What must be done to verify patches that have been deployed?

Verification of deployed patches is a critical part of the patch management process to ensure that they have been effectively applied and are functioning as intended. This step typically follows both the testing and deployment phases. By performing verification after these phases, organizations can confirm that the patches are successfully integrated into the system and that there are no unforeseen issues that could disrupt operations or security.

The verification process often involves checking logs, system behavior, and the performance of affected applications to ensure that the patch has resolved the intended vulnerabilities without introducing new problems. This step bolsters the overall reliability and security of the information systems.

Conversely, other options suggest approaches that lack the necessary rigor or would omit important steps in the post-deployment process. Relying solely on user feedback, for instance, does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the patch's effectiveness, as users may not notice all issues. Claiming that verification is optional overlooks the need for ongoing security practices, and asserting that verification is only necessary in high-risk environments could lead to vulnerabilities in systems that are classified as lower risk but still critical to daily operations. Thus, proper verification after testing and deployment is essential for all systems, ensuring consistent security and performance across the board.