What is the primary purpose of patch management?

The primary purpose of patch management is to methodically update security baselines. This process involves the identification, assessment, and application of updates (or patches) to software applications and systems to address vulnerabilities, improve functionality, and enhance security. By implementing a structured patch management strategy, organizations ensure that their systems are protected against known security flaws and threats.

Effective patch management helps maintain the integrity and security of IT environments, minimizing the risk of exploitation by addressing weaknesses promptly. It is essential for maintaining compliance with security regulations and standards as it enables organizations to keep their security measures current and robust against emerging threats.

This approach contrasts with other options, which, while related to IT security and operations, do not embody the primary goal of patch management. For instance, removing unnecessary services helps reduce attack surfaces but is not the focus of patch management. Developing product concepts into written code pertains more to software development rather than the ongoing maintenance and updating of existing systems. Managing hardware installations involves physical components and hardware management rather than software security updates.