Acronis Automatic Patch Approval

https://www.acronis.com/en-us/blog/posts/deep-dive-into-automated-patching-with-acronis-advanced-management

Streamlining Your IT Management

In the fast-paced world of IT management, keeping systems secure and up-to-date is crucial. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through efficient patch management. Acronis has introduced Automatic Patch Approval, a feature that simplifies and accelerates the patching process, allowing organizations to enhance their security posture without the burden of manual intervention. This article explores how Acronis Automatic Patch Approval works and provides guidance for administrators on how to implement it effectively.

What is Acronis Automatic Patch Approval?

Acronis Automatic Patch Approval is a feature within the Acronis Cyber Protect platform that automates the approval process for software patches. Traditionally, patch management required extensive manual testing and approval, consuming valuable time and resources. With this new functionality, administrators can set up automatic approvals for patches, even for critical updates like zero-day patches, thereby eliminating delays that could expose systems to vulnerabilities.

According to research, organizations often experience significant delays in patching applications—averaging around 102 days—which can lead to security breaches from known vulnerabilities. By automating the patch approval process, Acronis addresses this challenge head-on, enabling organizations to maintain a robust security posture while freeing up IT teams to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Key Features of Acronis Automatic Patch Approval

  1. Streamlined Process: The automatic approval feature allows patches to be approved without manual testing, significantly reducing the time spent on patch management.
  2. Control Over Automation: Administrators retain full control over the automation settings, including the conditions under which automatic approvals apply. This flexibility ensures that organizations can tailor their patch management strategy according to their specific needs.
  3. Pre-Update Backup: Acronis automatically creates an image backup before applying any patches. This safety net allows for quick rollbacks in case a patch causes issues, minimizing downtime and operational disruptions.
  4. Comprehensive Reporting: The system provides detailed reports on patch status and compliance, helping administrators track which patches have been applied and which are pending approval.
  5. Customizable Policies: Administrators can create custom patching policies based on criteria such as severity, category, and approval status, ensuring that critical updates are prioritized.

How to Use Acronis Automatic Patch Approval as an Administrator

Implementing Acronis Automatic Patch Approval involves several straightforward steps:

Step 1: Access the Acronis Management Console

  1. Log in to your Acronis Cyber Protect console.
  2. Navigate to the Software Management section and select Patches.

Step 2: Configure Automatic Approval Settings

  1. Click on Settings within the Patches tab.
  2. Enable the Automatic Approval option.
  3. Specify the number of days after which patches with a status of “Not Defined” will automatically become “Approved.” For example, if you set this to 10 days, any untested patches will be approved after that period if no issues are reported.

Step 3: Prepare Protection Plans

  1. Create a protection plan for testing patches (e.g., “Test Patching”).
  • Apply this plan to your test environment where you can assess the impact of new patches.
  • Ensure that the condition for patch installation is set to “Not Defined” so you can evaluate their effects without immediate deployment.
  1. Create another protection plan for production (e.g., “Production Patching”).
  • This plan should have all updates defined as “Approved” so that only vetted patches are installed in your live environment.

Step 4: Monitor Patch Deployment

  1. After running your test plan, review the results.
  2. Mark any problematic patches as “Declined” while leaving successful ones as “Not Defined.”
  3. After the specified number of days, those remaining in “Not Defined” status will automatically switch to “Approved.”

Step 5: Execute Production Patching

  1. Launch your production patching plan at a scheduled time that minimizes disruption (e.g., during off-peak hours).
  2. The system will install only those patches marked as “Approved,” ensuring a smooth update process without manual oversight.

Conclusion

Acronis Automatic Patch Approval revolutionizes the way organizations manage software updates by automating what was once a labor-intensive process. By leveraging this feature, IT teams can enhance their security posture while reducing operational burdens associated with manual patch management.

With its ability to streamline workflows and minimize downtime through pre-update backups and customizable policies, Acronis empowers administrators to focus on strategic initiatives rather than getting bogged down in routine tasks. Embrace Acronis Automatic Patch Approval today and transform your approach to IT security and efficiency!

Scroll to Top