I know you’re excited to make next year’s resolutions all about your IT.
Ok, maybe not, but you should be. Instead of falling into the same routine of creating another list of resolutions you’re likely to break, try making a solid plan to accomplish some IT objectives in the upcoming year.
New Year’s Resolutions to make your IT more resilient:
- Start Using MFA on All Critical Apps
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), commonly known as Two-Factor Authentication, is a security process that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing accounts or systems. It’s a simple yet crucial step for keeping your business running, your people productive, and your data safe. - Shield Your Business with a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Solution
MDR is a fully managed 24/7 service delivered by security experts. It continuously monitors your network for unusual activities and potential threats. The main benefit? This smart software alerts the cyber response center about potential risks. Invest in it in 2025—it’s not as expensive as you might think and adds another layer to your security strategy. - Get a Password Manager Needless to say, any password manager app is better than keeping passwords in Notes or reusing Password123 across all your devices and applications. With a password manager, you can securely share credentials with your team, leverage browser extensions for a seamless user experience, and rest assured that your passwords are safe.
- AI Is Here to Stay – Accelerate with It! AI is ever-changing, which means you need to be ever-learning. You can’t sit this one out—better to embrace it now. Explore AI solutions tailored to your industry and start leveraging them. Have questions about AI and its safety? Drop us a line!
Security Essentials: These are the foundational steps everyone must take—no exceptions!
- Back-Up Your Data – I’ve written several blogs about the need to back up your data (here and here). I’m not just talking about business data but also personal data. Every year, I encounter people who fail to back up their smartphones or home computers and are panicked at the thought of losing years’ worth of digital photos. The solution is simple and inexpensive: use Google, Apple, or other cloud solutions to back up your data. Once set up, backups can run automatically—no hassle, just peace of mind.
- Keep Your Software Updated
Ensure your computer stays current with Microsoft and other software updates. Updated systems run more smoothly, experience fewer problems, and are more secure. Set updates to run automatically and forget about them. - Uninstall Programs You Don’t Need
Many programs are installed but rarely used, yet parts of them run in the background and consume resources. Get rid of them—especially unnecessary toolbars like Bing or Google Chrome add-ons. - Is It Time for a New Computer?
I always tell people to upgrade only when it makes sense. Today’s computers are far more powerful than most users need, which means they can last longer. That said, older computers often have slower processors, hard drives, and memory, all of which contribute to sluggish performance. After about three years, you might notice some speed changes, but it’s usually minor. By year five, it might be time to upgrade—not just for speed, but also because older hardware has a higher chance of failure.
Conclusion:
This year, make your IT goals practical, achievable, and impactful. A resilient IT can save time, reduce stress, and keep your organization productive and secure.
Happy Coming New Year! Be Security Smart!
