Unpatched systems pose a significant risk in today’s digital landscape. According to Ponemon research, organizations take an average of 43 days to detect cyberattacks even after patches are released, leading to increased vulnerability. Attackers are exploiting legacy vulnerabilities, with 76% of ransomware leveraging vulnerabilities reported between 2010 and 2019. The misalignment between IT and security teams further delays patching, with 27% lacking cohesive strategies.
Manual or partially automated patching systems are considered time-consuming and complex, pushing patching down teams’ priority lists. Gartner’s report highlights the challenges organizations face in patching, stating that patching threat actors at scale is a daunting task. To address this, a proactive approach like ring deployment is crucial.
Ring deployment, pioneered by Microsoft and now adopted across various systems, offers a phased, automated strategy for patch deployment. It includes test rings, early adopter rings, and production rings to ensure stability and compatibility before enterprise-wide rollout. Ivanti’s recent release of ring deployment aims to give security teams greater control over patch deployment, minimizing risks and disruptions.
By combining ring deployment with dynamic Vulnerability Risk Rating (VRR) technology, Ivanti Neurons provides structured visual orchestration of patch rollouts, reducing Mean-Time-to-Patch (MTTP) and exposure windows for attackers. The integration of compensating controls like endpoint protection platforms and network segmentation reinforces security beyond basic patching.
When comparing Ivanti Neurons with other leading providers like Microsoft Autopatch, Tanium, and ServiceNow, Ivanti stands out for its broad coverage across multiple platforms, real-time risk assessments, and automated workflows. The platform transforms patch management from a reactive burden to a strategic advantage by aligning patching with broader business resilience strategies.
In conclusion, integrating ring deployment with compensating controls and prioritization tools is essential for transforming patch management into a strategic advantage. It allows organizations to manage cyber risks effectively and improve overall security posture in today’s evolving threat landscape.
