What does the term "patch management" refer to?

Patch management refers to the systematic process of managing updates and patches for software to address vulnerabilities, improve security, and enhance overall performance. This involves identifying needed updates, testing them to ensure they do not disrupt existing systems, and deploying them in a timely manner. By regularly applying patches, organizations help protect themselves against known threats that exploit software vulnerabilities, significantly reducing the risk of security breaches.

While managing antivirus software updates, configuring firewalls, and monitoring network traffic are important aspects of an organization's cybersecurity strategy, they do not encompass the scope of patch management. Patch management specifically focuses on the updates and improvements applied directly to software applications and systems to maintain their security and functionality.