Patch management is the systematic process of identifying, acquiring, testing, and applying software updates or installing “patches”. These patches are essential for fixing bugs, addressing security vulnerabilities, and improving functionality in applications and systems. Effective patch management ensures that systems remain secure and up-to-date, enabling optimal performance. This practice involves regularly monitoring for new patches, assessing their relevance and impact, and deploying them promptly across the organization’s IT infrastructure. By maintaining up-to-date software, patch management helps protect against data breaches, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, and maintains the integrity and performance of IT systems.