What does the term "patch management" refer to?

Patch management refers to the process of managing updates for software applications. This includes identifying, acquiring, installing, and verifying patches or updates for software programs and systems. The primary goal of patch management is to enhance system security, improve functionality, and ensure that applications are up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes.

Effective patch management is critical for maintaining the integrity and security of systems, as many updates address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. By consistently applying patches, organizations can protect their systems against malware and other threats that exploit outdated software.

In contrast, creating new software features, removing outdated software, or backing up data, while important aspects of software management and system administration, do not capture the entirety of patch management, which focuses specifically on updates and patches to existing software.