Operating System (OS)
Effective patch management is essential for maintaining the security of operating systems. However, improper or weak operating system patch management can introduce security vulnerabilities, including:
- Exploitable Vulnerabilities: Failure to apply operating system patches in a timely manner can leave systems exposed to known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access or compromise the system.
- Malware Infections: Without proper patch management, systems are more susceptible to malware infections as attackers can leverage unpatched vulnerabilities to deliver malware and compromise the system's security.
- System Stability and Reliability: Inadequate testing or improper deployment of patches can lead to system instability, crashes, or compatibility issues, affecting the overall stability and reliability of the operating system.
- Noncompliance with Security Standards: Inadequate patch management can result in noncompliance with industry regulations or security standards, exposing organizations to legal and regulatory consequences.
- Persistence of Vulnerabilities: Failing to properly address or patch vulnerabilities can result in their persistence, leaving the system at risk even when other security measures are in place.