In the face of rising cyber threats and increasing digital adoption in the financial sector, Malaysia has implemented a robust cybersecurity regulation framework known as the Risk Management in Technology (RMiT). Issued by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), this framework is designed to strengthen cyber resilience and ensure that financial institutions adopt proactive, risk-based security practices.

Among its various focus areas, patch and vulnerability management plays a crucial role in helping organizations stay compliant and secure. In this blog, we’ll explore what the RMiT framework says about patch and vulnerability management, why it’s important, the challenges financial institutions face, and how SecOps Solution can help.

What is the RMiT Framework?

The RMiT Framework, introduced in January 2020 and enforced by Bank Negara Malaysia, provides comprehensive guidance to financial institutions, including banks, insurers, and Islamic financial institutions, on managing technology-related risks.

The core objectives of RMiT are to:

• Strengthen governance over technology and cyber risk.
• Improve preparedness and incident response.
• Establish robust controls in cybersecurity, including patch management, vulnerability assessment, and system hardening.

Why Patch and Vulnerability Management Matters in RMiT

RMiT mandates institutions to implement timely software updates and remediate known vulnerabilities across systems, networks, and applications. Here’s why patch and vulnerability management is emphasized:

1. Proactive Risk Mitigation

Outdated systems are one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks. RMiT stresses the need to eliminate known vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers.

2. Compliance with Section 10.52 & 10.53 of RMiT

These sections explicitly state that:

• Security patches must be applied in a timely manner.
• Institutions should have a documented vulnerability management process.
• They must perform regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.

3. Minimizing Attack Surface

Keeping software and systems updated reduces the attack surface significantly, which aligns with the RMiT’s vision of continuous protection and real-time threat response.

Challenges Faced by Financial Institutions

Despite the clear mandates, many institutions struggle to implement effective patch and vulnerability management due to:

• Complex IT Environments: Multiple systems, endpoints, and applications across hybrid infrastructures.
• Lack of Real-Time Visibility: Difficulty in tracking which assets are vulnerable or unpatched.
• Manual Processes: Relying on spreadsheets or legacy tools that are inefficient and error-prone.
• Downtime Risks: Concerns over disruptions caused by patch deployment in production environments.
• Regulatory Pressure: Balancing compliance, security, and operational needs.

Best Practices for Patch and Vulnerability Management under RMiT

To comply with the RMiT framework, financial institutions should adopt these best practices:

1. Automated Asset Discovery

Maintain a real-time inventory of hardware and software assets to know exactly what needs to be patched.

2. Risk-Based Vulnerability Prioritization

Use frameworks like CVSS and EPSS to focus on vulnerabilities that pose the greatest risk.

3. Automated Patch Management

Leverage automated tools to deploy patches quickly across the network, reducing human error and saving time.

4. Regular VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing)

Conduct internal and external VAPT exercises regularly, as emphasized by RMiT Section 10.60.

5. Change and Impact Assessment

Assess the potential operational impact of each patch and ensure rollback procedures are in place.

6. Audit Trails and Reporting

Maintain clear logs of all patching activities for auditing and reporting to regulatory authorities.

How SecOps Solution Helps You Stay RMiT-Compliant

SecOps Solution is purpose-built to support organizations—especially in the banking and financial sectors—in building an end-to-end patch and vulnerability management program aligned with RMiT compliance.

Features of SecOps Solution

• Agentless Vulnerability Detection: Quickly scan your network and identify known vulnerabilities without deploying agents.
• Automated Patch Deployment: Schedule and automate patch rollouts for Windows, Linux, and third-party applications.
• Integrated VAPT Scans: Perform regular vulnerability assessments and export compliance-ready reports.
• Risk-Based Prioritization: Focus on high-risk vulnerabilities using real-time threat intelligence.
• Compliance Reporting: Generate detailed reports that align with RMiT documentation and audit needs.
• Zero Downtime Rollouts: Use phased deployment and rollback options to avoid operational disruptions.

Whether you're starting from scratch or upgrading an existing process, SecOps Solution helps bridge the gap between technical operations and regulatory compliance.

Real Impact: Why Financial Institutions Trust SecOps Solution

• Reduced patch deployment time by 60%
• Improved vulnerability detection accuracy
• Simplified audit preparation for RMiT inspections
• Seamless integration into existing IT environments

Final Thoughts

The RMiT Framework marks a significant step toward stronger cybersecurity in Malaysia's financial sector. However, meeting its expectations—especially in patch and vulnerability management—requires more than just good intentions. It demands a structured, automated, and risk-based approach.

With SecOps Solution, financial institutions can confidently meet the requirements of RMiT, improve security posture, and ensure continued trust among customers and regulators.

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SecOps Solution is a Full-stack Patch and Vulnerability Management Platform that helps organizations identify, prioritize, and remediate security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in seconds.‍‍

To learn more, get in touch.