Technology serves a significant role in the efficiency and growth of the business community. Because of this, it’s important for business owners to have a solid grasp of essential IT knowledge. In the interests of sharing that knowledge, we’re providing a list of the 5 most common IT issues that businesses face, as well as preventative measures against those problems.
Outdated Hardware and Software
Many businesses overestimate the lifespan of their technology. It’s important to know when your hardware is deemed out-of-warranty or “end-of-life” by the vendor. Obsolete hardware and software create inefficiencies, increase the likelihood of downtime and pose a threat to your business’s productivity and data security. It is very likely that older devices will require repairs — often repairs that cost more than a new system. Because of this, business owners should note outdated hardware and software and make it a priority to upgrade and migrate those systems.
Insufficient Power Protection & Data Backup Issues
A single power surge can seriously damage electronic devices and cause critical data loss. The costs of this damage are astronomical. To protect your business, implement a thorough data backup strategy to which all employees adhere. Additionally, you should install backup battery devices with built-in surge suppression to further secure your data and equipment. These devices should be monitored regularly by professionals to ensure their efficiency.
Security Breaches
The landscape of cyber security is always changing. Because of this, it’s important for business owners to be aware of common security threats and to adopt ever-evolving security strategies. Whether it’s targeted hacking, insider data breaches, Cloud-related risks or mobile device issues, it’s essential to stay abreast of the likely security threats to your business and guard against them. For more detailed information on security issues, reference our recent blog post on the subject.
No IT Inventory
It’s difficult to monitor and manage your IT infrastructure when you are not exactly sure of what that infrastructure consists. As a business owner, you should have a list of all the devices you own, where they are located, who has access to them and what operating systems they are running. You should also make a note of the age and warranty of each device. Having a full knowledge of your IT inventory will help you to maintain it effectively.
No Mobile Security Policy
Increased mobility is a prominent feature of the current business world. While mobility has its advantages, it also comes with real risks. It can be difficult to ensure data security with a wide range of mobile devices. To protect against potential security breaches, instate a mobile security policy for all employees. Be sure that every mobile device is strongly password protected. Even better, implement a system where mobile devices can be remotely wiped or encrypted should a breach occur.
These common issues threaten businesses of all sizes. As a business owner, it’s critical to remain aware of these issues and take the appropriate precautions. If you find yourself overwhelmed with the maintenance of your IT infrastructure, consider making the switch to IT managed services. Start the conversation with AIS today: we’d be happy to take care of all of this for you (and more).