Did you know the Ubuntu operating system takes up 2.2% of all the devices in the world?  Linux and, consequentially, Ubuntu are some of the most popular OS organizations around the world use. So, securing the devices that run Ubuntu might be a little different when compared to your run-of-the-mill Windows patching. So, let’s understand the A-Z of Ubuntu patch management and learn some best practices to ensure you keep your Linux devices up to date.

What is Ubuntu Patch Management?

Patch Management is the process of detecting, identifying, testing, and deploying patches. This is common knowledge (among IT Security professionals). And in the case of Ubuntu, it’s a little more complex than your usual patching process. We’ll talk about the exact details a little later in the blog.

• Why is it important?
  Two words: Preventing cyberattacks. Applying patches provides a slew of benefits, including feature updates, bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, etc. But a key advantage is that it mitigates risks that can turn into cyberattacks if left alone. Here’s a stat that supports the statement. According to a recent report by IBM, vulnerabilities in unpatched software account for over 60% of cyberattacks. That means if the available patch was deployed, it’d have stopped 60% of cyberattacks!

As previously mentioned, Ubuntu patching is a little bit different. Let’s understand the basics of Ubuntu patches.

The Basics of Ubuntu Patches

• Types of patches in Ubuntu?
  Unlike Windows patches, Ubuntu patches can be categorized into 4 different types:
  • Security Patches: The most important type of patch is that it addresses security risks and vulnerabilities and ensures your attack surface is reduced and potential threats are prevented.
  
  
  • Bug Fixes & Feature Updates: These patches fix issues within the OS or add in new functionalities and updates for the overall enhancement of the application.
  
  
  • Kernel Updates: All Linux families have a kernel, which is a bridge between your device’s hardware and software, which are at the core of the operating system. Kernel updates involve updating the core itself and often requires updates.
  
  
• How are Ubuntu updates structured?
  A key difference between typical updates and Linux-based platform updates is that Ubuntu uses an Advanced Package Tool (APT) that includes the contents of the patches. Furthermore, there are many types of packages as well.
  • Main: These are the free and open-source software packages that are officially licensed by Canonical, the parent company of Ubuntu.
  • Universe: These are the community-maintained packages available online. While it isn’t officially supported by Canonical, it still works. 
  • Restricted: These are packages with proprietary software that’s needed for hardware devices to work. Think Nvidia or AMD drivers.

The Importance of Regular Patching

The importance of regular patching cannot be understated. Especially in the case of Ubuntu patch management, you must ensure the devices in your network are not vulnerable to cyberattacks. Here are three vital reasons why you should care:

• Security Implications: The biggest and the most obvious one is that not patching regularly puts your network at risk. Highlighting the stat from the IBM research, nearly 60% of cyberattacks could have been prevented if the patch was actually deployed on time. The solution is right there in our faces, but we are just not doing it!
• System Stability and Performance: Developers develop patches to improve their app’s performance, add features, and increase stability. You’ll be missing out on all these advantages if you don’t patch on time!
• Compliance Requirements: The biggest names in compliance, like GDPR, PCI, NIST, or HIPAA, require you to secure and maintain your systems. Patching your devices, be it Ubuntu or anything else, ensures you eliminate potential risks and outdated software as well. Furthermore, you also avoid penalties and fines for non-compliance too!

The Ubuntu Patch Management Process

Patching your Ubuntu systems might feel like a daunting task at first glance, but here’s a step-by-step overview of what you need to do to maintain an up-to-date environment.

1. Update the package lists: As mentioned previously, updating Ubuntu devices is a little different. You must ensure the packages you have contain the latest updates; otherwise, you must fetch the latest packages from official sources. But the process is pretty simple, and your device does most of the work here.
   Use the following command:
   sudo apt updateEnsure you are logged in as an administrator to update the packages.
   
   
   1. Install the latest updates: The next step is to apply the downloaded patches. Depending on what you want to update, there are two ways to do this.
      1. Comprehensive update, which involves upgrading the kernel and any dependencies. But it also removes the installed packages as well, and must be used cautiously. Use the following command:
         sudo apt full-upgradeRegular update, which downloads and updates the latest available packages of all the packages in the device. Use the following command:
         sudo apt upgrade
         
   1. Remove unnecessary dependencies: Once the updates are done, you can remove unrequired packages as a post-upgrade clean up. This’ll help save space as well. To clean up, use the following command:
      sudo apt autoremove

Automating Ubuntu Patch Deployment

Manually updating Ubuntu devices, or any devices in general can be tricky. But Ubuntu has the provisions to automate patching the device. Using the following commands, you can ensure your devices are up to date. But the caveat is that only critical updates are applied.

sudo apt install unattended-upgrades

sudo dpkg-reconfigure unattended-upgrades

Best Practices for Patching Ubuntu Devices

Now that you know how to patch like a pro, what are some best practices you should follow to take it to the next level? Here are a few pointers to keep in mind.

• Testing Before Deployment: Patches can lead to unexpected downtimes if any issues pop up. So, to iron out these issues, ensure you are testing the patches before you deploy them in your test environment.
• Backup Strategy: As a rule of thumb, always create backups! Patches can unexpectedly create issues and delete files. Further, it can also cause issues in the system itself. So, create backups and restore points as well!
• Patch Prioritization: In today’s digitally transformed networks, the number of patches available for networks is in the hundreds of thousands. Furthermore, some patches are more critical than others as they can mitigate more dangerous risks. So, it’s important to focus your efforts on the risks that matter.

Conclusion

Ubuntu Patch management is vital in preventing cyberattacks. Furthermore, it’s a necessity for your devices and networks to be at their absolute best. By understanding the patching process, automating where possible, and following best practices, you can minimize risks while ensuring your systems perform at their best.

With cyber threats evolving daily, there’s no better time to adopt a proactive approach to patch management. Leverage cutting-edge patch management with SanerNow.