You don’t have to be an IT expert to perform a cursory digital clean-up on your personal devices. Deleting unnecessary files, applications and videos is easy to do and can make room for files and applications you actually use. But if you’re attempting IT lifecycle management, penetration testing or security vulnerability assessments, you’ll want to consult with a managed services provider.
What Is a Digital Clean-Up?
Most IT professionals agree on what a comprehensive digital clean-up should include. Tasks range from performing an inventory of your IT infrastructure to identifying tools needing an upgrade to running security scans. Let’s discuss three areas of your business integral to a digital clean-up that require professional IT support.
1. IT Lifecycle Management
If you’re looking to optimize your technology, IT lifecycle management is a good place to start. This strategic approach to tech takes into account the full span, or lifecycle, of technology — from purchase and implementation to decline and retirement.
Benefits of IT lifecycle management services
Outdated technology can lead to lags in production, slow connectivity and the dreaded downtime. That goes for hardware like laptops, servers and devices, and software like Microsoft Windows, macOS and antivirus. IT lifecycle management services can identify lapsed updates and root causes of poor performance that result in:
- Increased downtime
- Increased costs
- Underutilized resources
- Drops in staff productivity
- Increased compliance and security risks
How much could a few hours of downtime cost your business? One study from the Ponemon Institute found the average cost of just one minute of downtime can be as much as $9,000.
2. Cybersecurity Services
If you’re concerned about your cybersecurity risks, there are a variety of professional assessments that can give you a clear picture of your current stance. The truth is, what you don’t know can hurt you. And for businesses in industries like healthcare and finance with strict compliance requirements, routine security assessments are essential. These include:
- Dark Web Monitoring: This service scans thousands of websites and forums on the dark web for your confidential information. If something is found, you get a notification so you can take action.
- Security Vulnerability Assessments: These scans review your IT infrastructure for security weaknesses. Potential gaps are identified, ranked by level of risk and remediation tasks are recommended if necessary.
- Penetrating Testing: Also known as pen testing, this service simulates a cyberattack on your IT infrastructure. Performed by an experienced managed service provider, these tests are useful in uncovering potential vulnerabilities.
According to CSO from IDG, 60% of listings on the dark web could harm companies.
3. Backup and Disaster Recovery Strategies
Like most technology, backup and disaster recovery strategies aren’t one-and-done efforts. Business models evolve, employees come and go, and what worked last year may not necessarily work today. A digital clean-up should take into account:
- Testing plan and response procedures evaluation
- New or updated critical business assets and applications
- Recovery personnel updates
2 of 3 midsize businesses suffered a ransomware attack in the past 18 months, according to ConnectWise.
Most small to medium-sized businesses don’t have the time or the resources to conduct a thorough digital clean-up, and that’s okay. Partnering with a managed services provider, or MSP, can help with expert, cost-effective solutions to decrease downtime, strengthen cybersecurity and much more. If you’re interested in partnering with an MSP, reach out. We have the tech professionals to keep your business running at its best. Contact us today.
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