What is the purpose of security patches?

The purpose of security patches is specifically to address and rectify vulnerabilities identified in software, which helps to prevent potential exploitation by malicious actors. Organizations and software developers release these patches as a critical part of maintaining the integrity and security of their systems. When vulnerabilities are discovered, attackers can exploit these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access, execute malicious code, or cause other types of harm. Security patches are thus designed to close these gaps in order to protect users and data.

While upgrading software or adding new features is beneficial for overall system functionality and user experience, those actions are typically part of broader software updates rather than the focused intent of a security patch. Similarly, performance improvements, while important, are not the primary goal of a security patch. The corrective nature of security patches specifically emphasizes the remediation of security flaws, underscoring their essential role in cybersecurity practices.