M_Security Update Management : FAQ

Why is it important to keep systems updated?

What is a security update?

What does ‘patching’ mean?

What is meant by ‘software vulnerability’?

What happens if a system is not updated due to staff absence (e.g. holidays or sickness)?

The system must be updated as soon as the staff member returns and before being used to access any organisational data or services. 

When devices no longer receive firmware updates but are still getting security patches on a biannual schedule, would the security patch be enough to pass an audit or does the device have to be fully supported?

This would be still considered a regular update, so it would be compliant with the standard and would pass the audit as long as it updated.

What does licensed and supported mean?

Define licensed and supported in simple terms

What about software where the vendor gives no indication about support periods, and where no new release has happened for a long time?

That would be considered as unsupported and up to the applicant to prove otherwise if they disagree.

What if we have unsupported software or operating systems that are vital to our operations?

Many organisations have devices with unsupported operating systems (for example medical or industrial equipment). Where this is the case, these systems should not be allowed to connect to the internet.

If a firewall's last firmware update was 6 months ago, would this fail as it is no longer supported by the vendor? 

As long as the vendor still supports the firewall and it receives regular security updates then it would be compliant.
If a firewall has not had any new firmware updates  after 6 months, check with the supplier if the device is still supported. 

For personally-owned devices, is it mandatory to have automatic updates enabled?

The requirement is that automatic updates should be enabled where possible. A manual update process is allowable but the updates must be applied within 14 days.  For personally-owned devices, using the built-in auto-update option is the easiest way to keep these devices compliant. 

How do we ensure that all devices accessing a network have the latest operating system updates installed?

There are MDM (Mobile Device Management) systems available that can automatically block non-compliant devices from accessing networks, and you can use this technical control along with a policy to ensure that any devices accessing the network are up to date. This can be particularly useful when dealing with personally-owned devices.