Avant is proud to put security at the forefront of our business. As a Software as a Service (SaaS) company that handles sensitive student data and data of minors, we understand the importance of staying ahead of potential threats to protect the institutions and businesses that we serve. One of the key strategies we employ to protect our customers is the regular application of security patches. But which security patches are they and what exactly do we do?
What are Security Patches?
Security patches are updates released by software vendors to address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by bad actors. Patches can range from minor adjustments that prevent potential exploitation to critical updates that address severe vulnerabilities, such as those that could allow unauthorized access, privilege escalation, or data theft. By applying these security patches promptly, we close potential entry points that cybercriminals try to exploit.
“Know Before We Go” Best Practice
Avant follows the best practice of maintaining at least n-1 versions of our software and operating systems. This approach means we’re never more than one (1) patch release behind the latest patch that a software company has provided. This gives us time to thoroughly assess and evaluate new patches for potential issues before they are fully implemented. We strike a balance between being proactive and ensuring that client testing is not interrupted.
We Are Hands-On So You Can Be Hands-Off
We know that managing software updates takes time and resources, which can distract from the importance of educating our students. That’s why we make sure that we handle the patching of our systems so that it is hands-off for our customers. With Avant’s SaaS model, customers do not need to manually apply patches, schedule downtimes, or handle technical upgrades. We manage everything on the backend, ensuring that critical updates are applied seamlessly and without disruption to their operations.
Looking Ahead
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, Avant is committed to the Secure by Design pledge. Our ongoing adherence to best practices includes:
- regular reviews of our security protocols.
- investing in the latest threat detection technologies.
- continually refining our patch management processes.
By adhering to the principle of maintaining at least n-1 versions of our software and operating systems and thoroughly testing each update, we’re making the safety of your and your students’ data a top priority. We will continue to stay agile and secure which includes maintaining strong partnerships with security experts, staying informed on the latest vulnerabilities and threats, and ensuring that our systems are up to date.
Ready to learn more? We’re hosting a Cybersecurity for Educators Series of Webinars. Catch up on the recordings or register for upcoming events here.
