As the year draws to a close, it’s an opportune moment to chart your company’s path forward. At CICT Solutions, we recognize the pivotal role technology plays in shaping businesses. As you gear up for the upcoming year, a comprehensive technology review can pave the way for enhanced operations. The goal is to take time to focus on improvements you can make to boost your bottom line, as well as tactics to take to reduce the risk of a costly cyberattack.
A recent Deloitte study underscores the advantages enjoyed by digitally adept small businesses. These businesses not only achieve 2x the revenue per employee but also experience revenue growth nearly 4x higher year over year. Moreover, their employee growth rate surpasses industry norms by over 6x.
Efficient utilization of technology not only drives growth but is also more secure. According to IBM, businesses with an incident response plan can significantly reduce the costs associated with a data breach by up to 61%. Incorporating security AI and automation can further slash costs by 70%.
This year-end, partnering with CICT Solutions for a comprehensive technology review can position your business for success and resilience in the coming year.
Considerations When Reviewing Your Technology at Year-End
1. Technology Policies: Regularly reviewing and updating your technology policies is crucial in today's dynamic business landscape. With the shift towards remote work and the increasing use of personal devices, it's essential to ensure that your policies encompass these changes. Evaluate your policies on data security, acceptable device usage, internet access guidelines, and remote work protocols. By keeping these policies up to date, you can mitigate risks and maintain a secure IT environment.
2. Disaster Recovery Planning: Disaster recovery planning is an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and refinement. Conduct a thorough review of your disaster recovery plan to assess its effectiveness in addressing potential threats such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, or system failures. Schedule simulated drills to test the response capabilities of your team and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, consider updating your recovery strategies based on the latest technologies and best practices to ensure rapid recovery and minimal downtime in case of an incident.
3. IT Issues & Pain Points: Understanding and addressing your employees' IT issues and pain points can significantly impact productivity and morale. Conduct surveys or interviews to gather feedback on their experiences with existing technologies, identify pain points, and uncover opportunities for enhancement. Common issues such as slow systems, outdated software, or cumbersome processes can hinder workflow efficiency. Use this feedback to prioritize IT initiatives that directly address these pain points and improve overall employee satisfaction and productivity.
4. Privileged Access & Orphaned Accounts: Managing privileged access and identifying orphaned accounts are critical aspects of cybersecurity and data protection. Conduct a thorough audit of privileged accounts to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive systems and information. Review access permissions regularly and revoke unnecessary privileges to reduce the risk of unauthorized access or insider threats. Additionally, identify and deactivate orphaned accounts that are no longer in use but still pose a security risk if left active.
5. IT Upgrade & Transformation Plans: Strategic IT upgrades and digital transformation initiatives require careful planning and alignment with business objectives. Evaluate your existing IT infrastructure, systems, and applications to identify areas that require upgrades or modernization. Consider factors such as scalability, security, compliance, and user experience when planning IT upgrades. Have a vulnerability assessment performed. This gives you a list of potential problems your company should address.
6. Cloud Use & Shadow IT: The adoption of cloud technology offers numerous benefits, including scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. However, unmanaged or shadow IT usage can pose security risks and compliance challenges. Conduct a comprehensive review of your cloud environment to identify redundant or underutilized services, optimize resource allocation, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Address any instances of shadow IT by educating employees about approved cloud services and implementing policies to govern their usage securely.
7. Customer-Facing Technology: Your customers' digital experience plays a crucial role in their satisfaction and loyalty. Evaluate your customer-facing technologies, such as websites, mobile apps, and communication channels, from the perspective of usability, performance, and responsiveness. Identify areas for improvement based on customer feedback, analytics data, and industry benchmarks. Implement enhancements to streamline the user journey, improve engagement, and deliver a seamless and personalized experience across all touchpoints.
By addressing these key considerations in your year-end technology review, you can optimize your IT infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, and empower your employees and customers with innovative digital solutions.
As you navigate the complexities of conducting a comprehensive technology review, remember that you don't have to go it alone. At CICT Solutions, we leverage our IT management expertise to help businesses optimize their technology infrastructure and enhance cybersecurity. We invite you to get in touch with us and sign up for a technology assessment. Let us help you empower your employees and customers with innovative digital solutions and pave the way for a successful new year.
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