Most of you must have heard the story of David and Goliath-the 9 feet tall giant Philistine warrior –‘Goliath’ who was killed by a young Israelite shepherd boy –‘David’ in combat. David had only a slingshot as a weapon but was able to defeat Goliath because he stroked at the right place-Goliath’s forehead, his most vulnerable part.
Same is true with the bugs and cyber threats. The irony is that I am referring to the 'bugs' as David and the whole IT system of an organization as 'Goliath.' A small malware or a loophole in the system can crash the entire system if the malware hits the right spot of vulnerability in the system. To safeguard our IT systems against this, we require an effective patch management system that can quickly detect and fix the security vulnerabilities.
What is Patch Management?
The extreme threat of hacking activities and malicious cyber attacks necessitates companies to deploy patches effectively and frequently. Network security requires consistent efforts, so vendors regularly release various types of patches like hotfixes, roll-ups, service packs to keep the system updated. IT administrators install these patches to stay abreast with the latest security requirements. This is Patch Management. Patching is a process of installing software patches to address security concerns and vulnerable spots in the software system.
Why is Patch Management critical?
Companies can lose a lot of money due to incessant cyber-attacks and malicious software bugs. The slowdown of servers hampers productivity, and any loss of data can be costly for your business. Therefore, it is essential to find the patches and fix them on time for ensuring the safety of the IT system which makes Patch management an integral part of the IT maintenance system.
Effective Patch management handling is very significant to maintain the stability of IT infrastructure. Even Microsoft corporation releases Windows updates on every second Tuesday of the month called Patch Tuesday. Patch management is a continuous process which requires a regular application. This complex process necessitates the IT managers to use patch management software that can automatically fix patches and install updated codes for them.
What is Patch Management Software?
The Patch management software automates patch management for multiple endpoints. It installs patches to any device, and to anywhere for addressing security concerns, cyber threats, and vulnerable spots in the software system. It manages scanning, validating, deploying, and reporting of the patch codes.
Recent research testifies that even large companies have unprotected data and poor patch management practices, making them vulnerable to data loss. According to a research study, 84% of business leaders reported at least one cyber breach within the last 12 months. IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023 also stated that the average total cost of a data breach is $4.45 million. Research suggests that most businesses take up to 212 days to notice a data breach without a proper IT security system or patch manager in place.
With the knowledge of the patch management process and the help of best software tools, IT professionals can provide a vulnerability free system to their organizations.
Evolution of Patch Management Software:
Patching solutions have evolved significantly with time. Patch management was never required the way it is today. Earlier, for Windows-based systems, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) was the endpoint for all patch related solutions. Many IT managers still argue that there is no need for patch management software as the WSUS API environment is sufficient and safe for patch fixation. Their argument depicts patch management software as a redundant product. This is not true in the present context.
Organizations are not the same today as they used to be in the past. The complexities with which the present organizations work, makes WSUS a way too simplistic tool to handle the complex functionalities of IT systems. The cloud-based environments of today’s companies need customized patching solutions. They cannot rely solely on WSUS. Thus, the Patch management software came into existence to address these concerns.
Patch management software solved the issues that Windows WSUS failed to address or had limited capability of managing, such as failed windows updates, patches in the mixed OS environment, the limited ability of WSUS to patch third-party applications and the lack of reporting.
Features of Patch Management Software
1. Ability to scrutinize the System
The ability to scrutinize the whole system for threats and vulnerabilities is the first feature that one should look before finalizing the right patch management software for one’s purpose.
2. Diagnostic capabilities:
The patch management software should be able to diagnose the security glitch in the software correctly so that the glitch can be eliminated with a proper response. The patch management software should have a bird's eye view to identify the software flaws and should not miss anything. It should possess exhaustive search capabilities for seeking out the vulnerabilities.
3. Reporting
It should also have the capacity to generate accurate and high-quality reports on all security parameters and patching requirements.
4. Automated code installing:
It should install the patches automatically without the need for manual setup.
5. Prioritizing updates:
As soon as any communiqué regarding a potential threat is received by IT professionals, they start the assessment regarding the nature of the patch required. Categorizing patches according to the level of threat and urgency of fixation is critical for sound patch management. Some updates need immediate attention, and a few can wait for sometime before getting patched. The patch management software should be able to figure out the difference between the two, and based on it should sequence the updates.
