====== Company patch management policy ======

  It is crucial to have a Patch Management Policy in place to ensure that software systems and applications are updated regularly to
  address security vulnerabilities and other issues. This policy provides a framework for managing patches in a consistent and 
  structured manner, reducing the risk of security breaches and downtime due to system vulnerabilities.

===== Purpose =====

  * The purpose of this Patch Management Policy is to establish a standardized and effective process for managing software patches across our organization.
  * This policy outlines the guidelines and procedures that must be followed for identifying, testing, approving, and deploying patches in a timely and secure manner.

===== Scope =====

  * This policy applies to all software systems and applications within our organization.
  * All personnel responsible for managing and maintaining our software systems and applications are expected to adhere to the guidelines and procedures outlined in this policy.

===== Policy =====

  * **Patch Identification:**
    * Patches must be identified through a systematic process, which includes monitoring vendor and industry sources for alerts and notifications of available patches.
    * The IT team must review and assess each patch to determine its impact on our systems and prioritize the deployment accordingly.
  * **Patch Testing:** 
    * Patches must be tested in a non-production environment to ensure that they do not cause any issues or conflicts with our existing software systems and applications.
    *  Any issues or conflicts discovered during testing must be addressed before the patch is approved for deployment.
  * **Patch Approval:** 
    * Patches must be approved for deployment by the IT team.
    * Patches that are deemed critical or high-risk must be approved as soon as possible, while those that are lower risk may be approved for deployment on a scheduled basis.
  * **Patch Deployment:** 
    * Patches must be deployed in a controlled and secure manner, with proper documentation and communication to relevant stakeholders. 
    * The IT team must verify that the patch has been deployed successfully and that systems are operating normally after the patch has been applied.
  * **Patch Monitoring and Reporting:** 
    * The IT team must monitor systems and applications for any issues or problems that may arise after a patch has been deployed. 
    * Any issues or problems must be addressed immediately, and the status of the patch deployment must be reported regularly to relevant stakeholders.

===== Conclusion =====

  * This Patch Management Policy provides a framework for managing software patches in a consistent and structured manner, reducing the risk of security breaches and system downtime.
  * By following the guidelines and procedures outlined in this policy, our organization can maintain the security and stability of our software systems and applications.