You might have heard about some businesses’ recent issues with CrowdStrike’s automated updates. It’s been a hot topic and understandably so! But here’s some good news.
Our clients here at Soaring Towers weren’t affected by this incident. Why? Because we don’t rely on the same technology that stumbled with these updates.
Soaring Towers takes a proactive approach, strongly emphasizing human oversight. While CrowdStrike’s automations aim to provide seamless updates, we go the extra mile. Our support team ensures reliability and accuracy by manually testing and approving every update before it’s implemented. This method significantly reduces the risk of human error, ensuring your systems remain secure and functional.
And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want that peace of mind?
Here’s a fun fact – Did you know the CEO of CrowdStrike was also the CEO of McAfee about 15 years ago? Back then, McAfee faced similar issues with automated updates.
History does have a way of repeating itself, doesn’t it?
Now, let’s talk about another crucial aspect of maintaining smooth operations—staging updates. One smart strategy is always pushing updates to a pilot group first before a wide release. It’s like dipping your toes in the water before diving in. This staged approach helps catch any potential issues early on, minimizing disruptions.
One more thing worth mentioning is that having humans at the helm of our Security Operations Center (SOC) makes a big difference. Human oversight, combined with technology, ensures a strong defense against threats.
To give you a clearer picture, let’s examine how we handle Microsoft’s monthly security updates using our Patch Research Team’s extensive testing process.
Our Windows Security Update Patch Testing Process Day 1: Patch Tuesday
Microsoft releases its monthly security updates every second Tuesday of the month. We call this Patch Tuesday, and here’s what we do differently. Instead of immediately rolling out these updates, we delay the installation for one week.
This delay allows us to conduct thorough testing to understand how the updates impact common business applications.
Day 7: Patch Testing Report Published
A week after Patch Tuesday, our team approves or blocks the updates based on their testing results. We then deploy the approved patches to all computers. Additionally, we publish a detailed report in our documentation, listing any identified issues and providing steps to avoid or remediate them. This report also includes previously blacklisted patches. Plus, we communicate any blocked patches and available workarounds.
Patch Monitoring After Day 7
Our Research team doesn’t stop after the initial testing. They continue to monitor and research the month’s security updates. If any new issues are identified, we update our recommendations accordingly. Any changes will be communicated, and the Testing report will be updated.
The Benefits of Patch Testing
Patch management can be a time-consuming process. By delaying the installation of Microsoft’s monthly Security Updates, our team can extensively test the different patches within the update on your behalf.
This strategy helps identify and remediate issues before they become problems, providing a more efficient and comprehensive patching service. Moreover, this delay gives other software vendors time to release updates that fix known issues, reducing the likelihood of additional problems altogether.
So, the next time you hear about automated update issues, remember the value of human oversight and a well-thought-out patch-testing process. It’s this human touch that keeps your systems secure and your mind at ease. It’s all about keeping your systems secure and your mind at ease.
Human Oversight. The Key to Reliable Patch Management
Soaring Towers ensures your systems remain secure and functional. Our meticulous patch-testing process is just one example of how we go above and beyond to protect your business.
If you’re looking for a partner who prioritizes your security and operational efficiency, look no further than us.
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive IT services and how we can help your business thrive in a digital world.
Until next time, stay secure!