Autonomous endpoint management vendor Action1 announced they are increasing the number of free endpoints from 100 to 200 so businesses of all sizes can patch the first 200 endpoints with the full-featured solution.
The autonomous endpoint management (AEM) solution accelerates patch deployment and compliance while reducing IT overhead and degradation of the digital employee experience (DEX). Action1 will now enable organizations and home users to deploy its cloud-native patching solution to secure the first 200 endpoints at no cost, in perpetuity, with no feature limits.
The expanded free tier provides:
- Free enterprise-grade autonomous endpoint management: This will protect up to 200 endpoints, with simple scaling above 200, with no hidden costs or complexity.
- Five-minute deployment, effortless management: Allows users to start managing endpoints immediately, minimize training, and free up IT resources.
- Low bandwidth and hybrid workforce patching: Will seamlessly deploy patches, remediation, and updates with bandwidth-efficient P2P distribution with no VPN required. It can also patch offline devices as soon as they reconnect online.
“For SMBs and nonprofits, cybersecurity often feels unattainable due to limited budgets and expertise. That makes these organizations vulnerable to malicious actors,” said Mike Walters, the president and co-founder of Action1. “Our platform changes that by delivering enterprise-grade, autonomous endpoint management that’s easy to use and completely free for 200 devices forever and simple, affordable pricing beyond that. We’re equipping organizations of all sizes with the tools they need to thrive in today’s challenging cyber threat landscape.”
Reinvention and redefining patching
Action1 emphasizes that its AEM solution is a “genuinely free solution” for the first 200 endpoints and offers full transparency in pricing for any additional usage. There are no hidden fees or commercial handling of user information, according to the organization. Further, it enables small businesses and non-profits to operate and grow securely, while enabling larger enterprises to start using the platform’s capabilities on smaller environments at no cost, with no functional limits before scaling up.
Among the key benefits of the solution include:
- Unified, cross-OS and third-party patching: The ability to automate the entire patching process, from identifying and deploying missing updates to real-time reporting.
- Ease of use: Allows organizations to gain value quickly by patching software consistently without legacy technology, clunky integrations, or multiple consoles.
- Vulnerability discovery and remediation: The solution prevents security breaches and ransomware attacks, detects vulnerabilities in OS and applications in real time, and enforces remediation.
Consequences of neglecting patch management
Recently, Action1 highlighted what they perceived to be the repercussions of neglecting your organization’s patch management– a key aspect of enhancing security posture.
Among the consequences that Action1 cites if the patch management process is neglected include:
- Financial and reputational impact of security vulnerabilities: By failing to properly manage the patch process, organizations expose themselves to data breaches, data exfiltration, malware, and ransomware. If successful, these attacks can result in financial losses, regulatory fines, and long-term reputational damage.
- A domino effect of unaddressed security flaws: Patching can provide critical upgrades while enhancing an organization’s security posture. Neglecting patches or delaying the installation of them can leave organizations vulnerable to cybercriminals.
- Compliance and regulatory risks: Failing to maintain an up-to-date security posture, according to Action1, can result in substantial financial penalties, loss of crucial business certifications, and potential legal consequences. Maintaining patch management can help organizations avoid regulatory non-compliance and any associated punitive measures.
- Performance and operational challenges: Neglecting patch management can also lead to system performance problems, increased risk of software bugs, potential compatibility issues between applications, and a higher chance of unexpected system failures. This can impact business continuity, reduce productivity, and create unexpected technical obstacles that can drain time and resources.
- Long-term strategic implications: Implementing a strategic patch management approach allows businesses to provide themselves with the ability to minimize potential attack surfaces, maintain optimal system performance, and protect assets and customers’ data.
Managed patch management can provide a valuable opportunity for MSPs and MSSPs to provide their expertise and support. Read more about how patch management can be a valuable component of an MSP’s business.