Vulnerability and Patch Management Policy

The Vulnerability and Patch Management Policy is a comprehensive framework designed to fortify an organization's cybersecurity posture. It outlines mandatory requirements for the identification, classification, remediation, and monitoring of vulnerabilities in information systems. This policy is essential for ensuring that all known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly, aligning with business needs and compliance obligations. By integrating standardized processes for vulnerability scanning and patch management, it supports secure configuration management and enhances audit readiness. Key roles include the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), who oversees policy integration within the Information Security Management System (ISMS), and the Vulnerability Management Lead, responsible for coordinating vulnerability scanning schedules and remediation timelines. System and application owners ensure timely application of patches within approved service level agreements (SLAs), while security analysts and third-party vendors must comply with patch SLAs and notify organizations of discovered vulnerabilities. The policy covers the entire lifecycle of vulnerability management, from scanning and detection to patch deployment and control. It mandates that all systems undergo regular scans, with high-risk assets prioritized. Patch deployment follows strict change management processes, ensuring system stability and audit trail preservation. For third-party systems, the policy requires demonstration of adequate patch controls and alignment with internal criticality thresholds. Compliance with this policy is essential for maintaining system integrity and protecting against zero-day vulnerabilities and active exploit chains. It aligns with globally recognized standards and frameworks, including ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27002, NIST SP 800-53, GDPR, NIS2, DORA, and COBIT 2019. Organizations benefit from improved resilience and audit readiness, gaining confidence in their cybersecurity measures. In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, this policy provides a structured approach to managing vulnerabilities, offering organizations the clarity and assurance needed to safeguard their digital assets effectively.