The IT landscape is ever evolving and with vulnerabilities only growing, maintaining the security and stability of your systems is now more critical than ever. Because any increase in vulnerabilities leads to an increase in risk.

According to Verizon, exploitation of vulnerabilities increased 180% year over year. And research from Google has shown that zero-day exploits have seen a 50% year-over-year increase.

As businesses continue to embrace cloud migration, this rise in vulnerabilities and security risks emphasizes the vital need for effective patch management. So, it’s important to consider the intricacies of patch management in comparing on-premises and cloud-based patch management approaches.

Let's examine both and explore how cloud-based patching can transform your IT operations by delivering centralized management, increased visibility and better security.

On-premises versus cloud patch management

As mentioned, organizations have two main options when it comes to patch management: on-premises or cloud-based. Many enterprises are now faced with the decision on whether to stick with on-premises patch management or migrate to the cloud. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences.

On-premises patch management

On-premises patch management involves handling the patching process within an organization's physical location, where all IT infrastructure, such as servers and software, is managed on-site. This approach allows organizations to maintain full control over when and how patches are applied, which is essential for meeting specific industry compliance regulations.

It also enables the enforcement of strict security protocols tailored to the organization's needs. The initial costs associated with on-premises patch management can be high due to the need for dedicated resources. But these expenses can be optimized over time to suit the organization's specific requirements.

Cloud-based patch management

Cloud-based patch management utilizes cloud-based services, where the patch management software and infrastructure are hosted on the service provider's servers and accessed via the internet. This approach features user-friendly interfaces and automated processes, simplifying the management of patches across different systems and software.

With cloud patch management, the provider manages the underlying infrastructure and platform, such as servers, networks, operating systems and middleware. This means one less thing for you to deal with, allowing you to focus on patching your applications and data.

Additionally, the cloud offers high scalability, enabling businesses to adjust their usage as needed without concerns about physical server capacities. Cost-wise, cloud patch management generally involves a subscription fee, making it more affordable while also reducing the need for extensive in-house IT infrastructure and personnel.

While cloud-based patch management has numerous benefits, it's important to acknowledge potential downsides such as security concerns, downtime, data privacy issues and compliance challenges. Storing sensitive data in the cloud can raise fears of data breaches and unauthorized access, and scheduled maintenance or unexpected downtime from cloud providers can disrupt patch deployment. Additionally, managing data privacy and ensuring compliance with regulations can be complex, especially if certain data must be stored on-premises. However, many of these disadvantages can be effectively mitigated by selecting a reputable and reliable cloud patch management partner. A strong vendor will prioritize robust security measures, minimize downtime, offer clear compliance solutions, and provide transparency in data handling practices. This makes cloud-based patch management a compelling option, often outweighing the challenges of on-premises solutions.

The best patch management approach for your organization will depend on your specific requirements, budget, and IT capabilities. By considering these, organizations can select the type of solution that is best suited to support their long-term goals and objectives.

Downsides of on-premises patch management

Migrating from on-premises patch management to a cloud-based solution paves the way for a more effective and robust patch management that is scalable, cost-effective, and promotes cross-collaboration. While on-premises patch management has been the traditional choice, it has many challenges that can slow down your operations, making it difficult to keep up with the pace of business.

The financial and operational hurdles of maintaining an on-premises patch management infrastructure can be daunting. The investment in dedicated servers, software licenses and specialized personnel is not insignificant. As organizations grow and their IT environments become more complex, the need for scalability becomes a major concern, increasing the risk of missed patches and security vulnerabilities.

Compatibility issues only add to the challenge of managing patches on-premises. Applying patches can lead to conflicts with existing software or hardware which can then lead to system instability or downtime. Resolving these issues can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring extensive testing and troubleshooting.

The power of cloud patch management is the answer to these obstacles. It enables organizations to optimize their cloud migration strategies by providing centralized management, improved visibility, enhanced security and simplified scalability. This transition drives operational efficiency, robust security and seamless compliance, allowing organizations to thrive in the constantly changing digital landscape.

Benefits of cloud patch management

Cloud patch management streamlines operations and improves security. Centralized management and control enable IT teams to efficiently deploy and monitor patches across multiple cloud environments, ensuring consistent protection and compliance.

Increased visibility into the patch status of cloud workloads further enhances security by enabling timely updates and vulnerability mitigation. Automated patching processes reduce the need for manual intervention, helping to minimize the risk of human error and improve efficiency.

After transitioning to the cloud, SouthStar Bank experienced substantial time savings and enhanced security. With Ivanti Neurons for Patch Management, they gained valuable insights and automation, reducing the time spent on vulnerability research and resolution by several days a month. Neurons’ ability to deliver accurate data enables them to quickly pinpoint and address device issues related to patches, zero-day threats and out-of-band updates.

By addressing vulnerabilities in a timely manner, cloud patch management can help improve an organization’s security posture and reduce the risk of data breaches and system failures. This proactive approach can help protect sensitive data, maintain system integrity and ensure the continuous availability of critical services.

Additionally, cloud patch management can lead to significant cost savings by reducing the need for extensive IT resources and simplifying the complexities that can accompany on-premises patch management. Streamlined operational processes and reduced manual effort help improve cost efficiency and resource allocation.

Cloud patch management provides a comprehensive solution for maintaining the security and stability of IT systems in the cloud. Thanks to robust security measures and seamless access from anywhere, cloud-based patch management fosters teamwork, cross-functional collaboration and data integrity.

Centralized management, improved visibility, automated processes, enhanced security and cost savings are just a few of the reasons why organizations should embrace cloud patch management.

Migrate with ease

Selecting the right cloud provider is crucial for a successful and secure cloud migration journey. Look for a provider with a proven track record in cloud migration, offering a comprehensive suite of services to support your transition.

When selecting a provider for patch management, it's crucial to make sure they meet your needs and requirements, especially when it comes to assessing and mitigating risk. Ask questions about how vulnerabilities are identified: Is it based on exposure and exploitability? How is compliance calculated and what reporting capabilities are there? How are patches prioritized? Are there logging events for audit trails and remediation accountability?

Choosing the right SaaS provider involves evaluating their patch management policies, procedures and SLAs, as well as verifying data encryption for both data in motion and at rest. Additionally, consider the patch history and frequency, the quality and availability of the service, the predictability of the patch management solution and the underlying security constructs. By doing this, you can ensure the solution is secure by design.

With Ivanti Neurons for Patch Management, you can experience a cloud solution that goes beyond on-premises capabilities. Transition to the cloud at your own pace without the need for a disruptive rip-and-replace strategy. With visibility into both cloud-managed and on-premises managed devices, you’ll enjoy a seamless and controlled migration process. You can migrate your workloads and applications incrementally, reducing the impact on your IT operations and maximizing uptime.

Ivanti’s extensive experience in cloud migration delivers the granular control and flexibility you need to tailor your migration to your specific business needs. Whether you're migrating entire workloads or specific applications, our solution is customizable to fit your unique IT landscape. Migrate with confidence with a trusted partner by your side.