Managed IT Services in Atlanta: Maintaining IT Security with Firmware and Patch Management

Most businesses today know how important it is to keep their data safe with the help of managed IT services providers in Atlanta. Patch management and firmware are among the security measures taken to ensure device and network security. Business owners must always secure their software and hardware. This article gives insight into some of the most effective managed IT security measures in Atlanta.

Firmware Update

Firmware refers to data that is stored on a computer or in the ROM of any other hardware, which instructs on how the device will operate. Firmware differs from normal software in that the end user cannot delete or alter it without the help of special programs. It is also retained on the system whether the device is on or off. The manufacturer usually installs it to give the basic controls needed for the device operations.

A firmware update, on the one hand, is a program that updates the firmware in these devices. The manufacturer will always issue an update to the firmware when changes need to be made. Some devices regularly update automatically whenever updates are available. However, for most devices, you must download the firmware updates from the manufacturer’s site.

Patch Management

In the software world, patches can be equated to firmware. Patch management is the process of doing software upgrades. Software issues and security vulnerabilities are addressed through patching.

Patch management depends on a number of things, such as the type of OS, configurations, and programs. A managed IT services provider in Atlanta will advise you the following tips when doing your patches:

  • Have an updated inventory of your production systems, including physical locations, OS types, and IP addresses.
  • Come up with a plan to help you narrow down the production systems to the same OS version.
  • Prioritize the devices that need to be updated first.
  • Ensure that you check for patches regularly so that you can make updates whenever they are available.

Why Are Patches and Firmware Updates Important?

Most security breaches usually exploit known vulnerabilities. Patches and firmware updates are designed to counter potential security threats and mitigate any security vulnerability. This is why it is important to ensure that they are always up to date. In addition, always install the most recent firmware and patches, update and patch all embedded applications, and ensure that auto-update feature on software apps is always on.

With the help of a managed IT services provider in Atlanta, you will rest assured that your business tech is always updated. For more information, contact us!

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