How to Revive Your Neglected IT Strategy and Get Back On Track

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by - December 19, 2023

In today’s fast-paced digital world, technology is the driving force behind organizational success. A well thought out IT strategy can be a game-changer, propelling your business to new heights. Conversely, neglecting your IT systems for too long can be a costly mistake, leading to a host of problems, from security vulnerabilities to operational inefficiencies. The good news is that it’s never too late to turn things around.

Here’s how to revitalize your IT strategy and get back on the right track.

Assess Your Current IT Landscape

The first step in reviving your neglected IT is to conduct a comprehensive assessment. Take a hard look at your existing IT strategy–infrastructure, software, hardware, and documentation. What’s working, and what isn’t? Where have you fallen behind in terms of technology adoption or innovation? Identify areas of weakness, potential security risks, and technical debt. This assessment will serve as the foundation for your IT revitalization plan.

Develop a Clear IT Strategy

Now that you understand the current state of your IT, it’s time to chart a course for the future. First, define both your short-term and long-term objectives. What do you want your IT infrastructure to achieve, and how does it align with your business goals? Next, create a strategic plan that outlines your IT goals, budget, and timeline for improvements. This plan should align with your organization’s overall objectives, ensuring IT supports your business rather than hindering it.

Prioritize Cyber Security

Neglected IT systems are often vulnerable to security threats. Start by assessing and shoring up your security measures. This includes updating software, implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and educating your employees about cybersecurity best practices. Consider bringing in a security expert to perform a thorough audit and make recommendations.

Upgrade and Modernize

Outdated hardware and software can slow down your operations and hinder productivity. Prioritize replacing systems that are outdated and eliminating those that no longer serve your organization’s needs. Determine which technologies will help your business operate, encourage innovation, and drive growth, and allocate resources to modernize your IT infrastructure. Invest in technologies that will streamline operations and empower employees, boosting both efficiency and effectiveness. This may include migrating to cloud-based solutions, mobile technologies, virtualizing servers, or updating legacy applications. 

Implement IT Management Tools

Every area of your organization–from finance to procurement to HR–is affected by IT management, and effective management requires the right tools and processes. Start by identifying pain points and inefficiencies so you have a clear idea of what you need from your IT management software. Engage with your stakeholders about what functionalities they would like to see included. Then you’ll be able to research and invest in IT management software that will monitor and maintain your systems effectively. These tools can provide real-time insights, automate routine tasks, and alert you to potential issues before they become critical.

Build a Skilled IT Team

IT neglect is often due to a lack of expertise and/or manpower. For businesses that don’t have the resources or desire to hire a full team of IT professionals, outsourcing IT management can be a cost-effective solution. Consider hiring IT professionals who can either support your internal IT team, or fully manage and maintain your systems, and keep your business safe from cyberattack. 

Backup and Disaster Recovery

Backup and disaster recovery are critical components of IT management for many compelling reasons. Data is often a company’s most valuable asset and losing it can have serious consequences, whether it’s customer files, financial data or intellectual property. A data breach can also erode customer trust and damage your company’s reputation.

Downtime can be costly. When an IT system fails, your business can’t operate effectively. Backup and disaster recovery solutions are designed to minimize downtime and swiftly restore systems, reducing lost productivity and revenue. Whether data loss is due to human error, natural disaster, or hardware or software failure, comprehensive backups allow your business to quickly stabilize, minimizing the impact. 

Don’t wait until data loss or a system failure occurs to recognize the importance of a backup and disaster recovery plan. Establish procedures and test your disaster recovery plan to ensure that your data is secure and recoverable in case of a catastrophic event. There are expenses involved in setting up and maintaining a robust backup and disaster recovery system, but the potential savings in the event of a disaster far outweighs the cost. 

User Training and Support

Your employees are a crucial part of your IT ecosystem. Provide ongoing training to ensure they’re equipped with the right skills, and understand how to use IT resources efficiently and securely. Collaboration and communication across all levels of your organization is essential. Make sure that every department understands the role IT plays in achieving business objectives, and empower your IT professionals to take the lead in executing your strategy. Establish a helpdesk or IT support system to address employee concerns and troubleshoot issues promptly.

Review, Maintain, and Adapt

Reviving your neglected IT strategy is not a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing process. Make sure you schedule regular maintenance and monitoring of your IT infrastructure. Perform updates, patches, and security scans as needed to keep your systems up-to-date and secure. Regularly review your strategy and assess its effectiveness. Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends, and be ready to adapt your IT strategy accordingly. Continuous improvement is essential to avoid falling back into a state of neglect.

Neglected IT systems can be a significant liability, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent setback. By reassessing your strategy, defining clear objectives, prioritizing security and training, and embracing new technology, your organization can get back on the right track. Invest in skilled personnel, a robust backup and disaster recovery plan, and IT management tools or services and you can ensure that your IT infrastructure becomes a valuable asset that furthers your business goals. In the ever-evolving world of technology, adaptation and resilience are key to long-term success. Implement a well thought out IT strategy and watch your organization thrive.

Need help getting your IT strategy back on track? Get in touch with our experienced team or connect with us below to start the conversation.

