Why Patch?

Patching device software has become an requirement in modern times.  As software developers, security researchers, and hackers find vulnerabilities in operating systems and software, developers release patches to plug the vulnerable holes.

An unpatched vulnerability gives hackers an entry point to gain control of a device. Once a hacker has a foothold in our environment, they will use compromised systems to traverse the network and escalate their privileges.

Patching in the PSD

Due to the distributed nature of devices in the Physical Sciences Division, patching has been a challenge historically. Some devices are patched by hand, some are patched using built-in mechanisms, some are patched through management servers, and some are not patched at all.

To address this issue, PSD Computing and IT has purchased a cloud patching service called Automox.

Automox supports patching Windows, Mac, and Linux devices from one central console. Automox can apply both operating system patches and 3rd party software.

Automox is highly configurable to suit the needs of the division, from automatically applying all patches to only auditing which patches are needed and allowing the system owner to apply their own patches by hand.

If you would like Automox installed on your system, please email psdsupport@uchicago.edu