Countless security breaches can be prevented by applying software updates to recognized vulnerabilities promptly after they are made available by the provider. Software for managing patches offers a centralized platform for IT administrators to identify known vulnerabilities and roll out updates across most or all of the computer systems and applications being used within the organization.
The most exceptional software for managing patches provides a user-friendly interface, cost-effective pricing, and automation to boost productivity while reducing risks. In this manual, I evaluate my top selections for patch management in businesses to assist you in making an informed decision for your organization.
Comparison of top-rated patch management software
Each patch management tool in my list offers centralized controls for at least one administrator to scan, authorize, and implement updates across multiple devices simultaneously. The key distinguishing features include their pricing, range of supported OS platforms, and levels of automation.
| Our evaluation (out of 5) | Starting cost | Supported OS platforms | Central control | Automation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESET project | 5 | $287 annually for 5 devices | Windows, Linux, macOS | Yes | Scans and deployments |
| NinjaOne | 4.8 | Customized quote | Windows, Linux, macOS | Yes | Scanning, authorizing, deployments, reboots, notifications, and alerts |
| ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus | 4.6 | No charge | Windows, Linux, macOS | Yes | Scanning, testing, authorizing, deployments, and system reboots |
| SolarWinds Patch Manager | 4.4 | $2,274 yearly | Windows | Yes | Scans and deployments |
| Avast Business Patch Management | 4.2 | $16.42 per device annually | Windows | Yes | Scanning |
| Heimdal Patch & Asset Management | 4.0 | Tailored quote | Windows, macOS, Linux, routers, and more | Yes | Scanning, deployments, and ensuring compliance |
ESET Protect: The Optimal Choice
Our evaluation: 5 out of 5
The inclusive nature of ESET embraces patch handling abilities within multiple ESET Protect security software packages. Included in the patch management features are automated exploration and prioritization of susceptibilities, as well as automated installation of updates for Windows, macOS, Linux, and third-party applications.
The selection of other security functions relies on the chosen subscription package; nonetheless, all patch management packages encompass endpoint protection for workstations, servers, mobile devices, and cloud platforms, along with comprehensive disk encryption. Transitioning to an extensive detection and response or overseen detection and response subscription can promote comprehensive security administration.
SEE: Patch Management Best Practices for IT Professionals (TechRepublic)
Advantages of Utilizing ESET Protect
ESET offers a full-fledged endpoint safeguarding platform for enterprises at an extremely competitive rate. While I discovered the initial setup to be somewhat demanding, the Protect interface simplifies the process of managing updates for various operating systems and software applications. It furnishes extensive, real-time reports on your patch adherence and security status.
Cost Structure
The patch manager from ESET is incorporated within three of the ESET Protect packages:
- ESET Protect Complete: Encompasses endpoint protection, server security, mobile device security, full-disk encryption, advanced threat defense, mail server security, and cloud app protection at $287.72 yearly for 5 devices (discounted price).
- ESET Protect Elite: Incorporates extended detection, response, and multi-factor authentication; necessitating a personalized quote.
- ESET Protect MDR: Includes managed detection, response, and premium support; needing a personalized quote.
Characteristics
- Automated examination with instantaneous reports.
- Classification-based prioritization of vulnerabilities.
- Automated and manual fixes.
- Unified visibility of endpoints and vulnerabilities.
- Sundry commercial security highlights contingent on the chosen plan.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real-time CVE administration. | Initial setup presents a significant learning curve. |
| User-friendly interface. | |
| Added security functions. |
NinjaOne: Optimal for novices
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
NinjaOne Patch Management acts as a standalone product that automatically identifies and applies software upgrades for Windows, Linux, Mac, and third-party applications. It also administers automatic reboots to finalize update installations and generates automatic prompts and notifications upon identifying vulnerabilities or when the vendor releases new updates.
I admired the integration of remote fixing tools in the NinjaOne dashboard, aiding crews in addressing and rectifying patch application complications or system haltages without necessitating on-site staff. The sole rationale for not awarding a perfect 5 out of 5 is encountering certain bugs in the automation features, possibly irritating for beginners.
