Improving Enterprise Patching for General IT Systems: Utilizing Existing Tools and Performing Processes in Better Ways

Published

April 6, 2022

Author(s)

Murugiah Souppaya, Alper Kerman, Karen Scarfone, Kevin Stine, Brian E. Johnson, Chris Peloquin, Vanessa Ruffin, Tyler Diamond, Mark Simos, Sean Sweeney

Abstract

Despite widespread recognition that patching is effective and attackers regularly exploit unpatched software, many organizations do not adequately patch. There are myriad reasons why, not the least of which are that it's resource-intensive and that the act of patching can reduce system and service availability. Also, many organizations struggle to prioritize patches, test patches before deployment, and adhere to policies for how quickly patches are applied in different situations. To address these challenges, the NCCoE is collaborating with cybersecurity technology providers to develop an example solution that addresses these challenges. This NIST Cybersecurity Practice Guide explains how tools can be used to implement the patching and inventory capabilities organizations need to handle both routine and emergency patching situations, as well as implement workarounds, isolation methods, or other alternatives to patching. It also explains recommended security practices for patch management systems themselves.

Citation

Special Publication (NIST SP) - 1800-31

Report Number

1800-31

NIST Pub Series

Special Publication (NIST SP)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1800-31

Local Download

Keywords

cyber hygiene, enterprise patch management, firmware, patch, patch management, software, update, upgrade, vulnerability management

Citation

Souppaya, M. , Kerman, A. , Scarfone, K. , Stine, K. , Johnson, B. , Peloquin, C. , Ruffin, V. , Diamond, T. , Simos, M. and Sweeney, S. (2022), Improving Enterprise Patching for General IT Systems: Utilizing Existing Tools and Performing Processes in Better Ways, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1800-31, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=934187 (Accessed October 24, 2025)