5 Things To Consider When Preparing Your Business For 2020
With the top of the new year just days away, I’m sure you’ve begun to think about how you’re going to protect and grow your company in 2020. Every new year brings new opportunities and threats along with it, and every industry is different. However, the 5 things we are going to discuss in this blog pertain to virtually every industry in today’s tech-dependent world. Let’s get right into it.
Security Awareness Training
To begin, Security Awareness Training is a must in 2020. In 2019, 47% of small businesses experienced a cyber-attack. With IT becoming more complex and more challenging to protect, you can expect that number to grow in 2020. If you haven’t experienced an attack yet, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ an attack will occur, it’s a matter of ‘when’. What is the most effective way to protect your business from cyber threats? EMPOWER YOUR EMPLOYEES TO DETECT POTENTIAL THREATS BY PROVIDING THEM WITH PROPER TRAINING.
Upgrade to Windows 10
For those still using Windows 7, upgrade to Windows 10. Windows 7 end-of-life is scheduled for January 14, 2020. What does end-of-life mean? It means if you’re still using Windows 7 you will no longer receive patches, updates or support. No more patches and updates means weak, outdated security. You’re basically inviting cyber criminals to infiltrate your network and access your data if you are not on the most updated operating system.
For more information about the Windows 10 transition, watch our recent YouTube video:
Windows 10: Why You Should Upgrade
Update your Hardware
Here at Infotect, we recommend regular refreshing of your IT assets for the best performance and compatibility. Desktops and laptops are typically depreciated over a 3-year span. After 3 years, the computer has reached its useful life and is no longer helping you achieve peak performance in your operation.
Improve Processes and Procedures
Staying competitive in your industry requires adaptation to change, but that isn't easy. Since adapting to change is a lot more difficult than it seems, it’s best to choose 1-3 initiatives to improve your use of technology in 2020. Making 1-3 key changes is an attainable goal that will help you keep your edge. You may have 10+ areas where you think you can improve, but trying to tackle all 10 issues at once will probably lead to partial solutions, if any.
How can you improve your processes? First, review your current processes and make an honest list of what is working well and what can be improved upon. Next, brainstorm how it can be made better. This may be using new software/hardware, hiring somebody with a specific skill set, retraining your current staff, or several other things. Once you have a list of ways you can improve a specific process, refer to your budget to see which changes are financially feasible. Finances alone shouldn’t dictate your decision. You should also be asking yourself the following questions: Which one of these changes will create the most value? Will these changes hinder or help your staff? Will these changes have a positive or negative impact on your customer experience? After taking these things into consideration, it’s time to make a strategic decision. Whichever process change will create the most benefits for your customers and/or employees at a reasonable cost is probably where you want to start. As you know, resources are finite in business, so even though it would be great to address every issue you have, it’s important to start with the changes that are going to have the biggest positive impact on your organization.
Create/Refresh your Emergency Plan
1. Identify risks: Great disaster planning means you have a plan for every single potential risk. However, a good place to start is to make a list of the top few threats that are most likely to occur based on your geographical location. Here in Florida, that list would be storms, floods, and hurricanes.
2. Identify potential losses: After you know what risks are most likely to occur, think about what specifically could be affected by each risk. Here’s an example of how that would look:
· Storms/Lightning: Power outage
· Hurricanes: Structural damage, potential data corruption from server downtime
· Floods: No access to office, loss of hardware
3. Add to plan: At this point you know the potential risks as well as the implications of said risks. Now, develop if-then scenarios for each potential outcome. For example, “if a flood restricts access to the office, then we will work from home through a secure connection and communicate via Microsoft Teams.” After you have an if-then scenario for all foreseeable emergencies go back and plan for any small details that may have been overlooked initially.
4. Test plan: After you cross your t’s and dot your i’s, test your plan. Physically going through the motions of a written plan is a great way to prove your plan is executable. Doing so may also help you realize anything you may have overlooked.
5. Review and update plan: Review your plan at least once a year and make any necessary updates.
Infotect wishes you luck in your 2020 preparations. If you would like to consult with one of our Tech Experts, join our daily live stream on YouTube: Infotect Design Solutions Tech Expert Channel
Happy Holidays!
Sources
https://www.solvereone.com/pages/cyber-attacks-on-small-businesses-increasing-in-2020/