Third-Party Patch Management Explained

‍What Is Third-Party Patch Management?

Third-party patch management is the process of updating and securing software applications that are not part of the operating system, such as browsers, productivity tools, and plugins. While operating system updates are essential, most vulnerabilities today come from third-party applications, which is why many IT teams automate patch management to reduce security risks, improve compliance, and keep software consistently up to date.

Why Third-Party Patching Is Critical

Many IT teams focus heavily on OS updates but overlook third-party software. This creates major security gaps.

Unpatched third-party apps can lead to:

• Exploitable vulnerabilities
• Malware entry points
• Compliance failures
• Increased attack surface

Attackers often target widely used applications because they provide easy access into systems.

Common Third-Party Applications That Require Patching

Organizations typically manage updates for:

• Web browsers
• PDF readers
• Collaboration tools
• File compression utilities
• Media players

These applications are frequently updated and widely used, making them high-risk if left unpatched.

Key Challenges in Third-Party Patch Management

Lack of Centralized Control

Many third-party apps update independently, making tracking difficult.

Inconsistent Update Mechanisms

Different applications have different patching methods and schedules.

Limited Visibility

Without proper tools, IT teams may not know which versions are installed.

Manual Effort

Manual patching does not scale and increases the risk of missed updates.

How Third-Party Patch Management Works

A structured process typically includes:

1. Discovery

Identify all installed applications across endpoints.

2. Vulnerability Identification

Determine which applications are outdated or vulnerable.

3. Patch Deployment

Apply updates across devices using centralized tools.

4. Verification

Confirm patches are successfully installed.

5. Reporting

Track compliance and patch status across the environment.

Best Practices for Managing Third-Party Patches

• Maintain a complete software inventory
• Prioritize high-risk applications
• Automate patch deployment
• Test updates before full rollout
• Monitor patch success rates

How Level Supports Third-Party Patch Management

Level simplifies third-party patching by providing:

• Full endpoint and software visibility
• Automated patch deployment workflows
• Monitoring and alerting for patch failures
• Reporting tools for compliance tracking

This allows IT teams to manage both OS and third-party updates from a single platform.

Key Takeaways

• Third-party applications are a major source of vulnerabilities
• Manual patching does not scale effectively
• Automation improves consistency and coverage
• Visibility is critical for effective patch management

FAQ: Third-Party Patch Management

What is third-party patching?
It refers to updating non-operating system software to fix vulnerabilities.

Why is it important?
Most cyberattacks target outdated third-party applications.

How often should patches be applied?
As soon as updates are available, especially for critical vulnerabilities.‍