SEE: Patch Management Policy (TechRepublic Premium)
Reasoning Behind Selecting NinjaOne Patch Management
NinjaOne Patch Management represents a user-friendly solution that offers an array of automation capabilities and rectification tools to streamline patch management for small, bustling IT teams. NinjaOne additionally carries other endpoint security and device management solutions for those who desire a more holistic approach.
Cost Structure
NinjaOne refrains from disclosing pricing details publicly, mandating potential clients to request personalized quotations. As per aReddit user expressed that the minimum expenditure is $180 each month.
Characteristics
- Automated identification, approval, and deployment of patches.
- Tools for rectification including remote terminal, registry editor, and remote accessibility.
- Anticipatory patch approval.
- Automated system restarts.
- Insight into endpoint protection with specific patch details.
- Automated notifications and warnings.
- Records and reports of patch activities.
Merits and demerits
| Merits | Demerits |
|---|---|
| Simple to navigate for novices. | Certain functions may have glitches. |
| Incorporates additional rectification tools. | Pricing lacks clarity. |
| Offers extensive automation. |
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus: Best complimentary patch management
Our score: 4.6 out of 5
ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is an all-encompassing patch management solution that enterprises can utilize for gratis for up to 20 workstations and five servers. While all other alternatives on my list are solely cloud-based, ManageEngine’s software can also be set up on-site for enterprises preferring an in-house approach.
Its paid choices are economical, and the Enterprise package includes updates for antivirus definitions, device drivers, and BIOS, along with automated patch testing, approval, and bandwidth optimization. Implementing ManageEngine agents is straightforward, although configuring the management dashboard can be challenging, and I discovered its error codes to be unhelpful.
Nevertheless, even the complimentary version comes with responsive customer support to address any configuration issues.
SEE: Patch Management Plays a Critical Role in Layered Endpoint Cybersecurity (TechRepublic)
Why I opted for ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus
ManageEngine presents a no-cost business-grade password manager, rendering it a superb choice for startups or other enterprises on a stringent budget. The affordable premium plans include extra device sets and enhanced patching capabilities for those in need, and a responsive customer support team is ready to assist with any setup frustrations.
Pricing
- Gratis for up to 20 workstations and 5 servers.
- Professional: $245 (on-premises) or $345 (cloud) annually for 50 machines and a single admin login.
- Enterprise: Incorporates updates for antivirus definitions, driver and BIOS updates, automatic patch testing and approval, patch download scheduling, and bandwidth optimization for $345 (on-premises) or $445 (cloud) per year for 50 machines and a single admin login.
Characteristics
- Available on-site or in the cloud.
- Deployment of service packs.
- Management of patches from external sources.
- Administration of server application patches.
- Generation of scheduled and on-demand reports.
- Support for multiple technicians.
- Remote system restart.
- Two-step verification.
Advantages and drawbacks
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Straightforward deployment of agents. | Inadequate error codes. |
| Available in on-premises and cloud environments. | Challenging initial setup. |
| Responsive customer support. |
SolarWinds Patch Manager: Ideal for Microsoft corporations
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
SolarWinds Patch Manager is specifically designed for Windows systems, seamlessly integrating with Windows Server Update Services and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. It focuses solely on managing patches, whereas SolarWinds offers various other solutions for network monitoring, asset management, and more. Its interface is exceptionally user-friendly for Windows administrators, featuring customizable patch tracking for compliance and executive reporting.
Regrettably, one of SolarWinds’ other products encountered a very notable breach, leading to some security reservations. Nonetheless, the breached software was not associated with the Patch Manager solution.
SEE: Comprehensive Guide to the Malvertising Cybersecurity Threat (TechRepublic Premium)
Reasons for selecting SolarWinds Patch Manager
SolarWinds presents a top-tier patch management solution for businesses that exclusively use Windows and employ SCCM to administer their software. I found the interface comforting to navigate and the software reasonably simple to set up, albeit it could benefit from additional features considering its elevated cost.
Pricing
- Commences at $2,274 annually, with bespoke quotations available.
Characteristics
- Patch management for Windows servers and workstations.
