What do you think of when you hear the term “IT”? If you watch shows like “The IT Crowd,” you may assume that companies have an IT team with an office in the building who begrudgingly appear whenever the computers freeze up or the servers go down.
The United States Department of Defense (DoD) developed the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) with the intent of establishing a measurable industry standard for cybersecurity. Developing a system to evaluate cybersecurity practices could help the DoD determine whether it should partner with an organization.
You’re likely familiar with the phrase “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” but that never really made much sense. This is because being proactive prevents things from breaking down and saves money in the long run.
This proactivity applies to everything from flossing your teeth to keeping your car tuned up, but it is particularly important to be proactive regarding computer hardware, software and cybersecurity measures. If you keep your devices and systems up to date, you can prevent minor and major issues from occurring. Your Albany managed service provider can help you understand this more fully, but a basic understanding of the break/fix model and its limitations may also help. Read on for more.
THE BREAK/FIX MODEL IS UNSUSTAINABLE
According to Impact My Biz, digital transformation has changed how SMBs manage IT infrastructures. SMB stands for Server Message Block protocol, an aspect of network sharing that lets computer applications use files and request services from servers in computer networks. It allows these applications to create, read and update files on remote servers. SMB also communicates with other server programs. Helios writes that other file sharing protocols include AFP, SMB/CIFS and NFS; AFP is used with Mac systems, and Apple supports AFP and SMB2.
Helios also explains that network administrators and companies cannot keep these network client protocols in isolation; an all-inclusive overview is necessary. You must update Windows-based networks for server sharing with mobile devices and remote access through web browsers and Macs; the same holds true for Mac-based networks.
Your company’s devices should also be maintained and tested regularly; computers and servers often need to be updated and replaced. Any company that follows the break/fix model and sees that their system is incompatible with others will face downtime, lost revenues and other thorny problems.
PROACTIVE CYBERSECURITY STRATEGIES
TechAdvisory.org explains that digital transformation has impacted the cybersecurity landscape as well, and as long as there are computers and networks, it will continue to do so. There are new cyberthreats every day, and thieves constantly find more sophisticated ways to put companies at risk for severe financial, data and productivity losses.
Setting up some firewalls and setting usernames and passwords are still important, but alone they provide a weak cybersecurity strategy. And even if your business does have security protocols or a disaster recovery runbook in place, they may be outdated or simply not enough.
A proactive cybersecurity strategy can minimize these threats and risks and prevent your devices and networks from attacks. A big part of this is having backups and a disaster recovery plan, both of which should also be reviewed and updated often. The break it/fix it model involves alerting an IT team or a managed services provider (MSP) about the attack and letting them get to work on it. On the other hand, proactive security analyzes potential threats, identifies vulnerabilities and stays current on new cyber threats. This preventative method addresses risks before they can quickly balloon into downtime and liabilities.
WHAT MSP PROVIDERS DO
As with any proactive protocols, having a managed services provider in Albany or the greater New York state capital region will likely be more of an upfront investment. However, it will cost you less overall, especially when it prevents a security breach.
A managed services provider near you can offer offsite or onsite network administration services, and this usually starts with an assessment of the existing technology. They will look for ways to improve the company’s IT operations, such as hardware that is on the brink of failing. MSPs will identify areas of concern and make recommendations based on those areas. The goal here is to bring everything up to speed to align with current IT best practices.
The MSP services team will be in place to make sure that proactive measures are continuously employed to prevent problems from happening. They check to see that hardware is running as it should and is updating and patching consistently while also monitoring potential cybersecurity threats. The services team is who you will reach out to if there is a challenge or threat to your IT infrastructure or operations.
Your MSP should be available whenever you need them, day or night. They must recognize the cyber threats your industry faces and map out your devices and network while also understanding the data and who has access to it. The MSP will work with you to implement the most effective cybersecurity measures for your company.
TAG Solutions, an Albany managed service provider, provides a full suite of IT solutions, including device management, backup and disaster recovery, wireless technology and other information technology services. TAG’s technicians are experts in setting up and upgrading hardware, software and networks and are available to resolve any issues.
We also have a 24/7 support desk that is always at your service, ready to answer questions and make your IT problem resolution as quick and painless as possible. Our vCIO will help you determine your company’s IT needs and align your IT with your goals using a strategic roadmap.
What’s the common thread that affects both customer satisfaction and employee productivity? Your business communications system. The phone is the front door for customers to your business and the primary tool for your employees to collaborate and get work done.