A challenge to import software updates securely
A great way to reduce the number of known and therefore exploitable vulnerabilies in a computer environment is to keep all software up to date. As different threats evolve, so do software vendors’ efforts to counter these threats and patch known vulnerabilities in the system. Unfortunately, there are also examples of software update packages being used as the delivery mechanism for malware. Importing software updates to your secure production environment (if air gapped or not) should thus always be done with due diligence, taking precautions for attacks.
The solution is to import SW updates through File Security Screener
An effective way of ensuring safe SW update imports is to run the entire package through a scanning and sanitation system, such as Advenica’s File Security Screener (FSS). In this case, software updates can be securely imported to the secured system, along with other files, such as antivirus definition files etc. Before import, all files are scanned for malware and other threats including steganography, which are actively removed using the OPSWAT MetaDefender Core and its CDR functionality. The FSS offers vulnerability scanning to detect outdated and vulnerable dependencies in software updates that are scanned. You can mitigate known vulnerabilities even before those are installed into your production. The FSS system supports:
- Secure verified updates to your trusted production environment
- Automated workflow for bringing in updates from several sources
- Reporting and analysis of the software updates and found threats
- Increased zero-day threat detection with delayed scanning procedure
- Large files, up to 100GB
- File transfer capacity: 300Mbps (scale up is possible)
- Quarantine and archive of files are supported
- Log and monitoring through Syslog and SNMP
- External heartbeat from source networks to protected network supported
Although SW update packages can be large in size and compressed inside multiple layers, the FSS is able to open all layers for thorough scanning. The process of fetching SW updates can also be automated. The uplink data diode can be assigned to regularly scan for available updates at predefined sites and download them for scanning without manual triggering.
The solution prevents breaches and secures stability
There are a number of advantages when using the File Security Screener for importing SW updates.
Preventing data breaches: Ensuring updates are malware-free significantly reduces the risk of data breaches.
Maintaining system integrity: Scanning updates ensures that your system remains stable and operates as intended, preventing unauthorised alterations of system files and functionalities.
Protecting network security: By scanning updates, you prevent malware from spreading across your network, protecting multiple devices and systems from infection.
Ensuring business continuity: Ensuring updates are malware-free helps maintain uninterrupted business operations, which is crucial for maintaining productivity and service delivery.
Cost savings: Preventive scanning can save significant costs associated with addressing malware infections, including downtime, recovery efforts, and potential legal fees.
Improving user trust: Regularly updating and securing your systems increases user confidence in your software, especially if updates are provided to end users or clients.
Identifying false positives: Scanning updates helps identify legitimate software that may be incorrectly flagged as malware, allowing for timely intervention and resolution.
Do you want to know more about our File Security Screener? Read more here!
Do you have questions? Do not hesitate to contact us!