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Looking for the latest patch management statistics facts and trends for 2024?
My updated guide has everything you need, and more.
Feel free to use these jump links to go to the section that interests you the most.
Also, all the references and resources I used in crafting my patch management stats guide are listed at the bottom of the page.
Let’s go!
Jump here: Key Patch Management Statistics Facts and Trends for 2024|Patch Management Statistics 2024|Patch Management Facts|Patch Management Trends 2024|Patch Management Adoption 2024|Patch Management Market Analysis|Patch Management Demographics and Usage|Patch Management Software|
Table of Contents
Key Patch Management Statistics Facts and Trends for 2024
- The average time to detect a breach is 201 days. However, effective patch management lowers this number to just 60 days on average.
- In 2024 the average cost of a data breach is predicted to reach $5 million per incident. Compare that to 2020 when the average cost of a data breach was “only” $3.86 million.
- The results of the recent survey show that 84% of companies and online businesses reported suffering at least one cyberattack in the past year.
- Recent research shows that 80% of cyberattacks happen due to unpatched software vulnerabilities.
- A recent study led by Microsoft found that 80%+ of successful cyberattacks could have easily been prevented through timely patches and software updates.
- The number of vulnerabilities found in software has increased by over 50% in the last 5 years. This percentage will likely rise in the future as that is the overall trend.
- A recent survey found that 75% of organizations believe they are vulnerable to a cyberattack due to the unpatched software they’re currently using.
- The number of software vulnerabilities found in IoT (Internet of Things) devices has increased by over 200% in the last 3 years.
- There were around 22 000 software vulnerabilities published in 2021. In 2022 that number grew by roughly 25% (27 400). And in 2024 that trend continues with a significant 22% rise (32 450).
- In 2024 over 90% of successful cyberattacks involved the exploitation of unpatched software vulnerabilities.
- In 2024 merely 50% of organizations have a documented patch management process established within their systems.
- The global patch management market size was valued at USD 730.2 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% from 2024 to 2030.
- The adoption of patch management is highest in North America and Europe where businesses and organizations both understand the value of having a patch management system in place and have the funds to finance it.In the Asia-Pacific region patch management industry is expected to grow at a rate of 15 %/yr in the next decade.
- The majority of organizations utilizing patch management have annual revenues exceeding $100 million.
Patch Management Statistics 2024
Below are the latest patch management statistics for 2024. I consulted 20+ web sources to gather them for you here.
Enjoy:)
What is the Average Time to Detect a Breach, and How Does This Duration Decrease with Effective Patch Management?
The average time to detect a breach is 201 days. However, effective patch management lowers this number to just 60 days on average.
What is the Average Cost Incurred Due to a Data Breach in 2024?
In 2024 the average cost of a data breach is predicted to reach $5 million per incident.
Compare that to 2020 when the average cost of a data breach was “only” $3.86 million.
What Percentage of Companies Reported Experiencing at Least One Cyberattack in the Past Year?
The results of the recent survey (linked at the bottom of the page) show that 84% of companies and online businesses reported suffering at least one cyberattack in the past year.
What Percentage of Cyberattacks Are Attributed to Unpatched Vulnerabilities?
Recent research (linked at the bottom of the page) shows that 80% of cyberattacks happen due to unpatched software vulnerabilities.
What Percentage of Successful Cyberattacks Could Have Been Prevented Through Timely Software Updates and Patches?
A recent study (linked at the bottom of the page) led by Microsoft found that 80%+ of successful cyberattacks could have easily been prevented through timely patches and software updates.
By What Percentage Has the Number of Vulnerabilities Found in Software Increased in the Last 5 Years?
The number of vulnerabilities found in software has increased by over 50% in the last 5 years. This percentage will likely rise in the future as that is the overall trend.
What Percentage of Businesses and Organizations Know They Are Vulnerable to a Cyberattack Due to Unpatched Software They’re Using?
A recent survey (linked at the bottom of the page) found that 75% of businesses and organizations believe and know they are vulnerable to a cyberattack due to the unpatched software they’re currently using.
That is a significant, 25% increase in awareness given that only last year just 60% of organizations believed they could get compromised due to flawed software they’re using.
By What Percentage Has the Number of Software Vulnerabilities Discovered in IoT Devices Increased?
The number of software vulnerabilities found in IoT (Internet of Things) devices has increased by over 200% in the last 3 years.
What Is the Record Number of Vulnerabilities Reported This Year?
There were around 22 000 software vulnerabilities published in 2021. In 2022 that number grew by roughly 25%.
And in 2024 that trend continues with a significant 22% rise.
Overall, with more software on the market come more vulnerabilities to exploit.
