- Home
- Patch management service
ITS patch management service
The ITS patch management service enables both local and central ITS staff to deploy critical security patches to Macintosh and PC-compatible computers across campus. Yale University uses IBM Tivoli Endpoint Manger (TEM) to deliver these in a consistent and reliable way.
Application testing
These patches are tested for compatibility with University applications on reference architecture. It is administered by ITS - Campus Technology Services, in collaboration with other IT providers across the University. Once the patches have been tested and released, they will be automatically distributed and applied to any client machines that require them.
Data security restrictions
This is a requirement for devices that are used in covered component departments and those that access, store or create electronic PHI (ePHI), as defined by Yale University Office of General Counsel and/or Information Security Office.
The Patch Management service provides the following benefits:
- It allows ITS to install critical security patches on computers as soon as they're made available by Microsoft and Apple and tested here.
- Release of patches occurs after broad campus-wide testing and follows a rigorous, but rapid, procedure.
- TEM is an agent-based software solution. Each computer communicates with the TEM server to determine its patch status. The server automatically applies appropriate updates once they have been released.
- Certain basic inventory information about the computer—such as the presence or absence of critical security updates, IP address, operating system, and some hardware data—is collected.
Eligibility
Faculty, staff, and postdoctoral fellows who are located in areas that are accessible to the Yale Ethernet network and have a Macintosh or PC-compatible computer.
Cost
Currently there is no cost for this service.
Getting started
Software must be installed on all computers that are to be managed by the TEM system administrators. The software is available in the Yale Software Library (YSL).
After successful delivery of a patch via TEM, a prompt will appear on your screen notifying you of the update and requesting you restart your computer.
- View example of prompt [PDF]
Support
Please contact the ITS Service Desk at 203-432-9000, or your local support provider
Additional information
For additional information from each vendor please see their security patch links:
