National Patch Day

Celebrated on 06/24/2026

Quick Fact

National Patch Day, celebrated on March 25th, was inspired by the first software patch ever released, which was for the Harvard Mark II computer in 1947. The term 'patch' originally referred to actual pieces of tape used to cover holes in punched paper tape, not software fixes.

Origins and Establishment of National Patch Day

National Patch Day was established in 2020 by a coalition of software developers and cybersecurity firms to recognize the importance of software updates and patches. The date, March 25th, commemorates the release of the first known software patch in 1947, when Grace Hopper and her team fixed a malfunction in the Harvard Mark II computer. The holiday was officially recognized by several tech organizations and quickly gained popularity as a day to promote digital hygiene.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Initially observed primarily by tech enthusiasts, National Patch Day has grown into a global event. Companies now use the day to release major security updates, and educational campaigns emphasize the importance of keeping software current. Schools and businesses host 'patch parties' where participants update their devices together. Social media trends like #PatchItForward encourage users to help friends and family update their systems.

Facts & General Observations

• In 2023, over 25,000 software vulnerabilities were disclosed, highlighting the critical need for regular patching.
• Studies show that 60% of data breaches involve unpatched vulnerabilities, many of which are years old.
• The average person has over 100 apps on their phone, but fewer than 40% are kept up to date regularly.

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