As the year comes to an end, businesses are often focused on budgets, planning, and closing out projects. IT should not be overlooked. Year-end is a good opportunity to review your technology environment, address outstanding issues, and prepare your business for the year ahead.
A simple IT checklist can help prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones.
1. Review User Accounts
Employees may have changed roles, left the company, or received different responsibilities throughout the year. Review user accounts and remove access that is no longer needed.
Check for: Former employees, inactive accounts, unnecessary administrator access, and outdated permissions.
2. Update Software and Devices
Outdated software can create security vulnerabilities and performance issues. Make sure computers, servers, applications, and network devices are running supported versions and have current security updates.
3. Test Your Backups
Having backups is not enough if you cannot successfully restore them. Review your backup system and test whether important files and systems can actually be recovered.
Make sure critical backups are protected from accidental deletion and ransomware.
4. Review Cybersecurity Controls
Take a look at your current security measures, including:
- Multifactor authentication
- Endpoint protection
- Email security
- Firewall configuration
- Password policies
- Remote access
- Security monitoring
Identify gaps that should be addressed before the new year.
5. Review Hardware
Check the condition and age of company laptops, desktops, servers, and networking equipment. Devices approaching the end of their useful life may need to be replaced or included in next year’s IT budget.
6. Clean Up Your Technology
Remove unused applications, old accounts, unnecessary data, and services the business no longer needs. This can improve security while potentially reducing technology costs.
Also review cloud subscriptions and software licenses to make sure you are not paying for tools nobody uses.
7. Review Your IT Budget
Look at upcoming technology needs and expected replacements. Planning ahead can help prevent unexpected IT expenses and ensure important upgrades are included in next year’s budget.
8. Update Your IT Documentation
Make sure important information is current, including system documentation, vendor contacts, network information, backup procedures, and incident response plans.
Good documentation can save valuable time when an issue occurs.
Start the New Year with a Stronger IT Environment
Year-end is more than a time to close the books. It is an opportunity to identify technology risks, clean up your IT environment, and prepare your business for the year ahead.
I.T. For Less is a managed IT service provider that helps businesses manage their technology, strengthen security, and keep IT operations running reliably. From proactive maintenance and cybersecurity to IT planning and ongoing IT support, I.T. For Less can help your business enter the new year with a more secure and organized IT environment.