Question

System Patching and Data Backups Network administrators are typically more aware of and apt to engage in timely application of system patches. In the past, however, the rationale that was given as to why these activities were not happening related to concerns that the patches would break a functioning network and that internal networks were well fortified by firewalls and other border security devices, reducing the risk to internal hosts and servers. System backup tools were crude and time consuming and too often organizations did not make data backups a priority or relied on the false assurance of backing up data without validating whether those backups were successful. Use the Toolwire lab and the study materials, and engage in any additional research needed to fill in knowledge gaps. Discuss the following: What are the security benefits and challenges associated with the application of system patching and regular backups of organizational data? What are the tools and procedures involved in staying current with system and application patches? What are the tools and procedures involved with backing up data and, just as important, ensuring that those backups are working properly? Response Guidelines Read the posts of your peers and respond to at least two. Expand on the concepts covered in their initial posts. The quantity and quality of your posts will determine the value of the group's learning experience. Provide a substantive and appropriate response.

Answer 1

Benefits in system patching and backups:

There are number of benefits that are attached with the system patching and backups:

• The software will be protected against any kind of third party threat if proper system patching is done.

• The computer systems will be safe against any attack of viruses if a good system patching software is used.

• The threat of loss of data will be reduced if backup of data is done on regular basis.

• The system will not be over burdened by extra or unwanted data if backup of important information is made.

Challenges in system patching and backups:

The organization also faces number of challenges while going with system patching and backups such as:

• Resistance from the employees can be faced as system needs update if patching needs to be done, and changes are always not welcomed.

• Top level management might not support the idea of patching as it involves time and cost, which might be difficult to devote.

• Sometimes lack of budget also act as a challenge for the implementation of patching and backups.

• Patching is a time consuming affair so this can act as a hurdle for the organization.

Tools involved in staying current with system patching:

There are number of tools that can be used in order to perform system patching such as:

• HEAT PATCH link: this software is used as a patching device which comes in integration with Microsoft system. It leads to automatic patching and development of new patches as and when need arises.

• Kaseya VSA Patch management: it is a system which can be set on automatic mode well in advance and the patching process will start as and when the activity will be scheduled. Moreover patching activities can also be configured as per the policy of the organization.

• Manage Engine Patch Manager Plus: it is a software that is long term in nature and is designed to face the complex environment. It leads to up to date patching and keeping track with the latest and updated technology.

Tools involved in backing up data:

There are number of tools that can be used in order to perform backing up data such as:

• Storage space mirroring: here two hard disks are set under a single drive in windows. This will result into copy and backup of data so that it can be kept safe in future.

• Microsoft account setting backup: backup can be created by log in into the Microsoft account and can be controlled under one drive.

• One drive cloud storage: this will help the files that are saved to be backed up online into the logged in Microsoft account that the company is using. The saved data can be revisited as and when required.