Keeping your business software up to date is essential but can be a complex and time-consuming task. A virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) helps by overseeing the process of managing software updates and patches, ensuring your systems stay secure and run smoothly without disrupting your daily operations.
Why software updates matter for UK SMEs
Software updates and patches fix security vulnerabilities, improve performance, and add new features. Without timely updates, your business faces increased risks such as cyberattacks exploiting unpatched software, system crashes, or data loss. For UK SMEs, this can mean costly downtime, damage to customer trust, and potential non-compliance with regulations like UK GDPR or Cyber Essentials.
For example, a typical SME with around 50 staff might use a variety of software tools from email clients and accounting packages to specialised industry applications. If updates are delayed or unmanaged, a ransomware attack exploiting a known vulnerability could encrypt critical data, halting operations for days. A vCIO would proactively coordinate patch management to reduce this risk, balancing security needs with business continuity.
A practical scenario
Consider a mid-sized marketing agency in London with 120 employees. Their vCIO conducts a thorough review of all software in use, identifies which applications require regular patching, and sets up a schedule that minimises disruption—often applying updates outside business hours. They also ensure backups are in place before updates, and test patches on a small group of devices first to catch any compatibility issues. This approach keeps the agency's systems secure and stable, supporting uninterrupted client work and protecting sensitive data.
Checklist: What to do and ask about software updates
- Ask your IT provider: How do you manage and prioritise software updates and patches? Do you have a documented patch management policy?
- Review SLAs: Check if patch deployment timelines and responsibilities are clearly defined.
- Internal checks: Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all software and devices in use.
- Access control: Ensure only authorised personnel can approve or deploy updates.
- Backup verification: Confirm regular backups are taken before applying patches.
- Testing: Ask if patches are tested on a subset of systems to avoid widespread disruption.
- Compliance readiness: Verify that patch management supports your Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 requirements.
Next steps for your business
Effective patch management is a critical part of your overall IT strategy. A vCIO brings the expertise and oversight to handle this proactively, reducing risks and helping your business maintain compliance and operational stability. If you're unsure how your current IT setup manages updates, consider discussing your needs with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor who understands the challenges faced by UK SMEs.