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With Linux users currently standing at over 32.8 million , it’s clear that Linux is one of the most popular operating systems on the market. If your IT team uses or maintains Linux servers and devices, Linux patch management should be a top priority. Secure and update all of your Linux devices with this comprehensive guide to Linux patch management.
How updates are done on Linux
Updates involve several steps , but if you want to simplify these steps for Linux devices, you can combine them into three essential steps:
Much like Windows patch management, Linux patch management is the process of securing and updating the operating system. By deploying patches to all your endpoints, you can keep your Linux devices safe, secure, and equipped with the latest features.
The Challenges of Linux Patch Management
Even the most capable IT departments and MSPs often encounter patch management issues . While it’s not possible to solve all of these Linux update issues at once, being aware of their existence is the first step toward creating a safer and more efficient patch management process.
Workflow disruptions
When it comes to patching endpoints that affect large numbers of people, such as Linux servers, IT teams should schedule patch deployments outside of business hours. By scheduling in this way, organizations can avoid disrupting workflows by using traditional update processes, such as reboots.
Imperfect fixes
Unfortunately, patches aren’t perfect. Even patches that go through rigorous sandbox testing sometimes end up creating bugs that need to be fixed. One way to ensure that a patch works as it’s supposed to is to install it on a small group of Linux devices rather than the entire IT infrastructure. If the small group doesn’t experience any negative effects from the update after a while, it’s usually safe to install the patch on the rest of the Linux devices.
Amount of patches
Patching all Linux devices on a network is time-consuming, especially if the company doesn’t use automation, and it’s a complex job. While small businesses don’t have this problem, large organizations and enterprises often struggle with the sheer volume of patches that need to be deployed.
Manual errors
Human and manual errors happen, and there is no way to completely avoid them other than automation. The consequences of unpatched software are often severe, and all a cybercriminal needs to succeed is a forgotten and unpatched Linux server or terminal.
How to Update Linux Devices
The process of patching Linux devices varies depending on the solution and patching strategies you use. With NinjaOne, you patch Linux servers patch Linux servers and devices just like any other endpoint. With NinjaOne’s clean and intuitive user interface, you can set up and schedule patch management strategies and automated deployments for all your Linux devices in just a few clicks.