By Darci Creative

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Make Finance Operations More Efficient with Better IT 

Every industry has its unique challenges, and your IT infrastructure should be tailored to meet those specific needs. For financial firms, an efficient IT system can be a major driver of productivity and growth. Whether it’s managing client data, processing time-sensitive transactions, or ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, your IT infrastructure plays a pivotal role in keeping operations running smoothly. The tools and technology you rely on every day determine your ability to stay ahead of the curve and deliver results. But what does “efficient IT” really mean? It’s not just about having the latest tools; it’s about leveraging your technology strategically to streamline workflows, enhance security, and enable growth. Here’s how a customized IT strategy can transform your business. 

Enhance Security and Compliance

In finance, data security and regulatory compliance are mandatory. And while it’s true that cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, so are IT solutions. Better IT means using strict security protocols like multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular audits to keep your data safe. Secure file-sharing platforms and strict access control will safeguard intellectual property and sensitive client information.   

Better IT also means staying up to date with industry regulations to avoid fines and maintain trust with your clients and stakeholders. Working with IT professionals who understand the finance industry’s specific requirements provides the peace of mind to focus on your core responsibilities. 

Scalable Solutions for Growth

As your firm grows, your IT infrastructure should grow with it. Scalable systems like cloud or hybrid infrastructure and modular software ensure that your technology evolves to meet your needs. Investing in scalable IT solutions means your organization can adapt without dismantling your entire infrastructure. Whether it’s integrating AI-driven analytics, adopting IoT technologies, or simply ensuring your systems are ready for future software updates, a forward-thinking approach is key. By future-proofing your business, you can avoid outgrowing your systems and facing costly upgrades or downtime.  

Focus on Strategic Priorities

Implementing tools that can take on low-touch, repetitive tasks like summarizing documents and transcribing calls gives human teams time to concentrate on strategic initiatives. Chatbots and virtual assistants can handle many customer inquiries, offering instantaneous responses and personalized support. Tools that analyze vast datasets help drive innovation in product and service offerings, and predictive analytics can identify opportunities, enabling your business to develop solutions that set you apart from your competitors. 

Streamline Daily Operations

Manual processes and outdated systems can slow operations and impact your bottom line. IT solutions like cloud-based platforms enable in-office and remote employees to quickly and securely access data and collaborate in real time. Automation tools that can handle repetitive tasks like invoice processing, payroll management, and data entry, allow you to focus on higher-value activities.  

Reduce Manual Errors

Human errors–in data processing, analytics, document handling, or customer interactions–can be costly, both to your firm’s reputation and its bottom line. Automating tasks like customer onboarding, compliance management, and data analysis reduces the risk of errors.  

Analytics tools can process vast amounts of data far faster than any human could, providing actionable insights for better decision-making. This speed is invaluable for tasks like risk modeling and trading communication, allowing you to respond quickly to changing market conditions and client needs.  

Improve Communications

Clear communication is vital in finance, where decisions often hinge on real-time data, and your IT needs to ensure that teams can stay connected. By integrating tools that enable seamless collaboration into your workflow, you can eliminate back-and-forth email chains, reduce miscommunication, and create a more agile team environment. By centralizing communication and tracking tasks in one place, you can reduce bottlenecks, improve turnaround times, and maintain better oversight. 

Minimize Downtime

Nothing disrupts a workday like a server crash, network outage, or data breach. For organizations that handle sensitive and time-critical information, downtime is more than an inconvenience–it can have devastating consequences. Proactive IT management means that potential issues can be identified and addressed before they escalate and become serious problems. Regular system monitoring, updates, and security patches will ensure your operations continue to run smoothly when challenges arise. And a good IT strategy will include robust backups and disaster recovery planning, so you’re never caught off guard. 

Better IT doesn’t have to mean overhauling everything all at once. It’s about building a foundation for growth, resilience and innovation. Efficient IT not only streamlines day-to-day operations but enables your business to seize new opportunities and deliver greater value to your clients and stakeholders. With a custom IT strategy that leverages innovative technology, you can boost productivity, reduce risk, and position your business up for long-term success. 

Why Password Management Matters 

Did you know that the simplest, best defense against cyberattacks is a solid password? From business logins to online banking to email, passwords are the keys to our digital lives, and therefore valuable targets for hackers. Knowing how to create, manage, and protect passwords isn’t a “nice-to-have;” it’s critical to safeguard your information. 

You might be shocked at how easy it is to obtain your personal login information, and you probably won’t know it’s happened until it’s too late. The dark web–that hidden corner of the internet–is teeming with stolen credentials. Hackers access compromised passwords through data breaches, phishing scams, and malware attacks, then put them up for sale to anyone willing to pay. This makes strong password management, including the use of secure passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) more important than ever. 

