Patch Now: Stay Secure This Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Software patching has never been more critical. Last year saw roughly 40,000 newly disclosed software vulnerabilities—a jump of about 30%—and 2025 is on pace to break that record. As attackers increasingly weaponize known flaws, delaying updates is like leaving your front door unlocked.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a perfect moment for IT leaders and teams to sharpen their patch management strategy. In a new video, ESET Chief Security Evangelist Tony Anscombe explains why timely vulnerability patching dramatically reduces risk and how to make updates a consistent habit—not an afterthought.

What you can do right now:

• Take inventory of all systems and applications so nothing slips through the cracks
• Prioritize updates for critical vulnerabilities and internet-facing assets
• Enable automatic updates where appropriate and test before broad rollout
• Set patching SLAs and track progress to ensure timely remediation
• Monitor vendor advisories and security alerts to act quickly on high-risk flaws
• Reinforce good habits with cybersecurity awareness training

Stay tuned for more Cybersecurity Awareness Month content, celebrated across the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe. In the meantime, explore ESET's cybersecurity awareness training and follow along on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Source: WeLiveSecurity