Keeping your business's computer systems and software up to date with regular security patching is essential to protect against cyber threats. Security patches are updates released by software makers to fix vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Without these patches, your systems remain open to attacks that could disrupt your operations, cause data loss, or expose sensitive customer information.
Why this matters for UK SMEs
For small and medium-sized businesses in the UK, the risks of ignoring patching can be significant. Cyberattacks often lead to costly downtime, with staff unable to work while IT problems are resolved. Data breaches can damage your reputation and customer trust, especially when you handle personal data protected under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Additionally, regular patching supports compliance with standards like Cyber Essentials, which many clients and suppliers expect as part of their security requirements.
A typical scenario
Imagine a 50-employee business that uses a mix of desktop PCs, laptops, and cloud services. Without a managed IT provider ensuring patches are applied promptly, one unpatched workstation falls victim to ransomware. The malware encrypts critical files, halting operations for several days. The IT provider steps in, isolates the infection, restores data from backups, and applies the necessary patches to prevent recurrence. This incident highlights how proactive patching and a clear response plan can reduce downtime and protect business continuity.
Practical steps to take
- Ask your IT provider: How often do they apply security patches? Do they have a documented patch management process? How quickly do they respond to urgent security updates?
- Review service agreements: Check if patching is included as a standard part of the service, and whether there are guarantees or reporting on patch status.
- Internal checks: Ensure your team uses strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce risk. Verify that backups are performed regularly and stored securely offsite or in the cloud.
- Access control: Limit administrator rights on devices to reduce the chance of accidental or malicious changes that could disable patching.
- Vendor requirements: If you work with suppliers, confirm they also maintain good patching practices as part of your supply chain security.
Next steps
Regular security patching is a foundational element of protecting your business's IT environment. If you're unsure about your current patching status or want to improve your security posture, speak with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor. They can assess your systems, recommend improvements, and help implement a patch management routine that fits your business needs and compliance obligations.