What does patch management primarily involve?

Patch management primarily involves the management of software updates, which is crucial for maintaining the security and functionality of software applications and systems. This process includes identifying, acquiring, testing, and deploying patches or updates to software products.

Patches are often released by software vendors to address vulnerabilities, fix bugs, or enhance performance. By effectively managing these updates, organizations can protect their systems against potential threats and ensure that their software remains current with the latest features and improvements. Regular patch management helps minimize the risk of security breaches that might exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the core focus of patch management. While upgrading hardware may be part of a broader IT maintenance strategy, it does not specifically relate to software updates. Similarly, managing user permissions and auditing security policies are important aspects of overall security management but are distinct from the specific practice of patch management, which concentrates solely on software updates.