Overview
The lecture explains the importance of keeping operating systems updated, details the patching process (especially in Windows environments), and covers best practices for patch management.
The Importance of OS Updates
- Operating systems are common attack targets because everyone uses them and they have many potential vulnerabilities.
- Keeping operating systems patched closes known security vulnerabilities exploited by attackers.
- More complex operating systems (like Windows 11) have millions of lines of code, increasing the likelihood of undiscovered vulnerabilities.
Patch Tuesday and Patch Management
- Microsoft releases security patches for Windows and other products on the second Tuesday of each month, called Patch Tuesday.
- For example, on May 9th, 2023, Microsoft released almost 50 security patches covering various types of vulnerabilities.
- The previous month, April 2023, saw nearly 100 vulnerabilities patched.
- Security professionals test and then deploy these patches to their systems after release.
Best Practices for OS Updates
- Always update as soon as possible when new patches are released, whether scheduled or on-demand.
- Rapid patching is crucial because attackers quickly exploit newly discovered vulnerabilities.
- Home users should ensure a backup exists before patching, while organizations should test patches before full deployment.
- Some patches require a system reboot to become active, so users should save all data before installing.
- Maintaining a recent backup allows easy recovery if a patch causes problems.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Operating System (OS) — foundational software enabling computer hardware and applications to work together.
- Patch — an update that fixes security vulnerabilities or other issues in software.
- Patch Tuesday — Microsoft's monthly schedule for releasing security updates, occurring on the second Tuesday of each month.
- Elevation of Privilege — a vulnerability that allows a user to gain higher access rights than intended.
- Remote Code Execution — a vulnerability that allows attackers to run code on a target system remotely.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Check for and install the latest security patches for your operating system.
- Regularly back up your system before applying updates.
- For organizations, test patches in a controlled environment before full deployment.
- Visit the Microsoft Security Response Center (msrc.microsoft.com) for the latest patch information.