Creating Secure Passwords: Length, Complexity, Uniqueness, Unpredictability

No, “password123” definitely won’t cut it. Neither will the use of birthdates, pet names, or other personal details you may have used previously to answer security questions. Secure passwords should be long (think 12 characters at a minimum), complex (a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols), and unique for every account. The best way to create a password that’s easier to remember is to use a “passphrase,” a series of words or a sentence, rather than a random string of letters and numbers. It can feel overwhelming to keep track of so many passwords, and why many people fall into bad habits like repeating passwords in multiple places, writing them down, or choosing overly simple options. No matter how good a password is, if a hacker gets access to one, they’re likely to try the same password on other platforms, leaving you vulnerable to a more extensive breach.  

Password Managers

Password managers like LastPass can store complex passwords, so you only need to memorize one master password to access the others. Serving as a personal vault for your digital keys, a password manager offers the convenience of auto filling your login details, generating random, hard-to-crack passwords, and notifying you if a saved password appears in a data breach so you can promptly change it. And most password managers sync across devices, so you always have access to your logins. When choosing a password manager, look for features like encryption, ease of use, and compatibility with your devices.  

Adding a Layer with 2FA

Two-factor authentication is like adding a deadbolt to your front door. With 2FA, logging in requires both your password and a second form of verification, like a code texted to your phone or generated by an app. That way, even if someone manages to get ahold of your password, they’ll still need that extra code to access your account, making it more difficult for hackers. Many platforms now offer 2FA and enabling it wherever possible provides a powerful layer of protection. 

Keeping Up Good Password Hygiene

Password management can feel tedious, but regular password changes, avoiding reusing passwords across sites, and using a secure password manager makes a world of difference. Think of it as a routine task, like updating your software or cleaning out your inbox. The steps to secure your passwords and add a second layer of protection are relatively easy and ensure that you’re doing your part to keep both your personal and work-related information safe. 

As data breaches become more and more common and cyberattacks more sophisticated, securing your passwords is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s just a piece of the larger cybersecurity puzzle, but it’s essential for keeping the doors to your digital information locked. To learn more about how Nessit can help your business protect sensitive data, train and educate employees, and implement password management best practices, get in touch. 

How an IT Managed Service Provider Can Benefit Municipalities

Municipalities face unique challenges when it comes to managing IT infrastructure. From safeguarding data to maintaining compliance with local and state regulations, effective IT management is necessary to ensure municipal operations run smoothly. Budget restrictions can make it difficult to fully staff an IT department that can meet the complex needs of schools, fire, police, planning, clerks, and more. Partnering with a Managed Service Provider can offer valuable support in navigating these challenges through scaled IT solutions that fit your specific needs. 

Municipal Case Study

How can managed or co-managed IT help your municipality? 

  • Comprehensive Cybersecurity 

Because of the sensitive information involved, government organizations are prime targets for cyberattacks. A data breach can compromise citizen data, disrupt essential services, and cause widespread harm, making comprehensive cybersecurity a priority. MSPs provide proactive security measures, including employee education, advanced threat detection, continuous monitoring, strong encryption protocols, and disaster recovery planning. By staying on top of emerging threats, your MSP can ensure that government data and systems remain protected. 

  • Regulatory Compliance 

Government agencies have to adhere to a wide range of regulations related to data security, privacy, and accessibility. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines, legal challenges, and loss of public trust. An experienced MSP will understand the complexity of these regulations and ensure that your organization remains compliant by offering guidance on best practices for data management and implementing policies that meet regulatory standards. An MSP with expertise in navigating the regulatory landscape will allow government agencies to stay focused on their core mission without the added burden of managing compliance.  

  • Improved Efficiency and Productivity 

Efficient IT infrastructure is essential for government organizations to maintain productivity and reduce downtime. A proactive MSP can conduct regular audits to assess IT maturity, address potential vulnerabilities, and optimize performance. Timely support to resolve technical difficulties will enhance day-to-day productivity and ensure the smooth delivery of essential public services. 

  • Cost-Effective IT Management 

Budget constraints are a common concern for government organizations. Partnering with an MSP can be a cost-effective solution by providing access to expert support and supplementing in-house IT staff. An MSP can manage your equipment and licensing, eliminating wasted spend on unnecessary technology, and freeing up valuable resources that can be directed towards other priorities. 

  • Scalable Solutions 

As government organizations grow or their needs shift, IT systems should evolve accordingly. An MSP can offer scalable solutions that seamlessly adapt to your changing needs, whether that means expanding IT infrastructure, integrating new technologies, or enhancing cybersecurity. By providing flexibility and a customized strategy, MSPs ensure that IT systems can scale up or down with your organization. 

  • Reliable Support and Expertise 

Government organizations in particular require reliable IT support to provide uninterrupted public services. MSPs deliver 24/7 monitoring and support to make sure any IT issues are addressed swiftly. From routine maintenance to emergency troubleshooting, MSPs help prevent downtime and keep services running smoothly. 

Partnering with a Managed Service Provider offers many benefits for government organizations–who need reliable, secure, and effective IT systems to fulfill their mission. From robust cybersecurity to regulatory compliance, cost-effective management, and scalable solutions, an MSP can provide tailored solutions to meet your unique needs. By outsourcing IT management to trusted experts, your government agency can focus on serving the public, confident that their infrastructure is in good hands. Learn more about how Nessit’s services can benefit your organization. 

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