What Percentage of Successful Cyberattacks Involve the Exploitation of Unpatched Vulnerabilities in 2024?
In 2024 over 90% of successful cyberattacks involved the exploitation of unpatched software vulnerabilities.
This stat just clearly underscores the value of software patching as a security measure.
Patch Management Statistics 2024 #stats #facts #trends #statistics Click To TweetPatch Management Facts
What Is Patch Management, and What Does It Involve?
Patch management is the process of locating, acquiring, and implementing software updates and patches to enhance the security and functionality of software, systems and apps. Patch management is the easiest way to keep you data secure from hackers, and your best alternative to using board portal software.
Because, integrating board software for document management into an organization’s digital infrastructure can significantly enhance the efficiency and security of managing critical documents and board communications.
But patch management is a preferred choice here.
What is the Objective of Patch Management, and How Does It Contribute to the Security of Software and Systems?
The primary objective of patch management is ensuring software and systems remain secure and stable. This is achieved by addressing vulnerabilities as soon as they’re discovered.
Why Is Patch Management Considered an Ongoing Process, and What Necessitates Continuous Attention?
Patch management is an ongoing process because one-off patches don’t work at all. As soon as the software moves forward, new vulnerabilities are created necessitating new patches to fix them up.
How Can Automated Patch Management Systems Benefit the Patching Process, and What Improvements Do They Bring Compared to Manual Patching?
Automated patch management systems are an effective and time-saving alternative to manual patching.
While manual patching is laborious and time-intensive, automated patch management systems in place streamline the process and make it seamless.
Why Is Patch Management Important Not Only for Individual Users, but Also for Organizations, and What Does It Help Protect for Businesses?
Patch management is important for individual users and organizations because patching vulnerabilities protects their business’s sensitive data.
Implementing software patches is a critical aspect of cybersecurity and online safety.
Patch Management Facts 2024 #stats #facts #trends #statistics Click To TweetPatch Management Trends 2024
What is the Trend Regarding the Adoption of Cloud-Based Systems, and What Is the Expected Outlook for the Future?
The adoption of cloud-based systems is on the rise, and this trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.
Why Is There a Growing Demand for Automated Patch Management Solutions, and What Are the Objectives Behind Streamlining Security Processes?
There is a growing demand for automated patch management solutions because organizations and companies aim to streamline their security measures, make them more effective and in turn grow their businesses by predictably not succumbing to a software vulnerability.
How Does the Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) Trend Impact Patch Management, and What Resulting Solutions Are Required?
The trend of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) is contributing to an increased requirement for effective patch management solutions.
This is because BYOD practice introduces new dangers normally not present in regular work environments.
For example, an employee could download malware onto their personal computer and then spread that virus to their co-workers. The solution here is aggressive patch management and constant vigilance.
What Is the Impact of Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning in Patch Management, and What Goals Are Aimed for with Their Adoption?
As AI marches forward the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in patch management is increasing, with the clear objective of enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
This is possible with AI because it seemingly has no limits and can do anything.
For example, AI uses its vast data to prioritize patch deployment based on vulnerability severity and calculated risk.
Why Is the Expanding Number of Connected Devices, Especially Internet of Things (IoT) Devices, Driving the Need for Efficient Patch Management Solutions?
The expanding number of connected and (IoT) devices is fueling the need for efficient patch management solutions. This is because devices that are connected can spread hacks, ransomware and malware from one device to the other.
Patch Management Trends for 2024 #stats #facts #trends #statistics Click To TweetPatch Management Adoption 2024
What Percentage of Organizations Have a Patch Management System in Place?
According to a recent survey, more than 90% of organizations have already implemented a patch management system.
What Is a Common Struggle Faced by Many Organizations in Relation to Patch Management, Despite Having a System in Place?
Despite having a patch management system in place, most organizations face challenges in effectively implementing and managing it.
How Many Organizations Have a Documented Patch Management Process in Place in 2024?
In 202 merely 50% of organizations have a documented patch management process established within their systems.
This is slightly higher than in 2022 and earlier, but there’s much more work to be done.
What is the Most Commonly Cited Reason for Difficulties in Patch Management Adoption, According to Organizations?
The most cited reason for difficulties in patch management adoption is budget. Organizations simply don’t have enough resources to allocate for an effective patch management system.
What Is Widely Recognized About Patch Management, Yet What Remains a Challenge for Many Organizations?
Patch management is widely recognized to be highly effective, however, most businesses, companies and organizations struggle to implement an effective patch management system that works for them.
For example, barely 50% of organizations have a contingency plan in case a vulnerability is exploited against them.
