Application Patching with WSUS and MECM

Morning Session

Hour 1: Introduction to Application Patching

  • Objectives:
    • Understand the importance of keeping applications patched.
    • Recognize risks and vulnerabilities linked to unpatched systems.
    • Learn the benefits of using WSUS and MECM for patch management.
  • Activities:
    • Presentation: Importance of application patching in network security.
    • Discussion: Examples of vulnerabilities from unpatched applications.
    • Q&A: Discuss common patching challenges faced by organizations.

Hour 2: Understanding WSUS (Windows Server Update Services)

  • Objectives:
    • Learn about WSUS and its role in patch management.
    • Understand the architecture and components of WSUS.
    • Learn about deployment options and requirements.
  • Activities:
    • Lecture: WSUS architecture (upstream/downstream servers, clients).
    • Demo: Overview of WSUS components and console interface.
    • Discussion: Deployment options (single-server, distributed).

Hour 3: WSUS Configuration and Management

  • Objectives:
    • Learn how to install and configure WSUS.
    • Understand update synchronization and classifications.
    • Manage updates (approving, declining, removing).
  • Activities:
    • Demo: Installing and configuring WSUS.
    • Hands-on lab: Synchronizing updates and configuring classifications.
    • Group activity: Approving and declining updates based on business needs.

Hour 4: Deploying Updates with WSUS

  • Objectives:
    • Learn how to create update groups and target groups in WSUS.
    • Configure client settings for update deployment.
    • Monitor and troubleshoot WSUS update deployments.
  • Activities:
    • Hands-on lab: Creating update groups and configuring client settings.
    • Demo: Monitoring and troubleshooting WSUS update deployments.
    • Group discussion: Common WSUS deployment issues and fixes.

Afternoon Session

Hour 5: Introduction to Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM)

  • Objectives:
    • Understand MECM’s features and how it complements WSUS in patching.
    • Explore MECM’s role in software deployment and patch management.
  • Activities:
    • Presentation: MECM architecture and how it works with WSUS.
    • Demo: Navigating the MECM console.
    • Discussion: Differences between WSUS and MECM in terms of patch management.

Hour 6: Patch Deployment with MECM

  • Objectives:
    • Learn how to create and configure software update points (SUP) in MECM.
    • Understand update rules and deployment packages.
    • Deploy updates using MECM’s Software Update Management.
  • Activities:
    • Hands-on lab: Setting up software update points in MECM.
    • Demo: Creating deployment packages and automating updates.
    • Group activity: Deploying updates to a sample client environment.

Hour 7: Patching Third-Party Applications

  • Objectives:
    • Learn about third-party application patching in MECM.
    • Configure and manage third-party update catalogs.
    • Deploy patches for common third-party applications.
  • Activities:
    • Presentation: The importance of third-party patching in IT environments.
    • Demo: Configuring third-party update catalogs and managing updates.
    • Hands-on lab: Patching third-party applications like Adobe, Java, etc.

Hour 8: Monitoring, Reporting, and Best Practices

  • Objectives:
    • Learn how to monitor update compliance and generate reports.
    • Understand best practices for configuring WSUS and MECM.
    • Learn strategies for automating and scheduling patching tasks.
  • Activities:
    • Demo: Monitoring update compliance and deployment status in MECM.
    • Hands-on lab: Generating patching reports and troubleshooting.
    • Group discussion: Best practices for patch management and automation.
    • Q&A and wrap-up: Review key takeaways and common patching challenges.

Recognize risks and vulnerabilities linked to unpatched systems.

Unpatched systems are computer systems that lack the latest security patches and software fixes, making them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Some risks and vulnerabilities associated with unpatched systems include:


Data breaches
Unpatched systems can be exploited by attackers to access sensitive data, such as customer information, financial records, or intellectual property.


Ransomware attacks
Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts a victim's data and demands payment for the decryption key.


Malware infections
Unpatched software can be infected with malware, which can steal data, spy on user activities, or even take control of the affected system.


Compliance violations
Organizations that are subject to regulatory requirements may be in violation of these regulations if their software is not up to date with the latest patches.


Reputational damage
Successful cyber attacks can damage a business's reputation, erode customer trust, and lead to costly legal liabilities.


System downtime
Outdated software and systems are more prone to performance issues, crashes, and instabilities.


Lost productivity
If a security vulnerability is exploited and your systems are compromised, it can disrupt your operations and prevent your employees from working effectively.


To mitigate these risks, you can take proactive security measures such as antivirus software, firewalls, strong passwords, and regular updates.