Action1, the provider of autonomous endpoint management (AEM) solutions already present in many Fortune 500 companies, has taken a key step in its strategy: the platform now supports complete Linux management, becoming a unified endpoint management and patching solution for Windows, macOS, and now Linux as well.
The announcement, made from Houston, reinforces the company’s commitment to simplifying the lives of IT teams and MSSPs (Managed Security Service Providers), which are increasingly dealing with more heterogeneous and distributed environments.
A single dashboard for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Until now, many organizations had to combine multiple tools to cover their entire device fleet: traditional RMM solutions for Windows, specific utilities for macOS, and in the case of Linux, from custom scripts to distribution-specific package managers.
With the new version, Action1 deploys a Linux agent that allows for:
- Real-time inventory and vulnerability assessment.
- Management and deployment of operating system patches.
- Automation of third-party application updates.
All managed from the same cloud console that clients already used for Windows and macOS. The company refers to a “single pane of glass” to view and act upon the security status of all endpoints, regardless of the operating system.
For large corporations with offices across multiple countries and numerous business units, this consolidated view is not only operationally advantageous: it also simplifies compliance reporting for audits, regulatory frameworks, or security certifications.
Patching made easier — if automated
A key message from Action1 is that manual patching is no longer viable—neither in terms of time nor security. The new version is designed for IT teams to define policies and “rings” of deployment, with the system handling the rest.
The platform introduces improved logic for update rings, enabling users to:
- Validate patches first on pilot groups.
- Measure impact and potential issues.
- Expand deployment in a controlled, traceable manner.
This approach aims to balance speed—critical when a serious vulnerability appears—and stability, preventing poorly tested patches from causing widespread service disruptions.
According to Mike Walters, President and Co-founder of Action1, the goal is that, in the event of a critical vulnerability, IT teams “don’t need to worry about where to get the right patch or how to deploy it at scale.”
Enhanced security: signed scripts and fewer firewall conflicts
The new release also includes improvements tailored to environments with strict compliance requirements.
Firstly, Action1 now allows enforcement of digital signature policies for PowerShell scripts. This helps organizations operating under strict regulations to ensure only verified and trusted scripts are executed, reducing risks of lateral movement or attacks that exploit legitimate tools.
Secondly, the platform streamlines connectivity: the agent communicates by default via port 443, the same port used for HTTPS traffic. This minimizes the need to open additional ports on corporate firewalls and reduces friction with network and security teams.
Expanded software catalog and proprietary repository
Managing third-party applications is another widespread challenge in patch management strategies. Vendors update at different cadences and have their own installers, complicating keeping everything current.
Action1 now extends its repository with 27 new Windows packages and 10 additional for macOS, bolstering its ability to cover a broader range of common enterprise software.
The company emphasizes that this repository is private and maintained by its own team, avoiding reliance on less-controlled community sources like Winget. For organizations highly sensitive to supply chain security, this is a significant advantage.
Designed for large enterprises … with a free entry point
Although the messaging is clearly oriented toward large enterprises and MSSPs, Action1 maintains a freemium model offering a free edition for the first 200 endpoints, with no feature restrictions. This allows many organizations to test the platform in real-world environments—or to manage small sites and subsidiaries—at no cost.
The company also highlights that its infrastructure is cloud-native, built to scale to millions of devices, and that it holds security certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001, increasingly required marks for providers within a company’s security supply chain.
Aligning with the hybrid endpoint reality
The expansion to Linux is no accident. In many sectors—from banking to manufacturing and education—the Windows desktop coexists with growing fleets of Macs and Linux servers and workstations, both on-premise and in the cloud.
For security and sysadmin teams, this mix presents a familiar dilemma:
- Manage multiple tools, increasing complexity and the risk of “blind spots”.
- Or, forego full control of some platforms—often Linux—relying on ad hoc scripts or the DevOps team.
With native Linux support, Action1 aims to fill that gap, positioning itself as a unified alternative to traditional RMMs and more fragmented patching solutions.
From compliance to autonomous patching: the founders’ journey
Action1 was founded by Alex Vovk and Mike Walters, known in the industry for creating Netwrix, a cybersecurity company focused on auditing and change control, which has become a global leader.
In 2025, Action1 was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list as the fastest-growing private software company in the U.S., an indication that the market appreciates the provider’s approach: autonomous patching, P2P update distribution, and real-time vulnerability assessment—without VPN reliance.
A clear message to IT teams: less routine tasks, more strategic focus
In an environment where each new zero-day vulnerability underscores the importance of rapid patching, Action1’s promise is straightforward: reduce time and effort spent on repetitive tasks so IT teams can focus on higher-value projects, from enhancing digital employee experiences to infrastructure modernization.
“We built Action1 for real-world enterprise environments: complex, hybrid, and global,” summarizes Walters. The goal is for the platform to “just work,” hiding complexity under the hood and freeing administrators from maintaining dozens of scripts and manual processes.
It remains to be seen how the market responds and whether other endpoint management and RMM providers move toward unified support and advanced automation. For now, Action1’s move sends a clear message to sysadmins and cybersecurity professionals: manual patching is history—Linux included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What operating systems does Action1 now support with its autonomous patching platform?
Action1 offers endpoint management and patching for Windows, macOS, and, with this new version, also for compatible Linux distributions via its new agent.
How does Action1 differ from other traditional RMM or patching tools?
Besides being cloud-native and scalable to millions of devices, Action1 emphasizes advanced automation, P2P patch distribution, real-time vulnerability assessment without VPN, and maintains a private software repository, reducing dependence on community sources.
Can I try Action1 for free in real environments?
Yes. The platform is free for the first 200 endpoints with no feature limitations, allowing evaluation in production or management of small environments at no cost.
What benefits does the new Linux support bring to a hybrid sysadmin team?
It enables central management of inventory, vulnerability assessment, and patch deployment for Windows, macOS, and Linux from a single console, reducing operational complexity, manual errors, and the existence of unmanaged “islands” within the infrastructure.