Six top tips for SME’s to keep IT systems up to date

Factotum’s Chief Technology Officer, Simon Russell shares his insights on best practices for keeping IT systems up to date. It’s critical for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to stay up to date with their I.T. systems. Failure to do so can lead to data breaches, system crashes, and loss of productivity.

Here are six areas to be aware of to keep your business and its systems up to date.

Schedule regular software updates:

Regular software updates are essential for keeping up to date with the security and stability of your IT systems. We recommend SMEs set up a regular schedule for updating their operating systems, software, and applications. This can be done manually or automatically, depending on the IT infrastructure and budget of the company.

Implement cybersecurity measures:

Small and medium-sized enterprises are often more vulnerable to cyber-attacks than larger organisations so it’s crucial to put in place cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. It’s also important to train employees on how to identify and avoid phishing scams and other forms of cyber threats.

Back up your data:

Data loss can be catastrophic for any business, so it’s essential to back up all data regularly. SMEs should invest in reliable back-up solutions such as cloud storage, external hard drives, or network-attached storage (NAS) devices. Regularly testing the backup system is also important to ensure data can be recovered if needed.

Monitor system performance:

SMEs should keep an eye on system performance to identify issues before they turn into major problems. Monitoring tools can help to identify slow or underperforming systems, identify bottlenecks, and diagnose issues. Regular system audits can also help to ensure that hardware and software are functioning correctly.

Train your employees:

Employees can be the weakest link when it comes to IT security. We recommend regular training for employees on cybersecurity best practices. Think about password management, how to identify and avoid phishing scams, and safe web browsing. Educating employees should reduce the risk of human error that can lead to data breaches or system failures.

Consider cloud-based solutions:

Cloud-based solutions can be an excellent option for SMEs, especially if you have limited IT resources or budget. Cloud-based solutions offer scalability, flexibility, and cost savings, allowing SMEs to access advanced technology and services without significant investment in IT infrastructure.

Simon says, “The smooth running of so many businesses rely on strong IT foundations, but many business owners find it difficult and time consuming to keep on top of the demands. Factotum’s managed IT services provide on-going support for every aspect of a business’ systems and many of our clients say we are the backbone to their operations.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help safeguard your company’s digital assets and strengthen your company’s cyber security.