How patch management and CSPM can work best together – Vulnerability and Patch Management

To effectively manage patching in hybrid and multi-cloud environments, it is advisable to use both patch management tools and CSPM tools in conjunction:

• Use patch management tools: Employ dedicated patch management tools to manage the patching of on-premises servers and cloud-based VMs, ensuring all systems are up to date.
• Use CSPM tools: A CSPM tool is instrumental in effective patch management for multi-cloud environments. It provides comprehensive visibility, continuous monitoring, and automated remediation capabilities across all cloud providers, allowing organizations to prioritize and enforce patching policies consistently. CSPM tools integrate with existing patch management processes, ensuring that missing patches and vulnerabilities are promptly identified and addressed. Let’s look at the key roles that are played by these tools in the patch management process:
  • Patch compliance assessment: CSPM tools can assess the compliance your cloud resources have with your patch management policies and industry standards (for example, CIS Benchmarks). They can flag resources that are not in compliance with patching requirements.
  • Automated remediation: Many CSPM tools offer automated remediation capabilities. When a vulnerability or missing patch is detected, the CSPM tool can automatically trigger the deployment of the necessary patches or configuration changes to bring resources into compliance.
  • Prioritize patching: CSPM tools can help you prioritize patching efforts by assessing the severity of vulnerabilities and their potential impact on your multi-cloud environment. This ensures that critical vulnerabilities are addressed first.
  • Policy enforcement: CSPM tools can enforce security policies, including patch management policies, across all your cloud providers. This consistency is crucial for maintaining a secure and compliant multi-cloud environment.
  • Integration with patch management: CSPM tools can integrate with your existing patch management processes and tools. This integration streamlines the identification of patch-related issues and ensures that patches are applied consistently.
• Integrate and automate: Whenever possible, integrate your patch management and CSPM solutions to automate actions based on CSPM findings. For example, if a CSPM tool identifies a vulnerability related to an unpatched system, it can trigger the patch management tool to initiate the patching process.

CSPM tools and patch management tools serve different but complementary purposes in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. While CSPM tools focus on cloud security posture and vulnerability assessment, patch management tools are essential for keeping operating systems and software up to date. To maximize security, organizations should leverage both types of tools and establish automation and integration between them for a comprehensive security strategy.

Now that we have understood the role of CSPM in patch management, it is time to dive deep into the role of CTI in vulnerability and patch management.