As the days shorten and summer’s warmth gives way to autumn’s crisp air, it’s time to shift gears from holiday mode back into productivity. But don’t fret—the end of summer doesn’t mean you need to succumb to IT hassles, especially with cyber security threats looming larger than ever. In fact, September is the perfect time to streamline your IT practices and enhance your business operations.
Here are four key steps to help you gain more freedom from IT headaches and improve efficiency as you head into the new season.
1. Enhance Your Cyber Security
Cyber threats are ever-evolving, making it crucial to fortify your business’s digital defences. This September, make it a priority to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all critical systems and accounts. MFA requires users to provide two or more verification factors to access systems, such as a password and a code sent to their mobile phone. This proactive approach to cyber security significantly reduces the risk of data breaches and unauthorised access.
Where to start: Review your current systems and identify where MFA can be implemented. For popular platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and various banking services, MFA is often available as a security setting. If you’re unsure how to set it up, consider consulting with an IT provider or cyber security specialist who can guide you through the process and ensure all your key systems are secured.
2. Simplify Your Password Management
Remembering a plethora of complex passwords can be overwhelming and lead to risky shortcuts. To make your life easier and your business more secure, adopt a reputable password manager. Password managers securely store and encrypt your passwords, meaning you only need to remember one master password. They also offer features like password generation and automatic filling, which ensures that you’re using strong, unique passwords for every account. Strong password management is a cornerstone of effective cyber security hygiene.
Where to start: Popular password managers include Keeper, 1Password, and Dashlane. These tools are user-friendly and offer a range of features to fit different needs. You can download them as apps or browser extensions and follow their setup guides to import your existing passwords and begin using the secure vaults they offer. If you need help choosing the right one, consult online reviews or seek recommendations from IT experts.
3. Focus on Energy Efficiency
Reducing energy consumption is not only good for the environment but also for your business’s finances. Evaluate your office’s energy use and make simple adjustments to improve efficiency. Begin by replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting. LEDs use up to 75% less energy and have a longer lifespan, which means lower electricity bills and reduced maintenance costs.
Where to start: Conduct an energy audit of your office. You can either hire a professional energy auditor or use online tools and guides to assess your current energy consumption. Additionally, ensure that office equipment such as computers and printers are set to energy-saving modes and remind employees to switch off devices when not in use. For more detailed guidance on energy-saving measures, consider consulting with energy efficiency experts or organisations that specialise in sustainable business practices.
4. Get Strategic with Your IT
A well-planned IT strategy is essential for keeping your business competitive and efficient. This September, review and refine your IT infrastructure to align with your business goals. Perform an IT audit to identify outdated systems or inefficiencies that might be hindering your performance. Invest in scalable solutions that will grow with your business and ensure that your technology supports your strategic objectives. Remember, a robust cyber security framework is integral to any successful IT strategy, protecting your business from potential threats and ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Where to start: Begin by assessing your current IT setup and identifying any areas that need improvement. Tools like IT asset management software can help track your hardware and software inventory. For a more comprehensive review, consider engaging with IT consultants or managed service providers who can offer expert advice on modernising your IT infrastructure and implementing best practices tailored to your business needs.
Embrace the change in seasons as an opportunity to refresh and optimise your IT practices. By implementing these steps, you’ll ensure that your business remains secure, efficient, and poised for success in the months ahead.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
As you transition from summer to autumn, consider taking our Risk Quiz to evaluate what your risk profile is and what your IT needs to look like to accommodate your needs.
It can help uncover opportunities for improvement. It’s a simple three-question quiz, but it helps unlock valuable insights to make informed decisions about what your business needs from its IT.
