Do we try to manage our technology ourselves or bring in experts to provide the needed technology advice? Technology companies differ significantly. Some have experience and the mindset to effectively manage your network, servers and PC’s while others have the experience and ability to help you decide the best course for your business and how to use technology effectively and efficiently to advance and grow your business.
Identifying which is which and picking the right one for your needs is a critical decision.
Today, businesses are a prime target for information security assaults from compromising your client information to compromising your own confidential information. In fact, businesses are a far more lucrative target than individuals. The penalties are also on a different level. Businesses are held to higher standards when it comes to protecting information of their clients, customers and partners.
Here is a simple security checklist to help you fulfill all of the basic steps because at the very least, concerned customers will need you to do all of these steps successfully:
1. Protect your desktops and laptops. The same threats and risks that occur at home occur in the workplace. Being a business does not offer special protections. A compromised desktop or laptop can wreak havoc on your systems.
2. Keep your data safe. Implement a disaster recovery program and test it regularly.
3. Use the Internet safely. Define and set rules for Internet usage, email usage and enforce them. Communicate your policies and enforce them.
4. Protect your network. Do you test passwords for strength? Employ external groups to monitor and test your network? Will one compromised password cost you your business?
5. Protect your servers. This is the technological brain of your business. How do you protect them electronically? Physically? Keep them updated?
6. Secure your critical business applications. Is your data protected? Are your programs protected? We aren’t talking about just lost productivity when something might be down, we’re talking about confidential, critical business information in the hands of thieves or competitors.
7. Centrally manage your Technology Infrastructure. Run your computers centrally, as a business, not as a number of computers used by individuals. Fortune 500 companies centrally manage and micromanage their computer systems, you need to do it as well.
Many technology providers only focus on running your systems for you and doing the basics. RJM Technology brings the management and leadership experience from the Fortune 500 to help you think strategically while implementing the best practices that keep your technology investments efficient and tactically sound.
For a free initial consultation on how your technology initiatives and current partners can be more effective for you, please call 661-254-2017.