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Shared control area · counts toward 8 standards
Vulnerability & patch management
Vulnerability and patch management is the process of identifying, prioritizing, and remediating security flaws in software and hardware. Most frameworks require this because unpatched systems are the primary entry point for known exploits and cyberattacks.
Implement it once
- Deploy an automated vulnerability scanner to regularly assess networks, servers, and applications.
- Establish a written patching policy that defines SLAs for remediation based on severity (e.g., Critical vulnerabilities patched within 7 days).
- Create a dedicated intake channel, such as a security email address or portal, for reporting discovered vulnerabilities.
- Maintain an up-to-date asset inventory to ensure scanning coverage is comprehensive across the environment.
- Integrate patching activities into a formal change management process to prevent operational downtime.
Evidence it produces
- Dated vulnerability scan reports showing identified flaws and their current status (open or closed).
- Change management logs documenting when patches were applied and which vulnerabilities they addressed.
- A formalized Patch Management Policy approved by leadership.
- Records of external vulnerability reports and the corresponding tickets tracking their resolution.
Where it counts
Since almost every major security standard requires a systematic approach to flaw remediation, this single workflow satisfies requirements across multiple certifications simultaneously. Implementing one rigorous process eliminates the need to build separate patching routines for different audits.