What method can organizations use to ensure that software updates do not introduce vulnerabilities?

Patch management is vital for organizations to ensure that software updates do not introduce vulnerabilities. This method involves not only applying updates and patches to software but also managing the process systematically. Effective patch management includes assessing the updates for potential vulnerabilities, testing patches in a controlled environment, and deploying them to production systems in a timely manner.

By incorporating patch management practices, organizations can ensure that any software updates are vetted and applied in a safe manner, minimizing the risk of introducing new vulnerabilities or negatively impacting system performance. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining security in software environments where new vulnerabilities are constantly being discovered and where timely updates are critical to protecting assets.

Other methods, such as version control, help in tracking changes to software throughout its development process, but they do not directly address the security implications of those changes. Software testing indeed plays a role in the development lifecycle by identifying bugs and issues, yet it is mostly focused on functionality rather than security vulnerabilities that an update might introduce. Encryption, while an important aspect of securing data, does not relate directly to the management of software updates and the associated vulnerabilities.