It’s year-end for many of us. This might have you feeling like you’ve spent more time with your accountant than with your family lately.  While you’re pulling together financial data, performing inventory or reviewing bus dev plans, it’s also a good time to take stock of your IT systems, especially security and backup/recovery applications and processes. 

A Rising Threat
Throughout 2017, “The ASI Archive” included information on new challenges in IT security for businesses. Many of these articles also provided tips on how to protect your RIM services business from cyber-attack. Check out “The ASI Archive,” June 2017 to learn how one email can bankrupt your business. 

There are two reasons we felt it important to direct so much attention to the subject. The first reason was an increase in reports of malware and ransomware attacks from ASI clients. Raising awareness of the issue was imperative. The second reason was to provide guidance on best practices to help clients identify gaps and establish sound IT security practices.

Years ago, protecting your and your clients’ business data meant backing it up offsite in the event of a natural disaster. These continue to be a factor and should be part of your disaster recovery plan, of course. What’s changed is the alarming rise in information technology security threats. Email phishing scams, malware, ransomware – all are examples of cyber-attacks. They’re here to stay and are becoming more prevalent and sophisticated. 

If you don’t think your business is vulnerable, think again. The majority of security breaches actually occur due to an employee unwittingly taking an action that leaves an open door for cyber-criminals to enter your system. Check out “The ASI Archive,” December 2017 for 10 steps to educate staff against online threats.

What can you do?

Invest in IT Support
It’s imperative that you work with an IT manager qualified to manage the IT systems important to your business. They also need to be cyber-savvy and responsive. You’ll want to determine whether it makes more sense for you to hire an IT manager or outsource your IT support. Depending on your budget and business requirements, there are pros and cons to consider. 

Backup & Test
Part of tightening your IT security belt includes a review of data backup and restore processes. All too often, companies run their backups without testing them. When there’s a need to restore a backup they find the data was never properly backed up or can’t be restored. Ask your IT manager to conduct a test restore of your backup. You’ll be able to identify potential backup issues so they can be corrected. If possible, test on the hardware you’ll be restoring to as well.

The best time to start?
Immediately. Taking steps today to implement proper security and backup processes will protect your business and its data tomorrow.