The start of a new year is a great opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to streamline operations and enhance cybersecurity. By following a structured technology checklist, you can keep your systems secure, efficient, and ready to handle whatever the year brings. Here’s a guide tailored for SMBs, broken into actionable weekly, quarterly, and annual tasks.
Weekly Tasks
Consistent attention to these tasks will help you avoid bigger problems later:
- Update Software and Devices
Make sure all operating systems, software, and hardware firmware are updated. These updates often fix vulnerabilities and improve performance. - Monitor for Security Incidents
Review your cybersecurity software logs for suspicious activity, unauthorized access attempts, or other anomalies. Prompt action can mitigate potential threats. - Back-Up Critical Data
Automate daily backups and verify that they are functioning correctly. