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Patch Tuesday
(or is it Thursday?)
for the Mainframe
Every second Tuesday, technology giants like Microsoft, Adobe and Oracle release critical software updates to address vulnerabilities. This routine, dubbed "Patch Tuesday," is essential for maintaining system security. While most updates are deployed on this schedule, urgent patches may be released outside this timeframe, known as "out-of-band" updates. For Windows users, updates typically become available via Windows Update (WU) around 10:00 a.m. PT. To stay informed, users can refer to the Security Update Guide for detailed patch information. It's important to note that updates often appear in the Microsoft Download Center before being integrated into WU.
So, who cares about Patch Tuesday? HIPAA, NIST, PCI and SOX are just four of the major regulatory compliance standards that are designed to protect sensitive information and ensure the security and privacy of data through the application of patches. These compliance standards serve as the baseline for establishing strong security frameworks that protect personal, financial, healthcare and other types of information and data. Organizations with a resilient cybersecurity framework have security controls that prevent data breaches, close data leaks and mitigate cyber threats. This will generally include vendor risk management, continuous security monitoring and attack surface management.
Automation: A Cautionary Tale
The idea of automated patch management is undeniably enticing, offering the potential to streamline IT operations and enhance security posture. However, the reality is more complex. While automation can expedite the deployment of critical patches, it also carries inherent risks. Without intense testing and validation processes, organizations may unintentionally introduce vulnerabilities or disrupt critical systems.
A recent, widespread outage emphasized the potential pitfalls of automated software updates. On July 18 and 19, 2024, a faulty patch from CrowdStrike (Microsoft) triggered a wave of "blue screen of death" (BSOD) errors across the globe. The security software—designed to protect computers from threats—ironically became the enemy, incapacitating systems worldwide. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous testing before widespread patch deployment.
It is essential to find a balance between automation and human interaction. While automation can handle routine patches, high-risk updates often require manual intervention and thorough testing. By carefully considering the specific needs of an organization and implementing strong controls, businesses can leverage the benefits of automated patch management while mitigating its potential weaknesses. Ultimately, a hybrid approach that combines automation with human expertise is likely to yield the best results.
“It is essential to find a balance between automation and human interaction. While automation can handle routine patches, high-risk updates often require manual intervention and thorough testing.”
Why Bother Staying Current?
Mainframe vulnerabilities, arising from factors such as hardware, software and security configurations, pose a significant threat to businesses. A single exploited vulnerability can grant hackers unrestricted access to sensitive data, applications and users, potentially leading to catastrophic financial and reputational consequences. The average global cost of a breach is a staggering $3.86 million. Moreover, the integrity of the entire mainframe is at risk as security systems rely on its stability. Given these stakes, staying current on mainframe vulnerabilities is paramount for protecting critical assets and maintaining a stable business flow. Following these regulatory mandates is not merely a compliance exercise but a strategic necessity. By prioritizing an updated system, organizations demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding sensitive information, mitigating financial risks and enhancing operational resilience.
How Vanguard Can Help
Vanguard Integrity Professionals is a leader in cybersecurity, founded in 1986 with a mission to protect critical applications and data. As the leading independent provider of enterprise security software, Vanguard has been helping organizations navigate complex security challenges and meet stringent regulatory requirements for decades.
Vanguard’s expertise extends beyond traditional security measures which includes several patch management solutions. We understand that timely and effective patch management is essential for mitigating vulnerabilities and protecting your systems against emerging threats. Our innovative patch management tools and services streamline the process, ensuring that your systems are always up to date and protected.
Vanguard’s Mainframe Software Delivery System (MSDS) will improve operational efficiency through release management, version control, change control, audit trails and automation. Using MSDS, organizations can streamline the patch deployment process, reduce the risk of errors and ensure compliance with industry standards. With the features listed above, Vanguard’s solution offers transparency and accountability, making it easier to demonstrate compliance and track the effectiveness of patch management efforts.
Another patch management tool, Vanguard Aggregation and Delivery (VAD), allows for centralized software and configuration delivery. VAD's integration with Vanguard’s Governance, Risk Management and Compliance (GRC) Suite and Vanguard Compliance Manager (VCM) provides a comprehensive view of security posture through aggregated results, ensuring compliance with regional data privacy regulations. With VAD, organizations can streamline patch management processes, gain valuable insights and maintain a strong security stance.
Along with the tools mentioned above, Vanguard also offers a vast number of services including Professional & Managed Services/Subject Matter Experts (MS/ SMEs) on Demand. Vanguard’s SMEs are the most qualified professionals in the industry today and have decades of hands-on experience and continuous in-house training on all z/OS external security managers (ESMs), including RACF, ACF2 and Top Secret (TSS). The SMEs provide services like security assessments, remediation services, penetration testing and more.
Enhance Your Patch Management
Today's complex cybersecurity landscape, effective patch management is critical. By staying current with updates, organizations can mitigate vulnerabilities and protect their critical systems. However, the process requires a delicate balance between automation and manual oversight.
Vanguard's comprehensive security solutions offer a strong approach to patch management. Vanguard’s team of experts combined with innovative tools can empower your organization to streamline patch deployment, ensure patch integrity, demonstrate compliance and ultimately safeguard your critical systems against emerging threats.
Choose Vanguard as your partner in securing your mainframe environment.
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