Flying Without Instruments? A Guest Blog

by | Nov 13, 2017 | Business Continuity, IT Infrastructure

Airplane
No business should operate without routine IT system “Check Ups.”  This is highly advisable since so many companies are getting mixed results from their Managed Services Providers (“MSP’s”) – and don’t even know it.  Over 80% of the clients ProviDyn added in the past year were unaware of the following “red flags” uncovered by our network engineers during the onboarding process:

#1 – BACK UP & DISASTER RECOVERY FAILURES

Major data loss can threaten the survival of a business. And not having a recent backup can increase vulnerability to ransomware scams.

#2 – SERVERS NOT BEING PACTHED OR MAINTAINED     

This affects system-wide operational performance, user productivity and data security – and pertains to premise-based servers as well as cloud applications.

#3 – LACK OF DOCUMENTATION/BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING

Every organization needs a digital blueprint of all technology assets and relationships spanning hardware, software, cloud services, contracts, licenses, encrypted passwords and network architecture. Having an updated and portable service catalogue is the ultimate business continuity plan. Think of it as a personal medical record for your organization.

Even worse, each onboarding scenario was also lacking a system of verification which suggests a number of companies with professional IT support resources are still “flying without instruments.” All of which puts assets at risk and opens the door for liability including but not limited to performance limitations, data breaches and compliance violations.

Two other trends are rampant in the small and mid-sized business space:

#1 – ONE PERSON AS THE POINT OF CONTACT

Having one person as the point of contact with your MSP – acting as an intermediary, managing all tickets and user support issues is risky. This affects user experience, productivity, morale and may limit the MSP’s ability to get direct visibility into serious system-wide problems brewing beneath the surface.

 #2 – NO INFORMATION LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT POLICY

Design a policy to cover the creation, application, transmission, storage, archival and disposal of data. The benefits are at least two-fold – One: a structured file access routine creates improved work flows for everyone. Two: Since 1 in 5 businesses get hacked into every year, all companies should know what they are trying to protect, understand relevant threats and have standard operating procedures around early detection and response.

For more information on “Check Up” options visit:
www.providyn.com

Jed Fearon
Jed Fearon
Providyn Solution Advisor
Managed IT Services and Cybersecurity
(404) 551-5492

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