Patch Reports

How can I generate patch reports without using NinjaOne?

Initially, you need to identify the available updates for your systems. This can be done through automated systems or vendor notifications. Once the updates are identified, they need to be evaluated based on the information provided by the vendor, which includes details about the vulnerabilities the update addresses, its purpose, and potential impact on the system.

High-risk updates are typically prioritized for immediate deployment, while lower-risk updates may be scheduled for a later date. Before deployment, it’s crucial to test the updates in a controlled environment to ensure they don’t introduce new issues. After successful testing, the updates can be deployed across the organization’s systems.

Finally, monitoring is set up to track the success or failure of patch deployments. This monitoring also helps generate the patch reports, which provide performance metrics and compliance information. It’s important to periodically review the effectiveness of your patch management system and make necessary adjustments.

Generating Patch Reports with NinjaOne

1. Start by clicking Reporting from your NinjaOne dashboard. This centralized hub acts as a repository for creating detailed insights and analytics specifically tailored to your organization’s IT infrastructure.
2. Upon entering the reporting section, locate and click on the Create button. This action initiates the process of generating a new report, allowing you to capture and analyze key metrics related to patch management.
3. Within the list of available report types, select Summary Report to create a high-level overview of your patching activities. This report format condenses essential information into a concise format, facilitating quick decision-making and strategic planning.
4. Assign a clear and descriptive name to your report for easy future reference. Include pertinent description to provide context. Customize default filters such as ‘Groups’ and ‘Dates’ to meet your specific needs and goals, ensuring your report is tailored to your objectives.
5. Groups – The groups option allows you to utilize NinjaOne’s custom groups to zero in on exactly the endpoints you want to report on.
6. Dates – This option enables you to select a specific date range, such as ‘This Month’, ‘Today’, ‘Last Week’, or ‘Last 7 Days’, providing flexibility in your data analysis.
7. Next, navigate to the customization options by clicking on the Customize button. This functionality empowers you to tailor the report to address specific areas of interest or concern within your patch management strategy.
8. Within the customization menu, explore the available sections that can be added to your report. These sections encompass a wide range of metrics and insights related to patching activities, providing valuable visibility into the overall health and effectiveness of your patch management processes.

Insights Available in the Patching Reports

• Patching Compliance measures the percentage of up-to-date devices in your organization, helping identify vulnerabilities and compliance gaps.
• Patch Enablement assesses how well devices in your network are configured to receive and apply updates, crucial for proactive security and minimizing risks from outdated software.
• Patch Status tracks the status of deployed patches, including success rates, pending updates, and issues, enabling prompt troubleshooting and optimized workflows.
• Customization options allow you to tailor data displayed and focus on specific criteria, enhancing patch reports efficiency and effectiveness.

Once satisfied with the sections selected, click on OK, and then hit Save.

With NinjaOne generating patch reports is seamless and efficient.

• Simplifies patch management through centralized reporting.
• Automates patch deployment, ensuring efficient updates without manual intervention.
• Delivers comprehensive reports on patch status and compliance, offering actionable insights.
• Provides real-time monitoring of patching progress for proactive remediation.
• Mitigates security risks by promptly addressing vulnerabilities across the network.
• Facilitates compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.
• Boosts operational efficiency by streamlining reporting and workflows, reducing manual tasks.

Best Practices

• Regularly schedule automated scans to proactively identify vulnerabilities.
• Prioritize patch deployment based on severity levels and criticality to minimize risk.
• Utilize customized reports to track patching progress and compliance.
• Implement role-based access controls to restrict permissions and ensure data security.
• Conduct regular audits to verify patching efficacy and address any gaps.
• Stay informed about emerging threats and industry best practices to adapt your patch management strategy accordingly.