What does the term 'patch management' refer to?

The term 'patch management' refers specifically to the process of managing updates for applications to fix vulnerabilities. This process is essential in maintaining the security and functionality of software applications within an organization. Patch management ensures that all software is up to date with the latest security patches, which are designed to address identified vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit.

By systematically applying these patches, organizations reduce the risk of security breaches and enhance the overall stability of their systems. Effective patch management involves assessing which patches are necessary, testing them in a secure environment before deployment, and then monitoring and documenting the patching process to ensure compliance and security standards are met. This practice not only applies to operating systems but also to various applications used by the organization, making it a critical aspect of maintaining a secure IT environment.

Other choices, while related to IT management, focus on different aspects that do not involve the security fixes required through patch updates. For instance, managing hardware updates refers specifically to upgrading physical components, managing user access rights pertains to security controls concerning user permissions, and managing data backups focuses on system recovery and data integrity rather than immediate security vulnerabilities in applications.