Which best describes the outcome of effective patch management?

Effective patch management primarily aims to address known vulnerabilities within software and systems. When a patch is released, it often contains fixes for security flaws that could be exploited by attackers. By systematically implementing these patches, an organization significantly reduces its exposure to security threats, thereby minimizing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.

While improved network speed, higher user satisfaction, and decreased IT operational costs are beneficial side effects that can arise from effective patch management, they are not the primary purpose or outcome. The central focus of patch management is to ensure that all software is updated to protect against new and emerging security vulnerabilities, thus making option B the most accurate choice for describing the outcome of effective patch management.