What is a key reason for having protocols and procedures in place for patch management?

Having protocols and procedures in place for patch management is essential for providing reasonable assurance against system crashes. Patch management involves regularly updating software and systems to fix vulnerabilities, enhance security, and improve performance. Without a structured approach, organizations may miss critical updates that can lead to vulnerabilities being exploited, which can ultimately result in system instability or crashes.

By establishing clear protocols and procedures for patch management, organizations can systematically identify, test, and apply patches, thereby reducing the likelihood of system failures due to outdated or unpatched software. This not only helps maintain system reliability but also contributes to overall security and operational effectiveness.