Five rules of patching

1. Test before you patch: Always test updates and patches on a smaller, non-critical system or in a controlled environment to ensure they do not cause any negative impacts or compatibility issues.

2. Keep systems up to date: Regularly update all hardware and software to minimize risks and vulnerabilities. Install security patches promptly to prevent exploitation by common threats.

3. Prioritize critical patches: Assess the severity and impact of each patch and prioritize them according to their potential risk to the system. Patch critical vulnerabilities as soon as possible to protect against immediate threats.

4. Backup data regularly: Before applying patches, make sure to back up all critical data and system configurations. This ensures that in case of any issues or failures, you can restore systems to their previous state.

5. Follow best practices for patch management: Develop a comprehensive patch management strategy that includes using a centralized patch management system, maintaining an inventory of all systems and software, establishing clear update and patch schedules, and regularly reviewing and auditing patching processes to ensure effectiveness.