6. Remote monitoring and patch fixation
Fixing patches on client computers individually is an arduous and inefficient process. Remote monitoring is a more scalable and optimal idea when it comes to patch fixation.
7. Testing and validating
If not handled efficiently, patch fixation may create other software related issues. Testing the patch on a small segment of software before applying to all systems is necessary. After installing the patch, it would be prudent to check all other system applications for their proper functionality. One should ensure that the patch does not cause any harm or change to other software.
Before we move onto the information about the 9 best free and open source patch management software, let us get to see the most popular patch management tool - SuperOps, as given below -
SuperOps
Among the top patch management tools, SuperOps deserves special mention as a powerful tool to easily manage IT endpoints. It allows users to acquire a comprehensive view of software updates, configure policies to automate patch deployment, schedule patch scan discovery, deploy approved patches, identify missing patches, track new releases, set severity and category-based reboot options, create reusable policies and do much more to simplify the patch management process. Features such as granular scheduling, flexible reboots and proactive compliance greatly benefit the users by reducing the approval waiting times, improving device uptime, and achieving optimum performance in the patch management process.
(Source: SuperOps)
Features
- Criticality-based patch scheduling and prioritization
- Patch testing for better stability and security
- Auto-approved security patch update
- Policy-based automated patch deployment
- Multiple patch filters including title, approval status, asset, client, etc.
- Single-click actionable reports to approve, install or reject patches with a click
- Asset-wise compliance reports
- Sort, filter and deploy bulk updates
- Cross-platform patch management
- GDPR and HIPAA compliant
- Custom task creation and automation
- Webroot and Bit
- Defender integrations for better security
- AI alerts and notifications
- Splashtop integration for remote viewing
Here is the comparison table for the 9 best free and open source patch management software as follows;
9 Best Free and open source Patch Management Software
- Local Update Publisher
- ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
- PDQ Deploy
- Itarian
- SysWard
- Pulseway
- Action1
- SolarWinds
- Ivanti
1. Local Update Publisher
Local Update Publisher is a free and open source patch management software that lets users easily solve their IT-related security issues. Local Update Publisher creates software packages, publishes them to WSUS, approves them, and monitors installation results. It can handle intricate patches and distribute updates.
Features
- It is a free addition to the Windows Software Update Services
- Pushes updates of the latest versions of Firefox, Chrome, and Adobe
- Creating and deploying updates to targeted groups is simple
- Works within the structure of WSUS API.
- Easier to use than SCCM
- Minimal system requirements
- Provides capabilities of SCCM to SMBs
- Installs 3rd party updates with ease
- Ability to prevent automatically approval rules
- Improved return codes handling
- Multi-lingual
(Source-Local Update Publisher)
2. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is a top patch management software that helps keep your computers updated and running smoothly without any technical breakdowns. It offers automated patch deployment for different operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS. This free patch management software is available as on-premise and cloud versions making it a perfect choice for both large enterprises and small & medium enterprises. This highly sophisticated free patch management tool is capable of scanning, validating, deploying, and reporting all types of patches required to ensure optimal security of the IT system.
Features
- Automates the entire patch management process that includes scanning, assessment, deployment, testing and reporting.
- Enables performing cross-platform patch management processes including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Capable of managing and deploying patches to more than 850 other external applications like Java, Adobe WinRAR, and many more.
- Allows customizing patch deployment policies easily to fit your specific business needs.
- The free version can accommodate 25 devices.
- Option to revoke the decline list is available.
- Facility to check the compliance level for patch management across all connected system devices.
- Report any device that is left out during patch deployment and is a vulnerable spot for external threats.
- Easily generate detailed reports about deployed patches and systems requiring reboot.
- Provides remote patch management services for also work-from-home setups.
