Data Center Patch Management and Vulnerability Remediation Checklist
This patch management and vulnerability remediation checklist ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-40 Guide to Enterprise Patch Management, PCI DSS v4.0 Requirement 6.3, and CIS Control 7 Continuous Vulnerability Management. Designed for patch administrators and security engineers to verify patch deployment, vulnerability severity classification, and remediation timelines.
- Industry: Telecommunications & IT
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 25-40 minutes
- Role: Patch Administrator / Security Engineer
- Total Items: 21
- Compliance: NIST SP 800-40 Guide to Enterprise Patch Management, PCI DSS v4.0 Requirement 6.3 Vulnerability Management, CIS Control 7 Continuous Vulnerability Management, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A 8.8 Management of Technical Vulnerabilities, SANS Top 20 Critical Security Controls
Critical and High Vulnerability Patching
CVSS 9.0+ and 7.0-8.9 vulnerability remediation status.
- All CVSS 9.0+ (Critical) vulnerabilities patched within 14 days?
- All CVSS 7.0-8.9 (High) vulnerabilities patched within 30 days?
- Open Critical vulnerabilities (CVSS 9+)
- Open High vulnerabilities (CVSS 7-8.9)
- Screenshot of vulnerability dashboard
Operating System Patching
Windows, Linux, and other OS patch compliance.
- Windows systems patched with latest cumulative update?
- Linux systems (RHEL/Ubuntu/CentOS) patch level current?
- No systems running end-of-life OS without compensating controls?
- Patch deployment success rate this month (%)
Firmware and Third-Party Patching
Hardware firmware and third-party application patch status.
- Server firmware (BIOS/iDRAC/iLO) within 2 versions of current?
- Network device firmware (switches/routers/firewalls) patched?
- Third-party applications (Java, Adobe, browsers) current?
- Database software (Oracle, MSSQL, MySQL) patched?
Patch Exception Management
Documented exceptions for patches that cannot be deployed.
- All patch exceptions formally documented with risk acceptance?
- Compensating controls in place for all exceptions?
- Exception expiry dates tracked and reviewed quarterly?
- Total active patch exceptions
Vulnerability Scanning
Scheduled scan coverage and scan frequency compliance.
- All production systems scanned in last 30 days?
- Authenticated vulnerability scans configured?
- Vulnerability scanner in use
- Patch Management Notes
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Why Use This Data Center Patch Management and Vulnerability Remediation Checklist?
This data center patch management and vulnerability remediation checklist helps telecommunications & it teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for patch administrator / security engineer professionals, this checklist covers 21 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-40 Guide to Enterprise Patch Management, PCI DSS v4.0 Requirement 6.3 Vulnerability Management, CIS Control 7 Continuous Vulnerability Management, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A 8.8 Management of Technical Vulnerabilities, SANS Top 20 Critical Security Controls. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Data Center Patch Management and Vulnerability Remediation Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 21 inspection items across 5 sections: Critical and High Vulnerability Patching, Operating System Patching, Firmware and Third-Party Patching, Patch Exception Management, Vulnerability Scanning. It is designed for telecommunications & it operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 25-40 minutes.
Who should use this Data Center Patch Management and Vulnerability Remediation Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Patch Administrator / Security Engineer professionals in the telecommunications & it industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.