- Seamless integration with WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) and SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager).
Advantages and drawbacks
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Integration with Microsoft patch management. | Steep cost. |
| Customizable reporting. | Only compatible with Microsoft frameworks. |
| User-friendly interface. | Recent significant security breach at SolarWinds. |
Avast Business Patch Management: Ideal for small enterprises
Our assessment: 4.2 out of 5
Avast presents an independent business patch management solution and integrates a patch manager in its Ultimate Business Security bundle. The standalone tool provides deployment scheduling, adaptable patches, and the ability to roll-back failed or flawed patches. Additionally, it offers master agent functionalities, enabling teams to deploy updates to a singular agent that then disseminates those patches to all supervised devices on the network.
The Ultimate Business Security package also encompasses endpoint, ransomware, phishing, data, USB, web protection, and a personal Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. When combined with a remarkably user-friendly dashboard, these features should warrant a superior rating for this solution. However, I reduced my score due to Avast’s past of unlawfully trading data from its complimentary antivirus users.
Reasons for Selecting Avast Business Patch Management
Avast delivers an intuitive standalone patch management solution with automated scanning and scheduled deployments at an extremely competitive price point. Small enterprises requiring heightened protection can also elevate to a comprehensive security solution without incurring excessive costs.
Pricing
- Business Patch Management: $16.42 per device annually.
- Ultimate Business Security: Includes endpoint protection, ransomware & data protection, phishing protection, web protection, personal VPN, and USB protection for $227.08 annually for 5 devices.
Features
- Adjustable deployment timetables.
- Master agent functionalities.
- Personalized patches.
- Automated scans.
- Reversal of ineffective or flawed patches.
Advantages and drawbacks
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Economical standalone patch manager. | Exclusively for Windows. |
| Tailored patching rules and timetables. | Avast faced penalties for trading consumer data. |
| User-friendly dashboard. |
Heimdal Patch & Asset Management: Optimal for cross-platform asset management
Our assessment: 4 out of 5
Heimdal furnishes a corporate-grade patch and asset management solution that prioritizes security over features or aesthetics. The platform delivers extensive IT asset management for Windows, Mac, Linux, and routers. It is excellent for sizable organizations with dispersed sites and numerous mobile or Internet of Things devices.
The platform guarantees a rapid, four-hour response time on freshly issued vulnerability patches to minimize exposure durations. Heimdal Patch & Asset Management also integrates a policy and compliance management dashboard to simplify adherence to regulatory specifications. Heimdal provides a comprehensive array of integrated enterprise security products such as DNS security and a modern firewall.
Reasons for Choosing Heimdal Patch & Asset Management
I opted for Heimdal due to its security-centric strategy towards patch management and its enterprise-grade IT asset management features that conform to corporate environments within regulated sectors like healthcare and governmental contracts. Additionally, it offers other enterprise security products for a more unified management experience.
Pricing
- No pricing details are presented.
Features
- Personalized or automated patch schedules.
- Four-hour response time on new vulnerability patches.
- Policy and compliance management.
- IT
- wealth administration.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Incorporates wealth administration. | Restricted third-party app support. |
| Interoperable support. | Just fundamental reporting. |
| High-speed patches. | Learning curve for platform usage. |
How can I select the most outstanding wealth management software for my company?
Every company has unique requirements, but specific common aspects should be considered when opting for a wealth management solution. It should be compatible with your current operating systems and business applications. Your team must possess the expertise to set it up and utilize it efficiently; it should align with your budget and, importantly, be safeguarded against breaches.
ESET stood out as my top choice because it strikes an excellent balance among these traits. Nevertheless, each alternative on my inventory presents pros and cons that should be carefully assessed based on your needs.
Approach
I selected wealth management solutions that enjoy popularity among the IT experts I’ve interacted with in the past, as well as those highly rated by customers on platforms like Reddit. Whenever feasible, I downloaded trial versions to personally evaluate features, and when not possible, I viewed demonstrations to witness the product’s functionalities in real-time. Additionally, I conducted research on each provider to assess their credibility and evaluate any known security threats or breaches.
About Author
