Keeping your business software up to date with the latest patches and updates is a critical part of managing your IT environment. Managed IT service providers typically take responsibility for this task, ensuring that your operating systems, applications, and security tools are regularly updated to protect your business from vulnerabilities and performance issues.
Why software updates and patches matter for Australian SMBs
Software updates often include fixes for security weaknesses that cybercriminals exploit to gain access to business networks. Without timely updates, your business risks data breaches, ransomware attacks, or system failures. These incidents can cause costly downtime, loss of sensitive customer or employee information, and damage to your reputation. For example, a small accounting firm in Melbourne might face compliance pressure to protect client data under privacy regulations; failing to patch software could leave them exposed to breaches and penalties.
A real-world scenario
Consider a 50-person retail business in Brisbane that uses several software tools for sales, inventory, and customer management. If their IT provider does not manage software updates proactively, an unpatched vulnerability in their point-of-sale system could be exploited, leading to data theft and system downtime during peak sales periods. A managed IT provider would regularly schedule and test updates during off-hours, reducing disruption and maintaining security, while also providing reports to the business owner to confirm the work is done.
Checklist: What to do about software updates and patches
- Ask your IT provider: How do you handle software updates and patch management? Do you have a regular schedule? How do you test updates before deployment?
- Review service agreements: Check if patch management is included as a standard service or offered as an add-on. Look for clear timelines and communication protocols.
- Internal checks: Identify critical software used in your business and confirm with your provider that these are covered by their update process.
- Backup verification: Ensure backups are performed before major updates to allow recovery if an update causes issues.
- Access controls: Confirm that only authorised IT staff can apply updates to prevent accidental or malicious changes.
- Incident response: Ask how your provider monitors for update-related problems and how quickly they respond to fix them.
Managing software updates and patches is a vital part of reducing your business's cybersecurity risks and maintaining smooth operations. If you're unsure about how your current IT setup handles this, it's a good idea to discuss patch management practices with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor who understands the needs of Australian small and mid-sized businesses.