"Another maintenance window? But we've got that big presentation on Tuesday!" The familiar groan from the other end of the phone is one every MSP has heard countless times. Clients see scheduled updates as inconvenient interruptions to their business, but there's a reason we keep insisting on them, and it's not because we enjoy nagging. It's because the consequences of skipping software updates can be catastrophic, affecting not just individual businesses but entire industries.
The most devastating example of what happens when updates are ignored came in May 2017 with the WannaCry ransomware attack. Within days, this malicious software had infected over 200,000 computers across 150 countries, bringing critical services to their knees. The UK's National Health Service was particularly hard hit, with thousands of medical appointments cancelled, ambulances diverted, and some hospitals forced to return to pen and paper. The cruel irony? Microsoft had released a patch for the vulnerability two months earlier. Those who had applied the update were protected; those who hadn't became victims.
But what exactly is ransomware, and how does it differ from other malware? Think of malware as the umbrella term for any malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. This includes viruses that replicate themselves, spyware that steals information, and trojans that masquerade as legitimate programs. Ransomware is a particularly nasty subset of malware that encrypts your files and demands payment for the decryption key. It's digital extortion, and it's become increasingly common because it's profitable for criminals.
WannaCry wasn't an isolated incident. In 2019, the city of Baltimore fell victim to RobbinHood ransomware, which exploited known vulnerabilities that hadn't been patched. The attack paralysed city services for weeks, preventing residents from buying homes, paying bills, or accessing email. The estimated cost? Over $18 million in recovery efforts and lost revenue. Baltimore is far from alone either - another noteworthy example was a similar ransomware attack that caught Atlanta off guard in 2018, costing the city a cool $17 million. Again, these attacks could have been prevented with proper patch management.
Another significant example was the 2017 Equifax breach, which exposed the personal information of 147 million people. The attackers exploited a vulnerability in Apache Struts, a web application framework. The patch for this vulnerability had been available for months before the breach occurred, but Equifax had failed to apply it. The company's negligence resulted in massive regulatory fines, lawsuits, and irreparable damage to their reputation.
So why do organisations delay updates? Often it's fear of downtime or concerns about compatibility issues. But these concerns pale in comparison to the devastation that can result from a successful attack. Modern patch management strategies can minimise disruption through staged rollouts, testing environments, and automated deployment during maintenance windows. Many organisations are turning to managed service providers who specialise in maintaining this delicate balance - keeping systems secure whilst ensuring business continuity.
The lesson is clear: software updates aren't just recommended maintenance - they're your first line of defence against known threats. Cybercriminals actively scan for unpatched systems, knowing that many organisations are slow to apply updates. Don't make their job easier. Think of it like servicing your car - you wouldn't skip regular maintenance and expect it to run reliably, so why treat your IT systems any differently? Implement a robust patch management strategy, test updates in a controlled environment, and prioritise security patches above all else. Whether you handle this in-house or partner with specialists who can manage this crucial process for you, the key is consistency and vigilance. Because when the next WannaCry-style attack hits, you want to be protected, not making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Are you confident in your patch management processes? Do you have visibility into which systems need updates? Need help developing a comprehensive update strategy that balances security with operational requirements?
