CIS Control 7.3: Automated Operating System Patch Management
Operating system vulnerabilities are exploited within days of disclosure—manual patching can't keep pace. CIS Control 7.3 requires automated patch deployment on a monthly or more frequent schedule to eliminate this attack surface. For SMBs, automation isn't optional; it's the only scalable way to maintain patch compliance without dedicated ops teams.
What this means
This control mandates that all enterprise assets receive operating system updates through automated patch management tools, deployed at least monthly. The automation reduces human error, eliminates delayed deployments, and creates an auditable record of every patch applied. More frequent patching (weekly or real-time) is encouraged for critical vulnerabilities. The goal is to remove the manual bottleneck that leaves systems exposed between patch releases and deployment.
How to comply
- 1.Select and deploy an automated patch management tool (e.g., Windows Update for Business, Linux package managers with automation, or third-party solutions) across all enterprise assets
- 2.Configure the tool to deploy patches on a monthly schedule or more frequently for critical/high-priority vulnerabilities
- 3.Establish a testing process for patches in a non-production environment before enterprise rollout to prevent compatibility issues
- 4.Create an exception and approval workflow for systems that cannot be patched automatically (document the business justification)
- 5.Set up automated reporting to track patch deployment status, completion rates, and any failures across your asset inventory
- 6.Review and validate patch deployment logs monthly to confirm all systems received updates
Evidence auditors look for
- Patch management tool configuration screenshots showing monthly (or more frequent) deployment schedules
- Automated patch deployment reports for the last 3 months with asset-level completion status
- Change logs or audit trails from your patch management system showing deployment dates and affected systems
- Documentation of any exceptions or systems excluded from automated patching, with business justification
- Test environment validation records prior to enterprise patch deployment
- Dashboard or dashboard export showing current patch compliance percentage across your asset inventory
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
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