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Why application check-ins are crucial

February 5th, 2025

2 min read

By Rituparn Mishra

Why application check-ins are crucial
5:15

With security vulnerabilities constantly being announced, keeping applications up-to-date and secure is non-negotiable. Applications form the backbone of business operations, security, and compliance depend heavily on timely updates and monitoring. However, managing this efficiently often becomes a challenge, especially for organizations overseeing hundreds or even thousands of applications.

The need for frequent check-ins

The frequency of checking in on applications directly impacts how effectively they are maintained. Here’s why check-ins are vital:

Staying ahead of critical releases:

Software vendors regularly release updates to fix bugs, improve functionality, or patch vulnerabilities. Missing these updates can expose businesses to security risks. Regular check-ins ensure application owners catch these updates in time.

Mitigating security vulnerabilities:

Unpatched applications are prime targets for cyberattacks. Organizations with high-profile apps or those handling sensitive data are especially at risk. Routine check-ins reduce this window of vulnerability.

Ensuring compliance:

Many industries have strict compliance requirements around software versions and patching. Regular check-ins help ensure applications remain compliant with these regulations.

Improved accountability:

Regular check-ins promote a sense of ownership among application owners, as they actively monitor and update their assigned apps. This prevents lapses in application management.

 


How the check-in interval feature solves the problem

The check-in interval feature in Juriba App Owner empowers administrators to define how frequently application owners must check in on their apps.

This feature strikes a balance:

  • Frequent enough to ensure critical updates or security patches are not missed.

  • Not so frequent that application owners are overwhelmed with reminders, leading to alert fatigue or missed notifications.

Moreover, the flexibility to set different intervals for different applications allows organizations to tailor check-ins based on specific app needs, release histories, or known vulnerabilities. For example, a high-risk app with frequent updates may need monthly check-ins, while a more stable app could suffice with quarterly reviews.

Check-In Interval


Factors and indicators for setting the right check-in interval

Determining the optimal interval involves a thoughtful assessment of each application's characteristics and history. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Update frequency:

Apps with frequent vendor updates need shorter check-in intervals to ensure no updates are missed. Administrators can track update release patterns over time to determine appropriate intervals.

2. Security vulnerability records:

Apps with a history of security vulnerabilities or those critical to operations may require more frequent monitoring to address risks proactively.

3. Application usage and dependency:

Business-critical applications or those used by many end-users should have stricter check-in intervals to minimize downtime or compliance risks.

4. Compliance requirements:

Industries like finance or healthcare often mandate specific timelines for patching software. Compliance policies should guide interval settings for these apps.

5. Integration with notification systems:

By assessing how well application owners respond to automated reminders and chasers, administrators can adjust intervals to avoid unnecessary escalation.


Monitoring and adjusting the check-in interval

The ideal check-in interval is rarely static. Here’s what admins should monitor to decide if adjustments are needed:

  • Missed check-in patterns: Repeatedly missed check-ins could indicate the interval is too short or owners are overwhelmed.

  • Critical incidents: If vulnerabilities are discovered in apps after their check-in dates, it may signal a need for shorter intervals.

  • Update adoption rates: Low adoption rates of suggested updates may indicate that intervals are too long, and updates are slipping through the cracks.

  • Owner feedback: Direct feedback from application owners about notification frequency and check-in expectations can provide valuable insights.

  • Performance metrics: Monitoring metrics like the time taken to patch vulnerabilities or address critical updates can reveal if intervals are effectively minimizing risks.

 


Building a dynamic check-in culture

With the check-in Interval feature, Juriba App Owner not only improves application maintenance but also fosters a proactive culture. By regularly monitoring relevant data, admins can refine intervals to balance security, compliance, and workload.

This dynamic approach ensures application owners stay informed, organizations remain secure, and businesses can focus on growth without worrying about unexpected application failures.

Exciting things are on the horizon! We’re gearing up for the official public release later this month, bringing you powerful new features designed to simplify application ownership and streamline workflows. Stay tuned for updates—you won’t want to miss what’s coming!

Rituparn Mishra

Meet Rituparn, the driving force behind Juriba App Owner. With a passion for product strategy, he excels at aligning business value with customer needs and delivering great user experiences. As a key member of Juriba Product Management team, Rituparn ensures the product meets evolving user demands while always advocating for the best interests of customers. His focus on innovation and quality helps drive the ongoing success of Juriba’s solutions.