When you are focused on growing your business, staying up to date with software and operating system updates might not be at the top of your to-do list. However, neglecting these updates can have serious consequences for your organization. As Bret Arsenault, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Microsoft, said “…more than 60 percent of [security] breaches are caused by failing to apply available patches”. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of keeping your software and operating system up to date and how Premier IT can help you ensure the security and performance of your IT infrastructure.
Old operating systems and software not only miss out on new features and improvements but also leave your business vulnerable to various threats. Here are some of the risks associated with outdated IT:
1. Security Vulnerabilities: Perhaps the most significant danger is the increased risk of security breaches. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in software and operating systems. When you ignore updates, you're essentially leaving the door open for them to exploit these weaknesses. Ransomware and malware attacks are just some potential consequences, and everyone has seen the devastating results these attacks can have on a business, from financial to legal issues.
Related Read: 5 Fundamental Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses
2. Data Loss: Outdated software might lack important data backup and recovery features. This means that if you encounter a data loss event, recovery becomes much more challenging, if not outright impossible. Irrecoverable data loss can be devastating for any business.
3. Decreased Performance: As software and operating systems age, they tend to slow down and become less efficient. This can reduce your productivity and impact your business' overall performance. Modern updates often include performance enhancements that can help your systems run smoother and faster.
4. Compatibility Issues: New software and hardware often rely on the latest operating systems to function correctly. If your operating system is outdated, you might find that you can't use the latest software tools and hardware devices, limiting your business' options and forcing you to settle for compatible rather than optimal solutions.
Are IT Issues Impacting Productivity in Your Workplace?
At Premier IT, we understand the critical importance of keeping your IT infrastructure up to date and secure. Here's how we can assist your small business:
1. Proactive Monitoring and Management: We take a proactive approach to IT support. Our team will continuously monitor your systems, ensuring that all necessary updates, patches, and bug fixes are applied promptly. To minimize disruption, we schedule updates over the weekend, so your productivity and business operations remain unaffected.
2. Hardware Health Analysis: Your business-grade hardware can have a lifespan of 10 years or more with proper care. Our specialists will analyze and diagnose various aspects of your hardware, including hard drive health and temperature. We'll provide you with strategies to mitigate data loss and hardware failures, extending the life and efficiency of your equipment.
3. Security Audits: To ensure the safety of your data and the continuity of your operations, consider scheduling a Security Audit with our team of experts. We'll assess your current security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend the necessary measures to keep your data safe.
Don't wait until a security breach or data loss incident forces you to take action. Premier IT is here to provide peace of mind to small businesses just like yours every day, including weekends. By keeping your software and operating system up to date and ensuring the health of your hardware, we help you maintain a secure and efficient IT environment.
Contact us today to schedule a Security Audit with our team of experts. Let's work together to keep your data safe and your hardware performing at its best. Your business deserves the best protection, and Premier IT is here to deliver it.
Premier IT is a dedicated IT support team that manages all your technology needs. We pay attention to the details so you can focus on what you do best. We provide technical consulting, hosted infrastructure, computer & network support, security, Microsoft support, repairs, network monitoring and more. If your small business needs reliable technical support, contact our team of experienced technicians and engineers.