IT Asset and Patching Interview Question &answer
IT Asset and Patching Interview Question &answer
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● Automated asset discovery tools like to detect new, moved, or retired assets.
● Standardized asset tagging using barcodes, QR codes, or RFID for tracking.
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● Integration with procurement systems to maintain real-time updates on asset
acquisitions.
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● Periodic compliance reporting to detect anomalies and ensure adherence to
company policies.
✅ Example: In my previous role, I noticed discrepancies in asset records due to
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inconsistent data entry. By implementing automated reconciliation scripts with SCCM
and PowerShell, I reduced data mismatches by 40%.
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1.2 How do you manage the full lifecycle of IT assets?
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● Retirement & Disposal: Ensure secure data wiping before recycling or
decommissioning per industry standards.
✅ Example: At my last company, I implemented an automated asset lifecycle tracking
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2.1 How do you ensure timely and effective patch management?
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✅ I follow a systematic approach:
● Classify endpoints based on criticality and business impact.
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● Monitor security advisories from vendors and CVE databases.
● Test patches in a controlled environment before production rollout.
● Deploy patches in a phased manner to mitigate risks.
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● Automate patch deployment
● Implement rollback strategies in case of patch failures.
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✅ Example: By implementing an automated patching schedule in SCCM, I reduced
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patch deployment time by 50% and improved compliance rates from 85% to 98%.
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2.2 How do you prioritize patches when multiple updates are released?
● Analyze logs from ITAM tool or event viewer for error codes.
● Check system dependencies to identify conflicts with installed applications.
● Ensure proper network connectivity if patches fail due to download errors.
● Use manual installation methods if automated deployments fail.
● Rollback to a previous stable state using System Restore or snapshot recovery.
✅ Example: A critical update once caused boot failures on multiple workstations. I
quickly rolled back the update via SCCM and worked with Microsoft to implement a
revised patch, minimizing downtime.
3. Incident Management & Troubleshooting
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bulletins.
● Assess business impact and identify affected systems.
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● Test the patch in a staging environment before deploying it organization-wide.
● Deploy the patch in emergency mode with phased rollouts for critical systems
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first.
● Implement temporary mitigations (e.g., disabling vulnerable services, enhancing
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firewall rules) if no patch is available.
● Monitor for anomalies post-deployment and ensure rollback options are
available.
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✅ Example: During the WannaCry outbreak, I rapidly identified unpatched endpoints,
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deployed emergency patches, and implemented additional network security measures,
preventing a potential breach.
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4.1 How do you apply ITIL principles to asset and patch management?
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✅ Example: By following ITIL Change Management, I reduced patch failure incidents by
40% and improved SLA adherence in my previous role.
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✅ I educate users on the risks of unpatched systems, communicate patch schedules in
advance, and offer flexibility (e.g., allowing users to choose a maintenance window).
Additionally, I collaborate with business leaders to align patching policies with
operational needs.
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6. Industry Trends & Continuous Learning
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6.1 How do you stay updated with the latest trends in IT asset and patch
management?
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✅ I follow cybersecurity news, attend IT conferences, participate in vendor training,
and pursue certifications like ITIL, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and CISSP to stay ahead
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of industry trends.
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7. Advanced IT Asset Management (ITAM) Questions
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7.1 How do you manage IT asset depreciation and financial reporting?
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✅ I track asset depreciation using standard accounting methods like Straight Line and
Double Declining Balance. ITAM tools like ServiceNow help generate financial reports,
ensuring compliance with budget forecasts.
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7.2 How do you handle hardware refresh cycles and optimize asset utilization?
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7.3 How do you prevent unauthorized software installations and shadow IT?
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7.4 What are the key differences between IT Asset Management (ITAM) and
Configuration Management (CMDB)?
✅ ITAM focuses on financial and lifecycle tracking, whereas CMDB is a single source of
truth of IT assets it maintains configuration and relationship data of IT assets for
impact analysis and change management.
