Apply security patches promptly; schedule maintenance windows for kernel and major updates. Test in staging first. Use automation (Ansible, etc.) for consistency. In managed hosting, patching may be included.
Security patches
- Apply promptly: Critical and high CVEs should be patched within your SLA (e.g. 7 days). Use automated checks or a vulnerability scanner.
- Prioritize: Security fixes first; then feature and stability updates. Test in staging to avoid regressions.
- Reboot: Some patches require a reboot. Plan for it; use rolling updates in HA setups so you do not take everything down at once.
Maintenance windows
- Schedule: Pick low-traffic periods and announce in advance. Use a status page or email.
- Kernel and major updates: Often need a reboot and more testing. Do them in a planned window rather than ad hoc.
- Rollback plan: Know how to revert (e.g. previous kernel, snapshot restore) if an update causes issues.
Automation and staging
- Staging first: Apply the same patches to staging, run tests, then promote to production. Reduces surprise failures.
- Automation: Ansible, Chef, Puppet, or provider-managed patching keep config consistent and repeatable. Document the process.
- Managed hosting: Many providers include OS patching; you may still need to patch application and dependencies. Clarify scope.
Summary
Patch security in a timely way; schedule maintenance for kernel and major updates. Test in staging; automate for consistency. Have a rollback plan.
