To protect critical systems during software updates, I use a three-tiered approach. First, I perform thorough testing in non-production environments to spot potential issues before deployment. Second, I monitor systems in real-time to quickly identify and resolve any anomalies. Finally, I have a clear rollback plan ready to reverse changes if unexpected problems occur. This proactive strategy minimizes disruption, ensures system stability, and maintains security, providing peace of mind throughout the update process.

Followings can be done to ensure stability & security 1. Take data backup 2. Push changes in non business days/hours 3. Do sanity check immediately post deployment 4. If Sanity is Okay, then do thorough testing of major functionality and impacted area where changes was done and act accordingly(either rollback OR hotfix) 5. Keep team in standby mode for next few days post deployment. 6. Increased traffic load gradually.

- Test and validate updates thoroughly - Ensure infrastructure compatibility - Roll out gradually and monitor - Prepare for potential rollbacks Additionally, keep communication open with your team, and document any changes made. This approach helps maintain system integrity while implementing necessary updates safely. - Unite teams for rapid response

Conduct thorough testing on non-production environments to identify potential issues before deploying live updates. This helps to catch any bugs or vulnerabilities early on. Additionally, monitor systems in real-time during and after the update to swiftly detect and address any irregularities. A rollback plan is essential; it allows immediate resolution if the update causes unforeseen issues. This plan ensures that systems can quickly revert to their previous state, minimizing downtime and disruption.

Stability and Security needs to go in tandem. If the update is already deployed, Then we are left with two options. Move forward with workaround or roll back the update. Unless if that update is for fixing a security vulnerability which has high risk, look for options to rollback. If the update is a must to continue and don't have an option to rollback, See if any interim workaround is available to manage until the product support provides the fix. In addition, See how you can improve the process to ensure that changes are taken through lower environments before getting implemented in prod. And most importantly, the lower environment needs to be inline with the prod environment and should have an option the test the same level of load.