8.1 How do you handle patching for remote employees and off-network devices?
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✅ I use cloud-based patch management tools like Microsoft Intune or Tanium, which
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allow remote patching without requiring VPN connectivity.
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8.2 What steps do you take if a patch causes application failures?
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with vendors, and apply hotfixes while ensuring minimal downtime.
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8.3 How do you patch endpoints that are no longer supported by the vendor?
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✅ I implement security compensating controls like network segmentation, endpoint
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✅ I generate compliance reports using SCCM, WSUS, or Qualys, tracking metrics like
Patch Success Rate, Mean Time to Patch (MTTP), and Unpatched Vulnerability Count.
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9.1 A critical security patch is failing on multiple endpoints. How do you troubleshoot
it?
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✅ I check installation logs, verify prerequisites, diagnose error codes, test manual
installations, and escalate to vendors if needed.
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9.2 You discover a major discrepancy in IT asset records. How do you fix it?
✅ I conduct a full audit, compare physical inventory with ITAM records, and correct
discrepancies while implementing automation to prevent future mismatches.
9.3 A department refuses to apply a critical patch because it may disrupt operations.
How do you handle it?
✅ I engage with stakeholders, provide risk assessments, schedule patches during
non-peak hours, and ensure rollback strategies to mitigate concerns.
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✅ I submit Change Requests, perform risk analysis, schedule maintenance windows,
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document changes, and obtain approvals before deploying patches.
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10.2 How do you ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks like ISO 27001 or
NIST?
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✅ By maintaining an updated IT asset inventory, enforcing patching SLAs, conducting
periodic audits, and aligning policies with compliance guidelines.
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10.3 How do you handle software license audits from vendors like Microsoft or
Adobe?
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11.1 Can you describe a situation where you had to handle a critical IT security
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incident?
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11.2 How do you manage competing priorities in IT Asset and Patch Management?
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11.3 How do you train employees on IT asset policies and patching best practices?
✅ I conduct periodic security awareness sessions, share best practices through email
campaigns, and provide hands-on training on patch compliance tools.
12. Advanced IT Asset Management (ITAM) Questions
12.1 How do you track and manage IT assets in a hybrid (on-prem & cloud)
environment?
✅ I use ITAM tools like ServiceNow or Flexera to track physical assets and cloud-based
resources (AWS, Azure). Integration with CMDB ensures visibility of asset dependencies.
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12.2 What challenges have you faced in IT asset disposal, and how did you resolve
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them?
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✅ I’ve managed secure data wiping challenges by implementing automated degaussing
and ensuring compliance with e-waste disposal regulations (ISO 14001, NIST 800-88).
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12.3 How do you handle IT asset procurement and vendor management?
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✅ I collaborate with vendors, negotiate bulk pricing, track purchase orders, and ensure
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contract compliance, optimizing procurement costs by 15-20%.
13.1 How do you handle patches that require system reboots in a production
environment?
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13.2 How do you manage third-party application patching (e.g., Adobe, Java, Zoom)?
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✅ I use tools like Patch My PC, Ivanti, or SCCM’s SCUP to automate third-party software
updates while ensuring minimal user impact.
13.3 How do you ensure patching compliance for regulatory frameworks like PCI DSS,
HIPAA, or NIST?
✅ I enforce automated patching SLAs, generate compliance reports, and ensure audit
readiness by keeping patching logs for regulatory reviews.
13.4 What are the risks of auto-approving all patches, and how do you mitigate
them?
✅ Auto-approving patches without testing can cause system failures. I mitigate risks by
testing patches in a sandbox environment and using phased rollouts.
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14.1 A patch deployment failed across multiple devices. How do you diagnose the
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issue?
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✅ I check SCCM logs (Patchdownloader.log, WUAHandler.log), verify network
connectivity, and manually test patch installations before re-deploying.
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14.2 A critical server is unpatched due to application compatibility issues. What do
you do?
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✅ I apply compensating controls like network segmentation, virtual patching (IPS/IDS),
and coordinate with vendors to obtain a compatible patch.
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14.4 What actions would you take if a patch disrupted business-critical operations?
