month. (Free times are counted separately for Private App Market and Managed Google Play Store):
- Basic plan: $12 per device per year.
- Standard: $21 per device per year.
- Enterprise: $33 per device per year.
3 Ivanti Patch for SCCM - for Windows
Ivanti Patch for SCCM is another patch management tool that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). It provides robust third-party patch management for Windows environments. The tool extends SCCM's capabilities to support patching for a wide range of third-party applications.
Key Features
- Native plug-in for Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM): Offers quick install to control all patches from configuration manager.
- Customized Patches: Flexible to change and modify patches according to your company’s policy.
- Simplified Reporting: Provides easy-to-read dashboard reports that helps streamline daily operations and reduce costs.
- Force Installation: For unattended devices, you may run mandatory updates on them to ensure streamline operations.
- Automated Workflows: Easily create automated workflows based on recommended updates and results.
- Third-party Software Catalog: Reduces risks for patch management process.
- Ivanti Patch for SCCM also provides vulnerability assessment features, enabling organizations to prioritize patches based on the severity of vulnerabilities and potential risks.
Pricing & Plans
- Ivanti standalone solutions are priced at $65 per server or $30 per workstation. The integrated solutions for Ivanti Patch for SCCM or Ivanti Patch for Endpoint Manager are content subscriptions starting at $9 per endpoint for perpetual or $5 per endpoint for subscription.
4 Munki - for macOS
Munki is another open-source patch management tool specifically designed for macOS environments. IT admins can use Munki to manage software installations, updates, and patches. Munki helps organizations streamline third-party app management and ensure they are all up-to-date and secure. With Munki, organizations can store software packages and deployments information securely and efficiently. Munki helps organizations streamline the management of third-party applications on macOS devices, ensuring they are up-to-date and secure.
Pricing: Free
5 GFI LanGuard - for Windows
GFI LanGuard provides a comprehensive vulnerability management and patching solution for Windows environments. It allows organizations to manage and maintain device endpoints across your network. It also supports vulnerability scanning, patch management, and network auditing capabilities in one single platform. You can even group your devices together to more efficient device management. Most conveniently, you can see everything from one comprehensive dashboard and export details reporting when needed.
Another powerful feature of GFI LanGuard is that it scans the network for vulnerabilities, identifies missing patches, and deploys patches automatically. This helps strengthen the cyber security of the organization’s IT system tremendously!
Pricing
- The starting price is $10 per year. However, with additional features added, it may start from $14/year or $26/year.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Third-Party Patch Management Tool
A comprehensive patch management tool should allow you to have a holistic view of what is going on with all of your application updates. Therefore when choosing the best patch management tool for you business, there are some major factors to consider:
Ease of use and simplicity of deployment
Considering that not only the tech-literated people will be using the patch management tool, the software you choose should be easy to install and use. It should have a user-friendly interface with smooth operations and clear documentation on every function. If it’s a desktop version, it should support both Windows and Linux. And if it’s a web version, it should support all prime browsers.
Impact on business performance
Business-wise speaking, a patch management tool should consume as little computing resources as possible. Yet at the same time, it shouldn’t diminish the performance of an organization’s business system. The tool should also minimize the network loading by setting a cap on the number of apps on devices that can be downloaded simultaneously.
Remote vs On-site
Based on your business operations, you may need to consider if you need to remotely install and update apps or not. Some patch management tools allow IT admins to run app updates from afar while some agent-based approaches need an agent to install the updates using the local system. Both have its pros and cons, but it’s always best to evaluate your business needs before making a decision.
Vendor support
The vendor of the patch management tool should provide through training and support on the product. There should be a dedicated technician assigned to your organizations to provide support when needed and reduce performance down time as well as avoid security breaches.
RMM tool integration
Patch management is usually another function included in remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools. More often, this combined solution can help your business resolve quick tech issues. The remote monitoring and management issues can also help enhance performance by reducing device down time. In addition, you can minimize your operational costs by purchasing one powerful tool.
Security of the patch management product
SInce patch management tools modify and install software on devices, this makes them an easy target for cyber attacks. Therefore, when choosing a patch management tool, it’s also important to understand how the data is being protected and whether the information is encrypted throughout the IT ecosystem.
Price
Last but not least is the pricing of each patch management tool. Price may vary based on its features, quality, support, and other factors. Therefore, always make sure to assess whether specific features are actually useful to your organization.
Third-Party Patch Management vs First-Party Patch Management vs Automated Patch Management
1) Third-party Patch Management
Third-party patch management is the process of installing patches to the apps that are installed on a device’s endpoint to detect bugs and security vulnerabilities. It is very crucial in preventing data breaches. However, third-party patch management tools don't usually have a specific schedule for patch releases. They only do this when a vulnerability or bug is detected.
2) First-Party Patch Management
First-party patch management refers to the process conducted by the software provider itself, such as using Windows Update for Business, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoints. First-patch management can further ensure all data is safely secured at every level of system infrastructures. The benefits include cost-efficiency and strengthened performance.
3) Automated Patch Management
Automated patch management, also known as automated patching, talks about the automation of the entire patch management process. From the initial system scanning, network detection, to testing the patches and deploying them in the system and the periodic updates. The advantages of automated patch management include streamlining the entire process within a shorter timeframe and bolster network security at the same time. For example, if a missing patch is detected in a device, the tool will be able to download the app when there’s network connection again.
Final Thoughts
Effective third-party patch management is critical for maintaining a secure IT environment and mitigating the risks associated with outdated software. The tools mentioned in this article offer centralized management, automated patch deployment, and vulnerability assessment features for a variety of operating systems such as Windows, Android, and macOS. By utilizing these tools, organizations can streamline their patch management processes, reduce vulnerabilities, and enhance their overall security posture. Implementing a robust third-party patch management solution is an essential step toward ensuring the integrity and security of an organization's software environment.
AirDroid Business is a powerful Android mobile device management tool that offers comprehensive patch management features to help organizations better keep track of all the apps and softwares. Get your 14-day free trial today!
FAQs
Why is third-party patch management important to enterpeises?
What are the challenges of third-party patch management?
1. Fragmented Patching Process: As third-party applications come from different vendors, IT admins may encounter some complications during the patch management process. This is because organizations need to track updates and consider different deployment procedures.
2. Patch Compatibility: It is critical for organizations to ensure that patches are compatible with existing software configurations in order to prevent conflicts or system instability. Testing the compatibility of patches across a range of operating systems and hardware configurations can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
3. Patch Prioritization: Organizations need to assess the criticality of each patch and decide the proper deployment schedule. This makes patch prioritization extremely important because potential impact on the system needs to be taken seriously when running the patching process.
4. Centralized Management: It is crucial to have a centralized management system. Without a central console, organizations could struggle to monitor and deploy patches consistently, resulting in patching gaps and potential vulnerabilities.
2. Patch Compatibility: It is critical for organizations to ensure that patches are compatible with existing software configurations in order to prevent conflicts or system instability. Testing the compatibility of patches across a range of operating systems and hardware configurations can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
3. Patch Prioritization: Organizations need to assess the criticality of each patch and decide the proper deployment schedule. This makes patch prioritization extremely important because potential impact on the system needs to be taken seriously when running the patching process.
4. Centralized Management: It is crucial to have a centralized management system. Without a central console, organizations could struggle to monitor and deploy patches consistently, resulting in patching gaps and potential vulnerabilities.
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