February 20, 2025
Spring is finally here, which means
it's time to spring-clean. While you're busy decluttering your office and
organizing files, don't forget your IT systems deserve a refresh too. A "spring-clean"
for your business technology can uncover inefficiencies, strengthen security
and improve overall performance so you can operate more efficiently, reduce
costly downtime and focus on growing your business without tech distractions.
Where should you start? Of course,
the usual "delete old files and update your software" advice is important, but
today we want to share a few additional but practical strategies to truly
optimize your business systems.
1. Conduct A Comprehensive IT Audit
Spring is the perfect time to review your entire IT
environment, from hardware to software to user access. Look for:
● Outdated hardware: Devices nearing the end of their life cycle.
● Underused
software: Licenses you're paying for but no longer need.
● Redundant systems: Tools that duplicate functions or no longer align
with your workflows.
Pro Tip: Work with
your IT provider to identify and prioritize areas for improvement, ensuring
your budget goes toward impactful upgrades.
NOTE: Windows 10
will no longer be supported after October 2025. If you currently utilize this
software, now is a great time to figure out how you will deal with it before
the deadline.
2. Clean Up Your Active
Directory
The Active Directory (or its
equivalent if you're not a Microsoft user) is the backbone of your network's
security and efficiency, but it's often neglected.
● Remove inactive user accounts: Former employees or unused accounts
create vulnerabilities.
● Verify permissions: Ensure users only have access to what they need to
fulfill their duties.
● Document changes: Keep a record of all adjustments to avoid future
confusion.
A clean directory isn't just about
organization - it's a critical layer of protection against breaches that needs
to be a priority for every organization.
3. Optimize Your
Network For Hybrid Work
With hybrid and remote work still going strong, your
network may need a tune-up to support seamless collaboration and connectivity.
● Upgrade your VPN: Ensure your virtual private network is secure and
scalable.
● Review
bandwidth usage: Identify and address bottlenecks or underused
resources.
● Enable secure file-sharing: Use encrypted tools for document
sharing to reduce risks.
It's also good to review how you work
with third-party vendors. We learned through previous data breaches how
important it is to work with vendors who value security as much as you. Make
sure you've taken every precaution to protect your data on your end.
4. Test Your Backups With
A Full Restore
Backing up your data is essential - but
when was the last time you tested those backups? Many businesses discover too
late that their backups are corrupt, incomplete or impossible to restore.
● Perform a full restore to
verify your backup system works as intended.
● Document the time it takes to
restore critical systems and evaluate if improvements are needed.
A backup isn't worth much if it
doesn't function when disaster strikes, and unexpected disasters DO happen. You
need to be prepared so that you're able to either continue business or restart
when you're ready.
5. Reassess Your
Cybersecurity Playbook
Hackers are always evolving their tactics, so your
cybersecurity strategy should evolve too.
● Review your endpoint protection: Ensure all devices are secured,
including employee-owned devices used remotely.
● Update your incident response plan: Train your team on the latest
threats and update contact lists for faster response times.
● Invest in advanced monitoring tools: AI-driven systems can detect and
neutralize threats before they cause damage.
Remember, cybersecurity is not a
set-it-and-forget-it task - it's an ongoing process because best practices
change. For example, it used to be recommended that you change your password frequently.
Now it's recommended to just use a longer, complex password or passphrase and
enable multifactor authentication. Stay up-to-date to help stay secure.
A Clean IT System Is A
Productive IT System
Spring-cleaning your IT systems isn't
just about getting organized - it's about ensuring your business runs
efficiently and securely all year long. By taking these steps, you'll reduce
downtime, boost productivity and stay ahead of evolving cyberthreats.
Want to go further? Start with a FREE
Network Assessment. Our experts will evaluate your systems, identify
vulnerabilities and recommend optimizations tailored to your business.
Give us a call today at 914-923-0161 or click to schedule your FREE
Network Assessment today!