Clark: Why fleets must prioritize patching to defend against modern cyberattacks

I recently wrote a blog explaining why relying solely on traditional antivirus software can leave your fleet dangerously exposed to cyberattacks. That insight came from a presentation by Russ Abdrakhmanov of Nekey Cybersecurity at a recent NationaLease meeting, where he outlined the cybersecurity habits every organization, across every industry, must practice to stay protected. When those habits aren’t in place, the consequences can be severe.

Let’s be clear: Cyberattacks will happen. And many of today’s attacks don’t require advanced technical skills. Instead, they depend on social engineering; criminals tricking well-meaning employees, vendors, or suppliers into opening the door for them.

So, your antivirus is up to date. But what about the rest of your systems?

Why “good enough” security isn’t enough

Stopping cybercriminals isn’t as simple as fixing one weak link. Often, the entire system needs attention. As Abdrakhmanov explains, “Attackers look for and then infiltrate outdated, old, and unpatched systems.” Even systems with the latest protective tools can be vulnerable if they’re missing a critical element: timely updates.

That missing element is what Abdrakhmanov calls “a fundamental principle of cyber protection…patches.”

Patches and updates must be applied consistently and immediately. Cybercriminals know exactly where to look for weaknesses, sometimes even before software developers or hardware manufacturers are aware of them. These are known as zero-day vulnerabilities, security flaws that are exploited the moment they’re discovered. As Abdrakhmanov emphasized, “Urgent updates often patch a zero-day that is being actively exploited.” Delaying an update, even briefly, can leave the door wide open.

Three essential steps to protect your systems from cyberattacks

While most businesses will face cyber threats at some point, Abdrakhmanov made clear that they can significantly limit the damage by following these three critical steps:

1. Enforce a clear, accountable update process. Never assume updates happen automatically. Many employees believe patches install themselves and that complacency can be costly. Assign responsibility and oversight to ensure updates are completed—every time. Think about how often you’ve postponed an update because you were in the middle of a project. Clicking “remind me later” may feel harmless, but it can be one of the most dangerous decisions your business makes.
2. Apply the same rigor to third-party software. Updating operating systems like Windows or macOS is necessary, but it’s not sufficient. Cybercriminals also target widely used tools such as Adobe, Acrobat, and other third-party applications. Each can serve as an entry point if left unpatched.
3. Use a vulnerability scanner. There’s only so much your team can manually track. Vulnerability scanning solutions continuously identify outdated systems, missing patches, and newly discovered threats. These tools provide critical visibility and early warnings, making them an invaluable part of any cybersecurity strategy.

Patching is a business imperative

Cybersecurity isn’t about eliminating risk; it’s about reducing exposure and limiting impact. Hackers count on outdated systems, delayed updates, and human hesitation. By prioritizing patch management, enforcing accountability, and using the right tools, you dramatically reduce their chances of success. In today’s threat landscape, patching isn’t a maintenance task; it’s a frontline defense.