- Scheduled/on-demand remote shutdown
- Pre-built, tested and ready-to-deploy packages
(Source: ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus)
3. PDQ Deploy
PDQ Deploy is a free patch management software used by over 200 thousand entities with as many as 23000 paid subscriptions. Whether it is a custom software or critical Windows update, patches of all types can be instantly deployed and automated through this tool. In its free version, PDQ Deploy offers patch management tools that allow the deployment of patches from over 200 applications, customized multi-step deployments, remote patching, community support, and many more. The paid version fetches more features than the free one. Globally popular institutions, such as Nasa, HBO, BMW, Coca-Cola, etc., use this tool to effectively manage their cybersecurity and patch management.
Features
- All software updates in the package library of PDQ Deploy get automatically downloaded and scheduled for deployment
- It can queue the failed patches due to offline networks, to deploy automatically when network resumes
- Its nested package feature allows users to deploy multiple applications with a single click
- Scheduling and prioritizing of patches are allowed
- Its inventory scan option lets you see the latest available upgrades
- Post-deployment confirmation emails
- Centralized deployment history and packages
- Strong password and in-transit data encryption
- Detailed reporting and insights on patch compliance and system health
(Source: PDQ)
4. Itarian
Itarian is an open source patch management software that assists in managing patches, eradicating security flaws, and addressing bugs in the software system. It comes embedded with regular patching cycles and various other security enhancement features to reduce downtime and promote continuity. The tool is an all-in-one system to manage different IT needs, such as ticketing, remote monitoring and management, mobile device management, endpoint security, etc., from one place.
Features
- It detects vulnerabilities and security breaches in the computer system
- It allows users to frame policies to automatically apply patches to the denoted computer groups at scheduled times
- This open source patch management software remotely deploys operating system updates for Windows and Linux machines
- Users can see the patch reports on the dashboard
- Their update monitoring team identifies the critical updates for your software system by closely watching all updates by the patch intelligence sources
- Prioritizing and scheduling options are available
- It notifies users of any failed patches or failed system deployments
- Maintains patch compliance in the entire enterprise
- It builds its own deployment packages
- Real-time monitoring with intuitive dashboards
- AI-based risk prediction and mitigation
(Source: Itarian)
5. SysWard
SysWard is a free and open-source patch management software with advanced patching abilities to keep your system updated with the latest patches. This patch manager tool can be used for patching Amazon Linux, CentOS, Debian, RedHat, Rocky Linux, SUSE & OpenSUSE, Ubuntu and many more systems. SysWard is popularly used as a Linux patch management tool owing to the specifications such as ARM64, ARMv6 and ARMv7 architecture compatibility, in depth patch reporting, CVE vulnerability alerting and community-driven enhancements. It comes with an easy-to-use interface, dashboard and simplified 1 line installation, searchable system inventory and many more features to simplify patch management process.
Features
- Patch activity tracking and history
- Audit trails of package installations
- Controlled patching via groups
- Agent listing for a complete view of agents and system status
- Patch scheduling for user convenience
- Email alerts whenever new patches/vulnerabilities are available
- Integrated professional support for Amazon Linux
- Fully automated patch management and deployment
- Global package overviews for all systems
(Source: SysWard)
6. Pulseway
Pulseway is a simple, user-intuitive, and easy to use free Patch Management Software that ensures that your system is kept patched all times at all levels. It handles all endpoints meticulously with patch compliance across the whole system. The robust IT and cyber security features of this software are great to keep your systems and devices patched and secured 24*7.
Features
- Pulseway’s functions are synchronized with your mobile device. So, whenever a new update is available in the Windows Server Update Services module, the user can review the same and approve it for deployment.
- Its free version is for two desktops.
- Third-party patch management is available.
- As it is an RMM tool, it has other features apart from patch management.
- Automated OS and third-party patching
- Easily create and schedule policies
- Attractive dashboard to visualize patching status
- Supports patching for more than 220 applications
(Source: Pulseway)
7. Action1
Action1 is a cloud-based free patch management software that scans all the IT work units in real-time to find out the vulnerable zones and security glitches. The software provides effective patch management and third party patching functionalities to secure the IT infrastructure of its clients from data leakages and other cyber threats. It can generate a detailed report about the updates required, software upgrades needed, and security patches missing from the system.
Features
- It provides all necessary information regarding the nature and installation details of all installed upgrades and repairs.
- It lets users see all the security lapses in the system and missing critical updates.
- It allows restarting all computer systems simultaneously with remote reboot request messages.