Patch Management Adoption Statistics 2024 #stats #facts #trends #statistics Click To TweetPatch Management Market Analysis
What is the Global Patch Management Market Size? And What is the Projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Global Patch Management Market?
What Factors Are Driving the Growth of the Patch Management Market, and How Are They Influencing the Market?
The first major factor fueling the growth of the patch management market is the increased number of cyberattacks on the web.
The boost in cyber crime inevitably leads to the boost of techniques that control and prevent it, one of them being patch management.
The second major factor is the rapidly increasing adoption of connected devices, particularly Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
When devices are interconnected, malware viruses and unethical hackers can spread from one device to another to inflict harm. Note: that’s why partnering with an iot development company skilled in security is so important.
Which Regions Hold the Largest and Second-Largest Market Share for Patch Management?
By far the largest market for the patch management industry is North America,
The North American market is closely followed by the European market (specifically the EU market) and the distant third position is occupied by the Asia-Pacific region.
What Technological Advancement Is Leading to an Increased Demand for Patch Management Solutions?
The rise of cloud computing is generating higher demand for cloud-based patch management solutions.
Which Segment of Businesses Is Expected to Be a Significant Growth Area for the Patch Management Market, and Why?
Medium-sized and small businesses are expected to become a major growth lever for the patch management market.
This is because of three reasons.
First, there are many more SMBs than huge corporations.
Second, large organizations with huge budgets have already invested in their cybersecurity so the remaining demand and market there is very small.
Third, more and more SMBs realize the value of patch management and are willing the invest money to get cyber protected.
What Compliance Requirements Are Driving the Growth of the Patch Management Market, and Which Regulation Is Frequently Cited?
EU-imposed data protection law GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is fueling the growth of the patch management market and is often cited as one law that forced the majority of companies who do business in Europe to invest heavily in their cybersecurity department.
Who are Some of the Major Players in the Patch Management Market?
Prominent players in the patch management market include CA Technologies, HPE, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Avast, Automox, SecPod, Jamf, Chef Software, ConnectWise…
Patch Management Market Analysis 2024 #stats #facts #trends #statistics Click To TweetPatch Management Demographics and Usage
Which Sectors Do the Majority of Organizations Implementing Patch Management Belong To?
The majority of organizations currently implementing patch management belong to the Finance, Healthcare and Government sectors.
This is understandable because the organizations from these three industries deal with storing loads of sensitive data and need to have tight cybersecurity and an effective patch management system
Are Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Adopting Patch Management at a Faster Rate Than Large Enterprises?
Small and medium-sized businesses are embracing patch management more rapidly compared to large enterprises.
This can be explained by the fact that smaller businesses can’t afford to get compromised or hacked as it could spell the end of their business and they’d go bankrupt.
That’s why these organizations are acting preemptively and investing upfront in cyber security.
In Which Regions Is the Adoption of Patch Management Highest, and Which Region Is Expected to See an Increase in Adoption?
The adoption of patch management is highest in North America and Europe where businesses and organizations both understand the value of having a patch management system in place and have the funds to finance it.
In the Asia-Pacific region patch management industry is expected to grow at a rate of 15 %/yr in the next decade.
What is the Typical Annual Revenue Range for the Majority of Organizations Using Patch Management?
The majority of organizations utilizing patch management have annual revenues exceeding $100 million.
Why is the Number of Individuals and Organizations Using Patch Management Expected to Grow in the Future?
The number of individuals and organizations implementing patch management is expected to increase in the future due to the growing significance of cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is growing in importance because the new emerging AI technology (for example OpenAI’s ChatGPT) can be prompted to find and exploit a hack in just a few minutes. It is also insanely easy to use ChatGPT to create computer viruses and malware.
This all makes patch management that much more valuable.
To learn more about OpenAI and ChatGPT make sure you read my ChatGPT facts and OpenAI facts guides next.
Patch Management Demographich and Usage Statistics 2024 #stats #facts #trends #statistics Click To TweetPatch Management Software
What are Some of the Most Commonly Used Patch Management Software?
Microsoft SCCM, IBM BigFix, and WSUS are among the most frequently utilized patch management software. These are trusted brands most organizations instantly trust.
However, some new brands like Ivanti, SolarWinds, and ManageEngine are popping up on the market and making splashes with their superior offers.
What are Some Essential Features to Look for in Patch Management Software?
Essential features you need to consider when choosing patch management software for your organization include
- automation;
- reporting capabilities;
- and platform/device compatibility.
That said, which patch management software you pick largely depends on the specific needs and requirements of your organization.
What are Some Characteristics of the Best Patch Management Software Solutions?
