What does effective patch management help organizations achieve?

Effective patch management is crucial for organizations as it significantly enhances security by systematically addressing vulnerabilities in software applications and systems. When patches are applied, they often contain updates that fix known security flaws, thereby reducing the risk of exploitation by malicious actors. Regularly updating software through effective patch management helps to ensure that weaknesses are mitigated, and the overall security posture of the organization is strengthened. This not only protects sensitive data but also helps in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

While the other options mention various aspects of organizational operations, they do not directly relate to the primary purpose of patch management. For example, decreased software licensing costs is more about managing software expenses rather than security. Increased system downtime can occur during updates, which counters the benefit of improved security. Streamlining data backups and recovery processes focuses on data management rather than the security vulnerabilities that patch management addresses. Therefore, option B stands out as directly aligned with the core objectives of effective patch management.