A security patch is a software tool designed to fix various security vulnerabilities and issues within both the software itself and the overall system. Why is this so crucial?
In today’s interconnected world, society is just one click away from potential cyberattacks. While your online security might seem like an impregnable fortress, in reality, it contains vulnerabilities, windows, and doors through which, unfortunately, anything can slip through.
Given the complexity of the applications and programs used in PCs, laptops, or smartphones today, it’s no surprise that almost none of them are flawless and may contain bugs. That’s precisely why security patches emerge—to plug all the holes, safeguard your data and information, and ensure everything operates smoothly while maintaining robust protection.
Patches are usually released by software developers or operating system operators. System updates can be obtained from the manufacturer’s official website or installed automatically (with user consent).
But what exactly are these security patches? How do they work, and why are they so important when it comes to the cybersecurity of mobile phones, computers, and other devices, as well as companies?
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What is a security patch?
A security patch is a set of changes to computer files that address vulnerabilities and software errors. The main goal of a patch is to enhance the security, reliability, and performance of the software.
In simpler terms, a security patch is a modification to software intended to fix or eliminate vulnerabilities in an operating system, program, or device. These vulnerabilities can arise for various reasons, such as programming errors, design flaws, or the detection of new threats by cybersecurity experts.
The origin of patches dates back to the time when data was stored on punch cards – patches were used to “repair” individual holes punched in the cards.
Today, the major issue is that modern applications and programs are too complex. Therefore, it’s not surprising that almost no program can function perfectly and efficiently. Some glitches in the software, also known as bugs, result in incorrect or unexpected outcomes.
For example, if Google Chrome suddenly starts malfunctioning, the company releases a patch. If a vulnerability is unexpectedly discovered in Android 14, a patch is released. If you can’t access an app on Android Auto, a fix patch is issued. Security patches are so common that even a major company like Microsoft publishes a list of changes, fixes, and enhancements every second Tuesday of the month. This is known as “Patch Tuesday” for Windows. Many experts believe that such patches are crucial for the operation of devices, operating systems, and software.
The key point here is that these flaws, known as vulnerabilities, can be exploited to bypass security measures, and this is where the security patch comes into play. The situation is becoming increasingly tense for security-conscious companies, as cybercriminals seize any opportunity to gain unauthorized access to systems, steal data, install malware, or blackmail companies.
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What do security patches do?
Modern software and the operating systems they run on are incredibly complex, consisting of many interconnected components developed by large teams of developers, often over several years, and sometimes even decades.
Given the immense complexity of modern software, it’s hardly surprising that there are virtually no flawless programs. Some software flaws, also known as bugs, can be exploited to bypass security measures; these are commonly referred to as security vulnerabilities. A prime example is the computer exploit EternalBlue, developed by the United States National Security Agency (NSA) and later leaked by the hacker group Shadow Brokers.
EternalBlue exploited an unpatched vulnerability in Microsoft’s Server Message Block (SMB) protocol implementation (CVE-2017-0144), allowing attackers to remotely execute code on the target computer.
This vulnerability was exploited during the WannaCry ransomware attack, which affected over 200,000 computers in 150 countries. It was orchestrated by Russian hackers associated with the NotPetya ransomware, which targeted Ukrainian institutions, banks, ministries, and information resources in 2017.
In March 2017, Microsoft released a security patch for the SMB vulnerability, replacing the problematic piece of code, as is done with all security patches. Indeed, the process of addressing security vulnerabilities in a system boils down to just two steps. Firstly, a security update becomes available. Secondly, the update is installed by an authorized entity tasked with implementing fixes.
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Updates vs patches: what’s the difference?
In essence, there is a difference between updates and patches, although in practice these two terms are often used interchangeably. Updates add new features or improve the functionality of existing ones. On the other hand, patches address security vulnerabilities.
Here lies the confusion, as updates and patches are often bundled together when a new version of updated software with fixes is released. When a new version of Android is released for your mobile phone, for example, it typically already includes all the fixes for issues and vulnerabilities.
The problem arises when users perceive security fixes as an inconvenience that interrupts their workflow and requires them to restart their devices. As a result, they often postpone their installation for as long as possible, which is a critical mistake because the importance of security patches cannot be overstated.
All experts and specialists recommend installing security patches immediately whenever possible. By doing so, you safeguard yourself from hacking attacks, vulnerabilities, and various operational failures.
Sometimes companies and developers release emergency security patches to address a particular issue or failure instantly, resolving it at an early stage.
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Microsoft, Google, Apple take security patch release very seriously
As mentioned earlier, large companies, due to the vast array of programs and software they operate with, strive to address emerging issues as quickly as possible.
For example, Apple recently released two major patches for iOS, addressing over 40 issues, two of which are already being exploited in attacks. One of the vulnerabilities affects the iPhone kernel, while the other impacts the real-time system used in devices like AirPods.
On the other hand, Google consistently addresses vulnerabilities in Chrome. In March 2024, they released several patches, including fixes for critical issues that could allow attackers to execute code remotely.
Microsoft is also keeping pace by releasing patches for over 60 vulnerabilities. Of course, mentioning this company also brings up the issue of serious delays in issuing security patches for critical issues. Nevertheless, patches for Windows often do not come out immediately.
Quite recently, in April 2024, cybercriminals, with the support of the North Korean government, achieved significant success by exploiting a vulnerability in the Windows operating system known as CVE-2024-21338. Microsoft seemed to have the issue under control, but it took them too long. Only six months after the vulnerability was first discovered did they finally decide to release the necessary security patch.
It’s worth noting here that a patch cannot fix vulnerabilities unless the user or network administrator promptly installs the update containing the security patch. Therefore, you should assist developers and always install them as soon as the opportunity arises. This way, your devices will always be protected from attacks and intrusions by malicious actors and will function correctly.
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