The IT problems commonly faced by companies across the globe have caused losses well into the trillions of dollars. In fact, the figure is supposed to be a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025!
You don’t have to be included in that number. Identifying the most common problems you’re likely to face will give you a game plan to avoid or respond with minimal loss. In this article, we look at five big threats and what to do about them.
- Network Security
Many IT issues center around the security of your network. Threats can range from allowing outdated passwords to remain in use to cracks within your company’s firewall.
If you think you’re too small for an attacker to care, think again. The data you carry regarding your intellectual property or customers is gold in the twenty-first century.
Hackers have the capability of launching multiple attacks at once and are no discriminators of size. They don’t have to be. And that puts any ill-prepared network at risk.
- Clinging To Outdated Tech
Other common IT problems stem from outdated technology. Antiquated tech can come in the form of hardware with security loopholes or software that has not been updated to the latest versions.
Make sure you are budgeting room to update computers and operating systems frequently. While tech giants like Apple and Microsoft do issue security updates to past incarnations, their first priorities are to current products.
If you’re still using hardware and software that are two or three versions behind, you’re susceptible. The cost of updating is relatively low compared to the financial and reputational hits you can take from a cyberattack.
- Mobile Weaknesses
Working with managed IT services is worthwhile because of the moving parts you’re likely to overlook. Key among these are your mobile devices. That’s especially true now that so many are working remotely.
Mobile weaknesses are exploited through employees who are using outdated mobile devices. They’re compromised when employees are not changing their mobile passwords, running app updates regularly, or using two-factor authentication.
- User Errors
Something else an IT company regularly experiences is user error. Employees who lack the knowledge or insight to properly detect cyber threats are among the chief causes of attacks in the first place, according to the FBI.
Implementing employee programs designed to instill knowledge of cyber safety can help. Make sure your employees are aware of common scams like phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise. Doing so will give them pause before they click something with which they are unfamiliar.
- Too Much Access
The last information technology threat we’ll discuss is that of too much access. In other words, too many people within your organization have access to too many areas. The more access you grant, the easier it is for something to go wrong.
Working with an IT service is a good way to combat this. That’s because many engage in network monitoring and auditing to ensure access is granted where it is relevant.
Shutting off access to those areas that are not essential reduces the likelihood of an attack. Click learn more for information about this and other aspects of network monitoring.
Avoiding These IT Problems Is A Good Start
Understanding the common IT problems you face will empower you to do something about them. Giving your employees access only where needed and overall knowledge can place your company in the best position. For more tech news and articles, check out some of our additional posts!