In the fast-paced world of IT security, one issue that has consistently kept us on our toes at AW Infrasec Solutions is third-party patching. If you rely on a multitude of third-party applications to keep your business running smoothly. But each of these applications can become a security vulnerability if not properly maintained.
Our customers have been long-time users of Microsoft Intune for device management, and while it’s a fantastic tool for deploying updates to Microsoft products, we’ve found that it doesn’t quite hit the mark when it comes to third-party applications. This gap has led to increased vulnerabilities, and frankly, it’s been a bit of a headache.
I want to share our experience with this challenge and how we found a solution “ScappMan” that worked for us. Hopefully, our journey can shed some light on the issue and help others who might be in the same boat.
The Hidden Risks of Outdated Software
We all know that keeping software up-to-date is crucial. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit, and outdated applications are low-hanging fruit. For us, the sheer number of third-party apps in use made it difficult to keep everything patched manually. Each unpatched application represented a potential entry point for attackers.
Moreover, regulatory compliance added another layer of complexity. Standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and others require strict control over software updates to protect sensitive data. Falling behind isn’t just a security risk; it’s a compliance risk too.
The Limitations of Intune for Third-Party Patching
Don’t get me wrong—Microsoft Intune is a robust tool. It excels at managing devices and deploying updates for Microsoft products. But when it comes to third-party applications, it leaves a bit to be desired.
We found ourselves spending a lot of time packaging updates manually and pushing them out through Intune. This process was not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. With so many different applications, each with its own update schedule, keeping up was nearly impossible.
This gap meant that our systems were at risk of running outdated software longer than necessary, increasing the window of vulnerability. It was clear we needed a better solution.
Searching for a Better Way
We started looking into third-party solutions that could integrate with Intune and automate the patching process. Our goal was to find something that wouldn’t require a complete overhaul of our existing systems or a massive investment.
After evaluating several options, we discovered a tool “Scappman” that seemed promising. It offered cloud-native integration with Intune and promised to automate the deployment of third-party application updates. Intrigued, we decided to give it a try.
Implementing ScappMan
The implementation process was straightforward. We didn’t need any additional infrastructure, and the tool fit seamlessly into our existing workflows. The immediate benefits were:
- Automation: No more manual packaging and deployment. The tool handled updates automatically.
- Comprehensive App Catalog: It supported a wide range of applications, covering almost everything we used.
- Improved Security: With timely updates, our exposure to potential vulnerabilities decreased significantly.
Our team was thrilled. They could now focus on other important tasks instead of wrestling with manual updates. The reduction in workload was a huge relief.
The Impact on Our Security Posture
Since implementing the solution, we’ve noticed a marked improvement in our security posture. Vulnerabilities related to outdated software have decreased, and we’ve had fewer security incidents overall.
Our clients have also benefited. They’re experiencing less downtime and fewer disruptions due to security issues. It’s been a win-win situation.
Cost-Effective and Efficient
One of the concerns we had initially was cost. However, we found that this solution was more cost-effective than other options we considered, including some of the enterprise add-ons offered by Microsoft.
By automating the patching process, we’ve also saved on operational costs. The time and resources we used to spend on manual updates can now be redirected to other areas that add value to our business and our clients.
Final Thoughts
Third-party patching is a challenge that many organizations face. Relying solely on tools like Intune for this task can leave gaps in your security. Our journey taught us that integrating a dedicated third-party patching solution can make a significant difference.
It’s not just about the tools, though. It’s about recognizing the importance of timely updates and taking proactive steps to protect your systems. Automation plays a key role here, freeing up your team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance.
What Can You Do?
If you’re grappling with similar challenges, consider exploring third-party solutions that integrate with your existing systems. Look for options that offer automation, a comprehensive app catalog, and cost-effectiveness.
At AW Infrasec Solutions, we’re more than happy to share our experiences and help you navigate this complex landscape. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss how we tackled third-party patching and improved our security.
Get in Touch
We’re here to help. Whether you want to chat about third-party patching, share your own experiences, or explore potential solutions, don’t hesitate to contact us Together, we can work towards a more secure and efficient IT environment.
