Protecting your network this cold and flu season

Well, the cold and flu season is almost upon us. What have you done to protect your network? Have you proactively deployed the required medicine (patches)? If not, it is never too late to protect the network by following these basic steps.

1. Install a patch management solution in a test environment.
2. Test the installation in a lab environment against a subset of our production machines.
3. Determine if the solution meets your needs. If it doesn't, get another.
4. If it meets your needs, deploy to production within a pilot.
5. If the pilot is successful, continue the deployment throughout your network.
6. Continually deploy patches after testing. Don't get caught up in deploying a patch management solution and not keeping on top of the patches.

With this easy prescription, you can and will make it through this cold and flu season. The type of cold and flu your network gets cannot be cured with chick soap. It takes effort and planning, but the rewards are priceless.

Rebuilding a computer infected with a virus = $$$$
Patch management solution = $$$$
Administrating the solution = $$$$
Watching your admin buddies sweat when a new virus hits = Priceless.

MORE INFO:
PM FAQ: The three steps to computer security

Beginners Guide to Enterprise Patch Management

Streamlining Office Patch Deployment with the DSUW

Software Update Services adventure

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Travis Davis is the owner of NStride Consulting, a firm which specializes in all facets of systems management. He has over nine years of experience in technology deployment, integration and management. Travis has held positions at Altiris, Microsoft Consulting Services and EDS, and is also a MCSE, MCT, CNA, and CTT+.

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