- IT managers can remotely force install codes, deploy patches, and configure windows updates.
- Real-time assessment of missing patches
- Patching without VPN
- Patch offline devices as soon as they come online
- Automate threat detection and remediation
- Bandwidth-efficient P2P patch distribution
- SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certified for security
- Private patch repository of pre-built and ready-to-deploy patches
(Source: Action1)
8. SolarWinds
One of the most popular patch management software, Solar winds, is widely used by corporations and is one of the favorites of IT managers. It helps them simplify the entire patch management process, saving their time and money.
Features
- Automated patch management
- Microsoft WSUS patch management
- Allows user to control the whole patch management process
- Its powerful integration with Microsoft's SCCM makes it easy to manage a large number of computers.
- Its patching status report dashboard lets the user see all fixed patches, pending installations, and summary of patches done till now.
- The patch fixation requirements shown in windows WSUS can be fixed using the Solar winds patch manager.
- It provides more features than any other software for third party patch management.
- Prebuilt/pretested packages
- Robust remote software deployment tool
- Virtual patching for endpoint security
- Patch scheduling and reporting
(Source: SolarWinds)
9. Ivanti
Ivanti is a patch management software that supports IT to protect their organizations from today's sophisticated attacks. It protects your workstations by detecting and solving patches for OS and third-party app vulnerabilities. This patching tool has a free trial.
Features
- Updates critically important apps like Java and Google Chrome.
- Patch for SCCM
- It allows managing, sync, and deploying all critical patch information using SCCM.
- It manages patches for multiple applications automatically.
- Ivanti Patch for Linux, UNIX, Mac detects vulnerabilities from endpoint to data center.
- It deploys pre-tested patches automatically.
- Users can create policies for patching to keep the system safe from the servers to the endpoints.
- It is designed to comply with security standards such as PCI and HIPAA/HITECH
- Real-time dashboard reporting of patches missing, deployed, tested, and approved.
(Source: Ivanti)
After going through 9 best free and open-source patch management software, if you are looking for premium patching tools with robust security measures, then here are some leading solutions that you can use to meet your patch management needs.
List of Top Patch Management Software Commonly Used
NinjaOne
Founded in 2013, NinjaOne is a reliable patch management software suite trusted by 17,000+ customers in 80+ countries. This patching tool can securely manage all your business endpoints and distributed workforce thereby cutting cost, and reducing vulnerabilities. With features like real-time monitoring and alerts, secure remote access, auto-remediation, endpoint task automation, form-based script deployment, etc., MSPs and IT departments can rapidly detect and resolve cyberattacks and data breaches. This powerful patch manager also offers robust automation features, preemptive patch approval, reboot management, an intuitive dashboard, etc., to remotely identify, evaluate, and deploy patches in less time with fewer risks involved. It is available for a free trial of 14 days.
Kaseya
Since 2000, Kaseya has been a leading name in serving comprehensive IT management solutions to simplify IT operations ranging from endpoint management to MSP enablement. It is a powerful patch management tool for managing all digital endpoints whether IoT, mobile, VMS or any other system. Features like automated patch management, secure endpoint management, comprehensive alerts, omni network monitoring, asset management, mobile device management, etc., makes it a perfect fit for businesses desiring proactive approach to IT service delivery. Kaseya also offers integrated AV, AM, EDR and managed SOC features to strengthen its threat detection capabilities. The tool is available for a 14 day free trial to test all the included features.
SecPod SanerNow
Launched in 2008, and based in USA and India, Security Podium (SecPod) SanerNow is an intelligent patch management software that enables users to easily visualize, normalize, detect, prioritize, remediate, and mitigate cyber vulnerabilities in a few minutes. Businesses and IT departments of all sizes can use this automated solution to patch their Linux, Windows, macOS, and around 500+ other third-party business applications. Features like sandbox patch testing, perimeter-less patching, risk-based prioritization, effortless patch rollback, continuous patch scans, etc., make it an ideal tool for remote patching.
