In some cases, running the latest updates may not necessarily mean that you’re automatically protected from data breaches and data vulnerabilities associated with a specific patch. In recent weeks, a number of security experts have identified two major vulnerabilities found in many modern processors that can exploit access to memory that should remain private, ultimately allowing them to steal your business data (think credentials, email and sensitive data).
Microsoft has already released a patch to mitigate effects of these two vulnerabilities—and many hardware manufacturers are starting to follow suit by rolling out firmware updates to address their security flaws related to processor vulnerabilities. The big problem with these security issues is that they are difficult to completely fix and it can be difficult to tell if your computer has been completely protected against attacks directed at these security issues.
In fact, while running and applying updates is certainly helpful for most exploits on your network, the reality is that simply applying the latest updates might not necessarily mean you are automatically protected.
What many IT Support teams fail to realize is that patching requires testing. [Note: for Dynamic Edge clients, we fully test patches to make sure they work in your business environments—this is critical to make sure you are not only secure but also constantly functioning as we update and maintain your security].
One part of testing your network security is to use scripts that check to see if your computers are vulnerable to an attack. This is one of the ways we (and other security expert teams) are responding to lingering security issues related to some of the latest updates meant to addressing chip vulnerabilities.
But the problem with most IT Support teams? They simply aren’t paying attention to the details and are assuming your network is safe after clicking to install the latest patches. The problem with this mentality is it is too automatic—too mechanical—to really make sure networks are secure.
And to make matters even more complicated, we’re slated for another wave of updates soon to address a whole slew of vulnerabilities. Updates that will require testing before anyone could affirm your business security and continuity.
What is the biggest problem with all of these updates?
While Microsoft and other software companies are diligently working round the clock to get solutions pushed to address vulnerabilities like the ones we’re seeing in 2018, they are more concerned with getting something produced and less focused on ensuring that the patches don’t have other flaws or completely address the needed patch in every single environment.
We test patches and updates before putting them into production—you’d never imagine how many vulnerabilities are left behind in a bread crumb trail after many IT teams apply patches. When patches are applied but not tested, you would be surprised how often new doors are opened to cyberattacks.
Have you been applying patches, but not sure if you’re keeping your network secure? Are those patches applied correctly? Are you concerned about your network security and want a second opinion just to find out if your security is working? Contact Us TODAY for a free network security assessment.
