14 DAY TRIAL // Customers running Microsoft software can expect security updates from the company on what has become known as Patch Tuesday, namely the second Tuesday of each month.
Patches are made available to both end users and business customers, but fact is that the two consumer segments very dramatically when it comes down to applying security bulletins.
The best course of action for end users is to simply switch Automatic Updates on and have the patched delivered and installed automatically.
Not the same is valid for IT professionals that administer large IT infrastructures. For them specifically, the software giant released Microsoft Security Update Guide, Second Edition, which is now up for grabs free of charge via the Download Center.
“This guide was designed to help IT pros better understand and use Microsoft security release information, processes, communications, and tools,” the software giant stated.
“Our goal is to help IT pros understand how Microsoft security updates are developed and tested; manage organizational risk; and develop a repeatable, effective deployment mechanism for testing and releasing security updates.’
“In this guide, you will find a convenient glossary of terms, an overview of the Microsoft Security Bulletin process, and a stage-by-stage review of Microsoft Security Updates.”
There are specific stages to the security update process, the Redmond company underlined, and the first stage involved receiving details on the security releases available.
According to Microsoft, customers will need to evaluate the risk and mitigation alternatives, then go ahead and deploy standard or urgent updates.
The next stage is focused on monitor systems that received patches, with IT pros required to leverage Microsoft Resources to track security developments.
“Welcome to the Microsoft Security Update Guide, Second Edition. Our aim with the Guide is to help you manage the process of deploying Microsoft security updates within your environment,” stated Matt Thomlinson, General Manager, Trustworthy Computing Security.
“Microsoft produces a lot of information and guidance about our security updates, and the Guide describes how to use these resources effectively to help make your organization’s IT environment secure.”