Operating System Security and Patching
Importance of Keeping OS Patched
- Operating systems are fundamental computing platforms used universally.
- Attractiveness to attackers due to widespread use.
- Patching closes known vulnerabilities.
Complexity and Vulnerabilities
- Operating systems like Windows 11 have millions of lines of code.
- More code means more potential vulnerabilities.
- Vulnerabilities are initially unknown but are discovered over time.
Patch Tuesday
- Occurs every second Tuesday of each month.
- Example: May 9th, 2023, released 50 security patches, including:
- 8 elevation of privilege vulnerabilities.
- 4 security feature bypass vulnerabilities.
- 12 remote code execution vulnerabilities.
- The previous month had about 100 vulnerabilities fixed.
Best Practices for OS Updates
- Regular Updates: Plan to update monthly or during on-demand updates.
- Timely Patching: Patch quickly to prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.
- Testing in Large Environments: Test patches in non-production environments to avoid potential issues.
- Backup Before Patching: Always have a backup to revert if issues occur.
- Automatic and Manual Updates:
- Some patches are automatic.
- Core system patches may require a reboot.
Handling Post-Patch Issues
- Even with testing, issues may arise post-patch.
- Crucial to maintain a backup to roll back to a pre-patch state if necessary.
Additional Resources
These notes summarize key points regarding the maintenance and security of operating systems through regular patching and updates.