Syxsense Manage
Trusted by businesses across the world, Syxsense Manage is an intuitive and unified patch management software with complete visibility and control on a real-time basis. It is a great fit for IT leaders, MSPs, MSSPs, and security executives owing to features like Syxsense Advanced Discovery Technology, customized dashboards, enhanced patch prioritization, automated vulnerability management, CVSS score, and NIST database sync. Features like zero trust, compliance reporting, remote control, inventory history, audit logs, active directory integration, maintenance windows and remediation also help businesses efficiently manage digital endpoints and devices.
Industry-Wise List Of Top Patch Management Software
Patch Management Software for the Finance Industry
Nowadays when the majority of the business transactions take place online, the finance industry has also digitized their operations to ensure better transparency and traceability in the financial transactions and data, but this facility has been alarmingly a prime target for hackers and cyberattackers. Leaving anything unpatched can cost significant losses to financial institutions ranging from small firms to large banks. Use below-mentioned patch management software that offers unique features such as vulnerability detection, automated notifications, remote patching, real-time analytics, zero-infrastructure, etc., to ensure security and protection of all devices, systems and data.
Automox
Automox is a leading cloud-native patching software for easy cross-platform patching and automation. Finance professionals can use this tech-driven AI tool for intelligent automation, remote patch deployment, vulnerability remediation, centralized endpoint automation, device segmentation and many more functions to simplify their patch management process. Additionally, this software can detect, package and deploy patch updates for around 500+ third party business apps including Linux, Windows and macOS patching. The software also features zero-infrastructure, custom task automation, role-based access control and complete visibility for all around protection of financial assets and data. The premium packages of this platform starts from $1 per month billed annually.
Nanitor
Nanitor is an asset-centric patch management software with advanced remediation guidance, compliance reporting, health scoring, and asset inventory capabilities. Banks and financial institutions of all types and sizes can use this software to efficiently perform critical security functions such as risk based prioritization, automated monitoring, PCI compliance, systematic gaps closing, unknown vulnerabilities patching, etc. This software also offers a dynamic patch status report filter, the Nanitor Discovery Engine, a PII endpoint scanner, a consolidated view of security issues, etc., to get a complete view of the organizational health.
FileWave
When it comes to secure patch managers for the finance industry, FileWave is a popular name. This patch management tool reduces the chances of cyberattacks, improves productivity, reduces downtime and keeps all systems patched and secure. This software is suitable for financial institutions of all sizes due to specifications like high scalability, multi-platform support, security management, compliance and audit readiness, remote support, mobile application management, and enterprise mobility management. Customized reporting, dynamically generated groups, facility to pre-approve user downloads, content distribution management, license management, and remote data wipe are some other unique features that the finance industry can leverage.
Patch Management Software for the Manufacturing Industry
As Industry 4.0 is becoming mainstream, the number of digital endpoints for manufacturing facilities is rapidly growing, posing new challenges in their efficient management and deployment. Besides management and deployment, challenges associated with closing system vulnerabilities, enhancing system stability, complying with industry standards, and preventing operational disruptions are also becoming common, which can only be eliminated through a patch management tool. Manufacturers can use the following patch managers that can improve their production efficiency, supply chain visibility, equipment reliability, and risk mitigation capabilities for better production as follows;
REPLIL IPM
REPLIL IPM is an AI-based industrial patch management solution that manages patching for all critical infrastructure ranging from large-scale manufacturing plants to small warehouses. This centralized patch management solution can be used by IT departments of all types of manufacturers to minimize patch deployment time, quickly validate and approve patches, monitor patches in real-time, centralize posture validity, manage multi-vendor environments, and automate sandboxing and testing. Among other features, the notable ones are advanced analytical dashboards and customized reporting that manufacturers can use to easily track the status of key industrial patches.
KACE
Protecting network connected devices is a high priority for the manufacturing firms and KACE is a reliable patch management software with advanced capabilities to help manufacturing firms become cyber resilience and agile against network-based threats. It is a great tool to minimize operational downtime, avoid supply chain disruptions and protect all manufacturing endpoints. Moreover, manufacturers can easily identify and prioritize active directory attack paths, monitor network security, pinpoint vulnerabilities, automate patching, detect suspicious activities and accelerate Active Directory disaster recovery for better cyber security and protection against breaches.
