Spring-Clean Your Computer Network

Spring into Action: Give Your IT Systems the Refresh They Deserve

Spring has arrived, and it's the perfect time to give your business a fresh start. While you're busy decluttering your office and organizing files, don't forget that your IT systems also need some attention. A "spring-clean" for your business technology can reveal inefficiencies, bolster security, and enhance overall performance. The result? A more streamlined operation, reduced downtime, and more time to focus on growing your business without technology distractions.

Where should you begin? While the usual advice of deleting old files and updating software is important, we've compiled some additional, practical strategies that can truly optimize your business systems.

1. Conduct a Comprehensive IT Audit

Spring is the ideal time to assess your entire IT environment—hardware, software, and user access. Look for:

• Outdated hardware: Devices approaching the end of their lifecycle.
• Underutilized software: Licenses you're paying for but no longer need.
• Redundant systems: Tools that duplicate functionality or no longer support your workflows.

Pro Tip: Collaborate with your IT provider to identify and prioritize areas for improvement. This ensures your budget is allocated to upgrades that will make a real impact.

Important Note: Windows 10 will no longer be supported after October 2025. If you still rely on this software, now is the time to plan your next move.

2. Clean Up Your Active Directory

The Active Directory (or its equivalent, if you're not using Microsoft) is crucial for your network's security and efficiency, yet it's often overlooked.

• Remove inactive user accounts: Former employees or unused accounts create unnecessary vulnerabilities.
• Verify permissions: Ensure that users have access only to the resources they need.
• Document changes: Record any updates to avoid confusion down the line.

A well-maintained directory isn't just about staying organized—it's an essential security measure that should be a top priority for all businesses.

3. Optimize Your Network for Hybrid Work

With hybrid and remote work remaining prevalent, your network may need a tune-up to ensure seamless collaboration and connectivity.

• Upgrade your VPN: Ensure your virtual private network is both secure and scalable.
• Review bandwidth usage: Identify bottlenecks or underused resources and address them.
• Enable secure file sharing: Use encrypted tools for document sharing to reduce security risks.

Don't forget to revisit how you collaborate with third-party vendors. We've learned from past data breaches that working with vendors who prioritize security is just as critical as securing your own systems. Make sure you've taken all necessary precautions to safeguard your data.

4. Test Your Backups with a Full Restore

Backing up your data is essential, but when was the last time you tested your backups? Many businesses discover too late that their backups are either corrupted, incomplete, or impossible to restore.

• Perform a full restore: Verify that your backup system works as intended.
• Document restoration time: Track how long it takes to restore critical systems and assess whether improvements are needed.

A backup is only valuable if it functions properly when disaster strikes—and unfortunately, disasters are inevitable. Ensure you're ready to either continue operations or restart without losing critical data.

5. Reassess Your Cybersecurity Playbook

Cyber criminals constantly evolve their tactics, so your cybersecurity strategy must stay ahead of the curve.

• Review endpoint protection: Ensure all devices, including employee-owned ones used remotely, are properly secured.
• Update your incident response plan: Train your team on the latest threats and update contact lists for faster response times.
• Invest in advanced monitoring tools: AI-driven systems can detect and neutralize threats before they cause damage.

Remember, cybersecurity isn't a "set it and forget it" task—it's an ongoing process. For instance, while frequent password changes used to be recommended, today the focus is on using long, complex passwords or passphrases along with enabling multifactor authentication. Stay current to stay secure.

A Clean IT System is a Productive IT System

Spring-cleaning your IT systems isn't just about tidying up—it's about ensuring your business runs smoothly and securely year-round. By taking these steps, you'll minimize downtime, improve productivity, and stay ahead of ever-evolving cyber threats.

Want to go further? Start with a FREE Network Assessment. Our experts will evaluate your systems, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend optimizations tailored to your specific business needs.

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