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✅ I roll back the patch using SCCM/System Restore, perform impact analysis, and work
with the vendor for a revised patch while implementing interim security measures.
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✅ MTTP measures how quickly a patch is deployed after release. A lower MTTP ensures
faster vulnerability mitigation and better security posture.
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15.4 How do you handle patch management in highly regulated industries like
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banking or healthcare?
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✅ I ensure strict patching SLAs, maintain audit logs for compliance, and work closely
with risk teams to align patching schedules with regulatory requirements.
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16. Behavioral & Situational Questions
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16.1 Tell me about a time you had to convince leadership to approve an IT security
investment.
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✅ I built a business case showing cost-benefit analysis, industry benchmarks, and risk
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16.3 How do you handle resistance from employees reluctant to follow IT asset
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policies?
16.4 How do you ensure that IT asset management aligns with business goals?
17.1 What are the latest trends in IT asset management and patching?
✅ Key trends include AI-driven asset tracking, Zero Trust security models, automated
vulnerability remediation, and cloud-based patch management.
17.2 How do you keep yourself updated with the latest vulnerabilities and security
patches?
✅ I monitor security feeds like CVE, NIST, Microsoft Patch Tuesday, and attend
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cybersecurity webinars and vendor training sessions.
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17.3 Have you worked with AI-driven IT asset management tools?
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✅ Yes, I’ve used AI-based anomaly detection in asset tracking, improving fraud
detection and asset utilization rates by 25%.
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17.4 What’s your experience with blockchain in IT asset tracking?
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✅ Blockchain ensures tamper-proof asset records, enhancing audit compliance and
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preventing asset fraud.
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2️⃣ What are the Key Steps in the Patch Management Process?
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1️⃣Patch Identification– Monitor sources like Microsoft,CISA, NIST for new patches.
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2️⃣Risk Assessment– Evaluate the impact and urgencyof the patch.
3️⃣Testing– Deploy patches in a sandbox/test environmentto check for compatibility.
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4️⃣Approval & Scheduling– Plan patch rollouts basedon business hours.
5️⃣Deployment– Roll out patches in a phased manner(e.g., critical systems first).
6️⃣Verification– Ensure successful installationusing logs and compliance reports.
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7️⃣Monitoring & Rollback– Track post-deploymentissues and revert if needed.
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3️⃣ How Do You Prioritize Patches When Multiple Updates Are Released?
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6️⃣ What is the Difference Between Security Patches, Feature Updates, and Hotfixes?
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🔹Security Patches– Address vulnerabilities (e.g.,CVE fixes).
🔹Feature Updates– Introduce new functionalities(e.g., Windows 11 upgrade).
🔹Hotfixes– Emergency fixes for critical bugs withouta full update cycle.
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Example:
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● Security Patch:Fix for PrintNightmare vulnerability.
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● Feature Update:Windows 10 21H2 update.
● Hotfix:Microsoft releasing KB5004945 to fix an emergencybug.
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7️⃣ How Do You Ensure That Patching Does Not Disrupt Business Operations?
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8️⃣ What is a Zero-Day Vulnerability, and How Do You Manage Patches for Such
Threats?
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📌Windows:
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powershell
CopyEdit
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wmic qfe list | findstr "KBXXXXXX"
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📌Linux:
bash
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CopyEdit aa
rpm -qa | grep <patch_name>
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🔟 What Steps Would You Take If a Patch Causes Compatibility Issues with an
Application?
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2️⃣Roll Back the Patch– Uninstall the update viaWindows Update or
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.
/uninstall /kb:xxxxxx
3️⃣Apply Temporary Workarounds– Registry changes,group policies, or alternate
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settings.
4️⃣Contact Vendor for a Fix– Check if a hotfix orcompatible version is available.
5️⃣Update Testing Process– Improve pre-deploymenttesting strategies to prevent
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future issues.
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1. 1.1 How do you ensure IT asset data accuracy in your organization?
2. 1.2 How do you manage the full lifecycle of IT assets?
3. 1.3 How do you handle software license management and compliance?
