Patch management tools for hybrid and multi-cloud environments – Vulnerability and Patch Management

Patch management tools help organizations keep their software and systems up to date with the latest security updates and patches. In hybrid and multi-cloud environments, these tools need to be versatile and adaptable to different platforms and providers. Here is a list of the most common patch management tools for such environments:

• Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM): SCCM is a robust on-premises patch management tool that can also manage updates for Windows-based VMs in the cloud. It supports both Windows and Linux systems and can be extended to manage Azure VMs.
• AWS Systems Manager: AWS Systems Manager provides capabilities for managing and automating patch updates for EC2 instances, whether they are in AWS or on-premises. It supports both Windows and Linux environments.
• VMware vCenter Update Manager: If you are running VMware on-premises and in the cloud, vCenter Update Manager can be used to patch and update VMware virtual infrastructure, including cloud-hosted VMware environments.
• Third-party patch management tools: There are third-party solutions such as Ivanti, ManageEngine, and Qualys that offer hybrid and multi-cloud patch management capabilities. These tools often support a wide range of operating systems and cloud providers.

Is a CSPM tool enough for effective patch management?

CSPM tools primarily focus on identifying and addressing security misconfigurations and vulnerabilities in cloud environments. While CSPM tools play a crucial role in securing cloud infrastructure, they are not typically designed for traditional patch management. The latest CSPM tools have started introducing patch management features. For example, the Orca CSPM tool has introduced patch management as one of its core features and I am sure other vendors will also follow this path. However, CSPM alone may not be enough for patch management. Here’s why:

• Limited patching capabilities: CSPM tools are primarily designed to detect misconfigurations and vulnerabilities within cloud services. They are not equipped to deploy operating systems or software patches on servers, which is a key function of traditional patch management tools.
• Operating system and application patches: Patch management involves keeping operating systems, software applications, and libraries up to date with security patches. CSPM tools are more focused on cloud-specific configurations and permissions.
• Hybrid environments: CSPM tools are better suited for assessing the security posture of cloud resources. In hybrid environments, where on-premises systems are involved, you need a dedicated patch management tool that can cover both on-premises and cloud-based resources.