What is the focus of patch management in information security?

The focus of patch management in information security centers on managing updates to software applications and systems specifically to address vulnerabilities. This process is crucial in safeguarding systems from potential exploitation due to known weaknesses. When vulnerabilities are identified, patches or updates are released by vendors to fix these issues. Effective patch management involves tracking these updates, assessing their importance, and deploying them in a timely manner to maintain the security posture of information systems.

This practice helps organizations to minimize the risk of cyber threats that exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing overall security and compliance with regulatory requirements. It goes beyond just applying updates; it also includes testing these patches to ensure they don't introduce new issues into the environment.