Mobile and remote workers are playing havoc with IT
departments’ efforts to patch systems that are vulnerable to
viruses or hacking attacks.
A survey of 150 IT managers responsible for software patches and
updates within their organisations, showed that almost three
quarters (74%) of companies are unable to reach mobile and remote
network endpoints at the first attempt.
The research was carried out by independent researchers on
behalf of remote management software company SupportSoft.
When asked about the most important features of a patch
management solution, 65% of IT managers said their organisation
considered the ability to ensure the delivery of patches was the
most important feature.
Despite this requirement, 21% of organisations said they had no
way of knowing precisely which patches are still in place three
months after the initial distribution.
Twenty four per cent of companies surveyed said it took weeks or
more to complete the distribution of patches across the
enterprise.