The integration of information technology into our daily lives is undeniable.
However, as is the case with any elaborate system, errors and mistakes can lead to severe consequences. From data breaches jeopardizing sensitive information to system failures disrupting essential operations, both human and conceptual errors have led to devastating IT disasters in recent years. Extending beyond mere inconvenience, the aftermath results in significant consequences such as financial losses, a decline in productivity, and an erosion of trust among the most loyal customers.
Even in the absence of malicious actors targeting your IT infrastructure, a single moment is all it takes for a user to unwittingly download a virus or some other malicious software that can cripple your entire network in one fell swoop.
Thankfully, the impact becomes much more manageable when you and your team have a resilient, proactive IT strategy in place. Despite the unpredictability of disasters, a workforce that is well-prepared and trained, understanding the worst-case security scenarios, can perform remarkably well in terms of quickly restoring operations – sometimes in just a matter of minutes. Here are 4 fundamental practices that play a vital role in safeguarding your mission-critical applications and data before disasters strike:
Improve your Organization’s Security Practice
The cybersecurity threat is growing as we speak, and many companies are falling behind.
Even a top-tier cybersecurity function requires regular updates and implementation by qualified personnel and up-to-date technology. In the absence of an expert team to promptly address emerging threats, vulnerabilities may fester, leaving you exposed.
Begin by examining and assessing the specific types of security risks that your company may be susceptible to, such as weak security permissions, hacker attacks, email phishing, inadequate software encryption, and more. Once you’ve identified the most critical risks, allocate time and resources to eliminate or mitigate these vulnerabilities before any potential attack or breach.
This process involves conducting routine security posture assessments, continuously monitoring networks and software for vulnerabilities, establishing key security metrics, and developing an incident response plan that provides guidance on addressing significant security incidents.
Create An Evergreen Strategy & A Multi-Year Budget
If you want to stay in tune with the evolving requirements and swift technological changes in your organization, which can escalate within days, an evergreen strategy is a must.
It’s a dynamic framework that not only enables you to stay resilient in the face of technological shifts but guarantees continuous optimization and efficiency. Similarly, a multi-year budget is equally vital. You need to be able to allocate resources efficiently – including both hardware and software upgrades, cybersecurity measures, training programs, and numerous other IT initiatives over an extended period. It’s a delicate balancing act, but the foresight provided by a multi-year budget reduces the likelihood of cost overruns and ensures that you have enough funds available for unforeseen contingencies.
Network Administration Strategy
Your network comprises various devices, ranging from desktops and mobile devices to components like firewalls, servers, client applications, routers, switches, access points, and more. A solid network administration strategy involves implementing established processes to oversee the network and maintain an up-to-date record of all devices. In addition to managing the data flow in and out of different host environments such as on-premises servers, private clouds, and public cloud platforms, it helps you evaluate the performance of each device and effectively manage its lifecycle. Neglecting to patch or properly maintain outdated devices can pose a security risk.
As the majority of enterprise processes go online, prioritizing network security becomes essential for fostering resilience, effective risk management, and overall success.
If the demand on your network exceeds the capabilities of internal IT resources — resulting in frequent downtime and heightened security risks — you can engage a managed service provider (MSP) who can remotely handle network orchestration and offer on-site support. This includes a comprehensive range of tasks, including network design and implementation, routine maintenance, security checks, and configuration adjustments.
Proactive MSP Support
Reactive support within managed services pertains to a support framework that helps customers only when they reach out with an issue and seek a resolution. In short, they fail to anticipate issues and only recognize them when tangible consequences surface, often leaving your team scrambling to find a solution quickly.
In contrast, a proactive MSP support provider goes beyond addressing downtime or resolving support tickets; they actively contribute to maintaining system security and consistently identifies opportunities for enhancement, optimization, and innovation through vigilant monitoring and continuous communication, ensuring that issues are addressed or averted before they manifest.
Moving from a reactive to a proactive IT MSP requires careful consideration and time, but the outcome is an operational environment devoid of cumbersome IT issues. Common problems that once surfaced regularly are now averted entirely through the implementation of automation tools and well-defined processes.
Dive into the details of these practices by watching our latest webinar FOR FREE – sign up here! The video will feature a thorough overview of each solution and show you how you can tailor them to your organization based on your unique requirements.
NEXT STEPS
It’s impossible to guarantee complete immunity from IT disasters, ransomware or any other cyberattacks.
So, it’s important to stay vigilant and regularly review security measures with both your team and external partners. As new threats and technologies emerge, take a proactive approach by updating your defense strategies and using the latest tools to protect your organization.
In many organizations, key staff members are often so engrossed in day-to-day functions that they have little time to concentrate on future IT strategy. A Managed Service Provider will monitor your systems around the clock and resolve issues before they escalate into problems. In the event of a problem, they will conduct root cause analysis (RCA) to prevent the same issue’s recurrence.
TRUST YARDSTICK TECHNOLOGIES AS YOUR EXPERIENCED MSP
At Yardstick Technologies, we not only provide IT support, but also value-added services such as business process consulting, risk assessments, and more. We use remote monitoring and management to identify, diagnose, and troubleshoot potential problems before they ever have a chance to become an issue. Supporting multiple time zones and offering round-the-clock support, we can assure you that help is available whenever you need it – and even when you don’t.
Our team has also prepared a detailed webinar covering each of the above points at length, showing you how you can deploy these strategies quickly to protect your mission-critical applications and data from potential IT disasters. It’s free to watch and you can claim a special offer at the end – ACCESS HERE!
