What is typically the first step in the patch management process?

The first step in the patch management process is to identify which patches are required. This stage is crucial as it involves assessing the current systems, applications, and the vulnerabilities that exist within them. By conducting thorough research and assessment, IT professionals can determine which patches or updates are necessary to fix known security issues or to improve system functionality. This preliminary step sets the foundation for the entire patch management process.

Identifying required patches allows for prioritization, as some vulnerabilities may pose immediate security risks compared to others. After this assessment, IT teams can move onto applying patches, but without a clear understanding of what is needed first, subsequent steps may be ineffective or misdirected. Thus, having a clear baseline of patch requirements ensures that the patch management process is both effective and efficient in maintaining system security and performance.