Workflow Templates: Patch Management Checklist

Subscribe to vendor security bulletins and advisories.

Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all software and hardware assets.

Classify assets based on criticality and business impact.

Identify patches required for each asset using vulnerability management tools.

Prioritize patches based on risk assessment and compliance requirements.

Set up a dedicated test environment that mirrors the production environment.

Apply patches to test systems and monitor for any issues.

Run functional tests to ensure system operations are not impacted.

Conduct performance tests to check for any degradation in system performance.

Document any issues found and determine if they affect the decision to deploy the patch.

Create a detailed deployment plan that includes the schedule and affected systems.

Inform stakeholders and end-users about the planned patch deployment.

Back up critical data and configurations before applying patches.

Deploy patches in stages, starting with less critical systems.

Develop a rollback plan in case issues arise during or after deployment.

Verify that the patches have been successfully applied to all targeted systems.

Monitor systems for any unusual behavior or performance issues after patching.

Update asset and patch management records to reflect the current status.

Review logs and reports to ensure no unexpected issues have occurred.

Solicit feedback from users and other stakeholders about any observed issues.

Conduct a post-patch review meeting to discuss the patch management process.

Identify any gaps or issues that occurred during the patch cycle.

Update patch management policies and procedures based on lessons learned.

Train staff on any new tools, techniques, or policies related to patch management.

Keep thorough documentation of all patch management activities for auditing and compliance.