4. 2.1 How do you ensure timely and effective patch management?
5. 2.2 How do you prioritize patches when multiple updates are released?
6. 2.3 How do you handle patch failures or rollbacks?
7. 3.1 How do you handle zero-day vulnerability patches?
8. 4.1 How do you apply ITIL principles to asset and patch management?
9. 5.1 Tell me about a time you improved an ITAM or patching process.
10. 5.2 How do you handle resistance from employees who delay patch updates?
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11. 6.1 How do you stay updated with the latest trends in IT asset and patch
management?
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12. 7.1 How do you manage IT asset depreciation and financial reporting?
13. 7.2 How do you handle hardware refresh cycles and optimize asset utilization?
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14. 7.3 How do you prevent unauthorized software installations and shadow IT?
15. 7.4 What are the key differences between IT Asset Management (ITAM) and
Configuration Management (CMDB)?
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16. 8.1 How do you handle patching for remote employees and off-network
devices?
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17. 8.2 What steps do you take if a patch causes application failures?
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18. 8.3 How do you patch endpoints that are no longer supported by the vendor?
19. 8.4 How do you measure patching compliance and security effectiveness?
20. 9.1 A critical security patch is failing on multiple endpoints. How do you
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troubleshoot it?
21. 9.2 You discover a major discrepancy in IT asset records. How do you fix it?
22. 9.3 A department refuses to apply a critical patch because it may disrupt
operations. How do you handle it?
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23. 10.1 How do you implement Change Management in IT Asset and Patch
Management?
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24. 10.2 How do you ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks like ISO
27001 or NIST?
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25. 10.3 How do you handle software license audits from vendors like Microsoft or
Adobe?
26. 11.1 Can you describe a situation where you had to handle a critical IT security
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incident?
27. 11.2 How do you manage competing priorities in IT Asset and Patch
Management?
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28. 12.1 How do you track and manage IT assets in a hybrid (on-prem & cloud)
environment?
29. 12.2 What challenges have you faced in IT asset disposal, and how did you
resolve them?
30. 12.3 How do you handle IT asset procurement and vendor management?
31. 12.4 What steps do you take to prevent IT asset theft or loss?
32. 13.1 How do you handle patches that require system reboots in a production
environment?
33. 13.2 How do you manage third-party application patching (e.g., Adobe, Java,
Zoom)?
34. 13.3 How do you ensure patching compliance for regulatory frameworks like
PCI DSS, HIPAA, or NIST?
35. 13.4 What are the risks of auto-approving all patches, and how do you mitigate
them?
36. 14.1 A patch deployment failed across multiple devices. How do you diagnose
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the issue?
37. 14.2 A critical server is unpatched due to application compatibility issues.
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What do you do?
38. 14.3 How do you respond to an unpatched zero-day vulnerability with no
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immediate fix?
39. 14.4 What actions would you take if a patch disrupted business-critical
operations?
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40. 15.1 How do you implement ITIL Change Management in patch deployment?
41. 15.2 How do you manage service downtime during patching?
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42. 15.3 What is Mean Time to Patch (MTTP), and why is it important?
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43. 15.4 How do you handle patch management in highly regulated industries like
banking or healthcare?
44. 16.1 Tell me about a time you had to convince leadership to approve an IT
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security investment.
45. 16.2 Describe a situation where you successfully reduced IT asset costs.
46. 16.3 How do you handle resistance from employees reluctant to follow IT asset
policies?
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47. 16.4 How do you ensure that IT asset management aligns with business goals?
48. 17.1 What are the latest trends in IT asset management and patching?
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49. 17.2 How do you keep yourself updated with the latest vulnerabilities and
security patches?
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50. 17.3 Have you worked with AI-driven IT asset management tools?
51. 17.4 What’s your experience with blockchain in IT asset tracking?
52. Why is ITAM Important for an Organization?
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53. What are the Key Steps in the Patch Management Process?
54. How Do You Prioritize Patches When Multiple Updates Are Released?
55. What Tools Have You Used for Patch Deployment?
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