The most effective patch management software solutions offer an intuitive interface, real-time alerts and updates, robust security features, multiple operating systems support, third-party application patching, custom profiles and scheduling…
Best Patch Management Software Facts 2024 #stats #facts #trends #statistics Click To TweetPatch Management Statistics Facts and Trends for 2024 FAQ
#1- How Frequently Do You Perform Patch Management?
You need to be vigilant about patch management, but you shouldn’t be obsessive about it.
Let me explain. It is smart to install a patch in the first 30 days of its release and preferably after others have done it before you. This is so you see what other people’s experiences were with that particular patch.
It is not smart to constantly obsess over potential vulnerabilities and install software patches as soon as they come out.
#2- How Important is Patch Management?
Patch management is crucial because it protects your organization from cybercrime and online threats.
It’s also what keeps your business afloat as one hack could potentially ruin an entire business.
#3- What is the Average Time to Patch a Vulnerability?
The average time to patch a vulnerability is between 60 and 150 days.
IT and security teams often take at least 38 days to push out a patch live.
#4- What is the Ideal Patching Schedule?
Patch Management Statistics Facts and Trends for 2024 (Conclusion)
My updated guide lists the best and latest patch management statistics facts and trends for 2024.
I hope you enjoyed it because the guide is now over.
During my research, I consulted these resources below:
References:
- (http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/8/B/E8B5CEE5-9FF6-4419-B7BF-698D2604E2B2/Microsoft_Security_Intelligence_Report_Volume_20_English.pdf)
- Software Patches Could Prevent Most Breaches, Study Finds
(https://www.eweek.com/security/software-patches-could-prevent-most-breaches-study-finds) - SamSam Ransomware 101: How It Works and How to Avoid It
(https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/samsam-ransomware/) - What Is Legacy Software and a Legacy System in Business + The Risks
(https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/what-is-legacy-software-system-risks/) - Ransomware Explained. What It Is and How It Works
(https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/what-is-ransomware-protection/) - Security Patching is Hard – Survey Results 2017
(https://blog.0patch.com/2018/03/security-patching-is-hard-survey.html) - 2018
VULNERABILITY
STATISTICS REPORT (https://www.edgescan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/edgescan-stats-report-2018.pdf) - (https://www.servicenow.com/content/dam/servicenow-assets/public/en-us/doc-type/resource-center/analyst-report/ponemon-state-of-vulnerability-response.pdf)
- Is Software More Vulnerable Today?
(https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/info-notes/is-software-more-vulnerable-today) - THE 2019 KASEYA STATE OF
IT OPERATIONS REPORT FOR SMALL
AND MIDSIZE BUSINESSES(https://www.kaseya.com/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2020/05/Kaseya-Whitepaper-2019-IT-Operations-Survey-Report.pdf) - CYBER HYGIENE REPORT
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW
(https://patch.automox.com/rs/923-VQX-349/images/Automox_2020_Cyber_Hygiene_Report-What_You_Need_to_Know_Now.pdf) - Patch Management Market
(https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/patch-management-market) - Cybersecurity vulnerability statistics and facts of 2024
(https://www.comparitech.com/blog/information-security/cybersecurity-vulnerability-statistics/) - The Top 5 Cloud Computing Trends In 2024
(https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2022/10/17/the-top-5-cloud-computing-trends-in-2023/?sh=4ff18c024648) - (https://www.ninjaone.com/blog/automated-patch-management-is-critical-for-modern-it-operations/)
- The future of BYOD: Trends and predictions
(https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/feature/The-future-of-BYOD-Trends-and-predictions) - The Role of AI-driven Patch Management in Cybersecurity (https://insights.daffodilsw.com/blog/ai-driven-patch-management-in-cybersecurity)
- IoT devices are hard to patch: Here’s why—and how to deal with security
(https://techbeacon.com/security/iot-devices-are-hard-patch-heres-why-how-deal-security) - Large enterprises are adopting emerging tech at much higher rate than small companies
(https://www.zdnet.com/article/large-enterprises-are-adopting-emerging-tech-at-much-higher-rate-than-small-companies/) - https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/patch-management-market-19425013.html
- Patch Management Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Solution (Software, Services), By Deployment, By Enterprise Size (Small & Medium-sized Enterprises, Large Enterprises), By Vertical, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 – 2030
(https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/patch-management-market-report) - Time to patch: Vulnerabilities exploited in under five minutes?
(https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/topic/time-to-patch-vulnerabilities-exploited-in-under-five-minutes/) - The Ultimate List Of Patch Management Statistics, Trends And Facts 2024
(https://abdalslam.com/patch-management-statistics)
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.