The importance of efficient patching within a Microsoft environment and the challenges of relying solely on Intune.
The importance of efficient patching within a Microsoft environment and the challenges of relying solely on Intune.
Microsoft Intune allows organizations to manage connected devices at scale more effortlessly. However, IT managers sometimes question if they can effectively protect all endpoints with Intune’s built-in patching mechanisms.
Intune, despite its convenience, might not offer the best workflow and visibility. If it does not, how can we use Intune while remaining productive when patching Intune-managed devices?
Why efficient patching on Intune is important?
Vulnerable endpoints can impact organizations in several ways. Whether it is operational disruption, information theft, or financial losses, the repercussions of slow or limited patching can negatively impact any organization. According to IBM, the average cost of data breach stands at $4.88 million in 2024.
If you’re managing devices across your organization with Intune, you might have realized that patching, at times, can be cumbersome. By itself, Intune doesn’t offer granular control for patching. Instead, additional integration with WSUS and SCCM is needed if you want a more streamlined process.
Understandably, organizations want to secure endpoints, extensive setup requirements, inefficient workflow and other factors call for alternative measures. Ultimately, the gap between discovering software vulnerabilities and patching them up determine an organization’s ability to mitigate potential threats.
Limitations of patch management on Intune
Microsoft Intune, on its own, lets you apply patches to groups of connected devices. Then, it will consolidate the data into reports that you can use to assess and ensure digital resilience. At a glance, Intune’s patch management looks robust, but in reality, there are some glaring shortfalls that need to be addressed.
Lacks flexibility
Before you patch any devices, you’ll need to find and list all the apps installed in them. While Intune can scan and list the applications in the registered devices, navigating them can be troublesome.
Lacks granularity
Patching options in Intune are quite limited. You can only select the channels and the type of updates (OS, non-OS, drivers) to apply. As such, you have no control over how and when individual software patches will be applied.
Reporting limitations
While Intune provides reporting options, they might not be as comprehensive as you wish. In some cases, the reporting cycle might take up to 48 hours, which decreases the time window for identifying and patching vulnerable apps.
Patching third-party applications
Intune has very limited support for third-party applications. Yes, you can patch them, but the process requires some manual setup. Moreover, it doesn’t automatically report the patching outcome. Plus, Intune takes time to report the patching outcome. So, you won’t immediately know if the third-party apps are successfully patched.
How to patch better on Intune
As many IT managers have found, Intune works better with third-party patch management solutions to bridge endpoint security gaps. Instead of solely relying on Intune, it’s best to explore solutions like SecTeer VulnDetect to scan, discover, and patch vulnerable applications.
VulnDetect provides flexible control over what, how, and when patches are applied. It integrates seamlessly with Intune, allowing you to secure both Microsoft and third-party apps from a unified interface. Plus, you’ll get access to comprehensive reports that help you stay updated on patching status and meet compliance requirements.