Software Update and Vulnerability Management Policy

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating software vulnerabilities to ensure the security and stability of Melrose Labs' IT environment.
Scope
Applies to all software, operating systems, applications, and third-party dependencies used within Melrose Labs' IT infrastructure.
Vulnerability Identification & Assessment
• Regular vulnerability scans are conducted on all systems.
• Third-party vulnerability databases and security bulletins are monitored for emerging threats.
• Risk assessments determine the severity and impact of identified vulnerabilities.
Software Updates & Patch Management
• Critical Security Patches: Applied within 24-48 hours of release.
• Routine Updates: Implemented according to a scheduled update cycle.
• Emergency Patches: Deployed immediately upon discovery of high-risk vulnerabilities.
Change Management Integration
• All software updates undergo impact analysis and approval before deployment.
• Testing in a controlled environment is required before applying patches to production.
Monitoring & Incident Response
• Continuous monitoring for exploit attempts and security breaches.
• Automated alerting mechanisms to detect unpatched vulnerabilities.
• Incident response teams are notified and activated in case of security breaches.
Compliance & Review
• Policy is reviewed annually or as necessary based on evolving security threats.
• Compliance with industry standards such as ISO 27001 and GDPR is ensured.