What are security patches?

Security patches are specifically designed to fix vulnerabilities within software or systems. When developers identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors, they create patches to address these issues. The primary goal of these patches is to enhance the security posture of the software or system by closing gaps that could lead to unauthorized access or data breaches.

While updates can also include performance improvements, new features, or documentation enhancements, security patches are uniquely focused on mitigating risks associated with security vulnerabilities. This is critical in maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of systems and the data they handle. Regularly applying security patches is an essential part of an effective cybersecurity strategy, as it helps to protect against potential threats that evolve over time.