ZENworks Endpoint Software Patch Management
Another top-notch industrial patch management solution is ZENworks Endpoint Software Patch Management. It is a multi-platform software patching tool that manufacturers of all sizes can use for automated maintenance patching, on-demand threat remediation, custom patching policies and compliances, customized dashboards, etc. ZENworks Endpoint Software Patch Management is an optimal choice for businesses looking to optimize their supply chain, mitigate cyber risks, and meet dynamically changing legal compliances and requirements.
Patch Management Software for the Healthcare Industry
Digital technologies and systems are also disrupting the healthcare industry and helping medical professionals provide greater care and treatment to patients while keeping the workload under control. While the majority of the departments benefit from these digital tools and solutions, the burden of the IT department increases in ensuring patient data sensitivity, continuous functioning of IT infrastructure, compliance with regulation, and securing the hardware and software assets. Here are some leading patch management software that healthcare institutions of all sizes can use to simplify and automate their patch management process as follows;
Patchworx
Patchworx is a mature patch management tool. It comes with exquisite capabilities such as 24*7 network operations center, custom support, comprehensive endpoint management, smoke testing, etc., that helps healthcare professionals easily ensure data integrity and security. Surgery centers, hospitals, medical groups, clinics, etc., can use this tool to easily patch and manage multiple servers, devices and machines. The software also assists in compliance assurance, advanced hardware and software inventory management, automated policy and task enforcement, remote patching, customized remediation environments, etc., to ensure seamless healthcare operations and functions.
Motadata ServiceOps
Motadata ServiceOps is a performance-driven, AI-backed, and intelligent IT management software with strong patch management capabilities and features designed for healthcare institutions of all sizes and types. It offers centralized endpoint management, automated endpoint scanning, advanced endpoint assessment, automated approval process, enhanced visibility in patch compliance & status, rollback patch updates, and many more features to keep your medical systems and data secure and updated. Besides these features, real-time alerting, intuitive dashboards, ML-powered analytics, network automation, etc., are also some unique specifications of this software.
Application Manager
Another tool that made it to the list of top patch managers is Application Manager, a premium software to easily manage different endpoints, application packaging and deployment and MSP support from one centralized location. Healthcare organizations ranging from big hospitals to small clinics can benefit from this IT solution to manage the entire application lifecycle, patch 2,500+ applications and automate patch management, approval and deployment tasks. Deployment scheduling, application support, push notifications, web-based management, email alerts, maintenance windows and application testing are some other notable features of this system that healthcare professionals can benefit from.
Conclusion:
The ever-increasing rate of cybercrimes, data theft, ransomware, malware, and phishing is the compelling factor that IT managers have to go the extra mile to ensure the safety of their IT infrastructure. With cyber-criminals finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in the IT system, IT managers have to be extra vigilant and proactive to corner these cyber threats. One cannot wait for the ‘zero-day' attack to happen to initiate action.
A preventive measure is required to deal with cyber-security concerns. There is a need for the system administrators to monitor, control, and manage the patch systematically and methodically. A time-bound and responsive patch management system can safeguard the businesses against time, cost, and data losses.
Though the vendors provide patch services and updates but still third party patch management software is the need of the hour to create a full-proof cyber security system.
The vendors have their own limitations in realizing updates, patch codes, and security reports, which makes third-party patch management software indispensable for the IT system administrator. With the advent of technologies like virtual patching, IT managers have gained more control over their patch management system. A virtual patch prevents any malicious software from entering the system by monitoring the system traffic. It acts as a firewall until IT managers test, install, and validate the new patch codes. The future of patch management lies in the hands of the proactive companies that will invest in technological upgrades and consistently monitor their IT infrastructure for any perceived threats. Forecasting the vulnerabilities and acting swiftly for redressals with the patch management tool in their hands, will keep companies guarded from malicious cyber attacks.
The free and open source patch management software discussed in the article are significant additions to your WSUS or SCCM. Using efficient patch management software is the right approach to address the IT security concerns. One should deploy patch management software according to the organizational needs. You can choose from the software discussed in the article for your patch management needs.
You may even share your thoughts in the comments section below. If you have used any of the patch management software mentioned above, then do share your feedback with us.
If you wish to refer to any patch management software or any other software category other than patch management software, then do look at our software directory.
