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What happens when Microsoft accidentally label an OS upgrade as a security patch? Well we found out last week when world-wide, Server 2022 started to be upgraded to Windows 2025 without approval resulting in many companies facing unscheduled downtime
So aside from falling asleep with Windows Server 2022 and waking up in 2025 being a big enough shock - what exactly happened and how DASH’s server patching policy helped clients avoid the same downtime as the rest?
How DASH Ensures the Safe Installation of Patches to Keep Your Servers Secure
At DASH, we understand that keeping your systems secure is not just about implementing patches—it's about doing so safely, strategically, and without disrupting the day-to-day operations of your business. When it comes to server management and security updates, we take a thorough, hands-on approach that ensures every patch is properly vetted before installation, with a focus on minimising any potential impact on your critical operations.
Our Commitment to Patch Review and Safe Installation
Patches are an essential part of maintaining the security and integrity of your systems. They fix vulnerabilities, improve performance, and protect against emerging threats. However, installing patches without thorough testing can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, such as system slowdowns, software incompatibility, or even downtime. That’s why we take the extra step of reviewing every patch ahead of installation.
Here’s how we do it:
Comprehensive Patch Review Process:
Before any patch is approved for installation on our clients’ servers, it undergoes a detailed review process. We evaluate the potential risks, test the patch in a controlled environment, and ensure it aligns with the specific needs and configurations of each client’s infrastructure. This helps us catch any issues before they affect your operations.
Manual Approval:
After the initial review, each patch is manually approved by our experienced IT team. This approval process ensures that we are not just automating updates, but making educated decisions based on the current security landscape, compatibility checks, and best practices.
Strategic Installation Scheduling:
We know that your business can’t afford to experience disruptions during peak hours. To mitigate any risk, we schedule patch installations during off-peak hours—when your systems are least critical to your day-to-day operations. This allows us to apply necessary updates with minimal impact on your business continuity.
By taking these steps, we ensure that your servers remain secure without jeopardizing your business operations.
Responding to Microsoft's Ill-Advised Mislabelled Security Update
Recently, we faced a unique challenge when Microsoft released an update that was mislabelled as a security patch. This update, identified by KB (Knowledge Base) number, caused confusion as it was presented as a critical security update, but upon further investigation, it was clear that it introduced compatibility issues rather than addressing actual vulnerabilities.
In our proactive approach to security, we quickly identified this mistake and took immediate action to protect our clients. We blocked the troublesome KB update from being installed on all relevant servers across our client base. This decision was made with the utmost care, considering the potential risks posed by this mislabelled update and ensuring our clients' systems remained stable and secure.
By staying vigilant and responsive to emerging issues like this, we demonstrate our commitment to delivering the best service to our clients. Our team continuously monitors updates from vendors like Microsoft and other software providers, and we are always prepared to act swiftly when a threat or issue arises.
Why This Matters to You
The world of IT security is constantly evolving, and while patch management is essential for protecting your systems, it’s equally important to approach it with caution and foresight. At DASH, we take the extra steps necessary to ensure that every update is carefully evaluated, strategically implemented, and designed to protect your business without disrupting your operations.
You can trust that when you partner with us, we will handle your server security with the care and expertise it deserves. From blocking harmful updates to testing patches ahead of time, we are always focused on keeping your systems safe, secure, and running smoothly.
Get in Touch
If you have questions about your patch management strategy or want to discuss how we can help safeguard your systems, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to ensure that your IT environment remains secure and operational, 24/7.