NinjaOne OS Patching for Streamlined IT Operations

OS patching refers to the process of updating the operating system (OS) on a device to ensure it remains secure, stable, and up-to-date. This process involves deploying patches or updates that fix vulnerabilities, address bugs, and introduce new features. OS patching is crucial for maintaining the overall health and security of a system, as outdated OS versions can leave devices vulnerable to attacks.

OS patching is vital because it helps protect systems from security breaches, data loss, and other risks that may arise from outdated software. Regular patching ensures that both OS patching in Linux and OS patching in Windows is up to date with the latest security fixes. Without timely updates, devices become susceptible to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats that can disrupt business operations.

To check the OS patch level in Windows, you can go to the “Settings” menu, select “Update & Security,” and then click on “Windows Update.” Here, you can see the update history, which will show the most recent updates installed, including security patches.

In Linux, checking the OS patch level depends on the distribution you are using. For most distributions, you can use the terminal and type commands like:

Debian/Ubuntu: sudo apt list –upgradable
Red Hat/Fedora (modern): sudo dnf check-update
Legacy Red Hat/CentOS 7: sudo yum check-update
These commands will display any available updates, including patches for the operating system.

The main difference between manual OS patching versus automated OS patching lies in how the patches are applied and managed. Manual OS patching requires IT administrators to check for updates and apply them manually, often involving significant time and effort to ensure all devices are updated. This method can be error-prone, as it depends on human intervention to stay consistent and timely. In contrast, automated OS patching streamlines the process by scheduling and deploying updates without manual input.

This method is more efficient, reducing the risk of human error, ensuring patches are applied promptly, and maintaining system security across large fleets of devices. Automated OS patching is particularly useful in environments where managing multiple systems is required, ensuring that patches are applied consistently across all devices.