Secure patching and update access refers to the controlled and auditable process by which authorized users, typically administrators, engineers, or vendors, are granted temporary access to perform system updates, software patches, or firmware upgrades. This process is designed to minimize the risk of introducing vulnerabilities, ensure traceability of actions, and meet cybersecurity compliance standards, particularly in regulated or high-risk environments.
Regular patching and updates are essential for addressing known vulnerabilities and maintaining system integrity. However, in operational technology (OT), industrial control systems (ICS), and air-gapped networks, these activities can expose critical assets to unintended disruption or exploitation if not properly managed.
Regulatory standards such as IEC 62443-2-4, TSA SD02E, NERC CIP-007, NIS2, and the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) require organizations to:
Xona enables secure patching and update access through its browser-based, protocol-isolated access platform, allowing only authorized users to reach specific systems for maintenance and update tasks, without exposing the broader network. Access can be restricted by user role, system type, protocol, and time of day, ensuring that patch sessions align with predefined compliance policies.
Each session is fully recorded and logged, providing audit-ready evidence of who accessed what system, when, and what actions were taken. Xona supports credential injection, eliminating the need for users to know or handle privileged credentials during patching activities, reducing risk and simplifying compliance with access control mandates.
This approach enables critical infrastructure operators to perform essential updates securely, efficiently, and in full alignment with applicable cybersecurity and compliance standards.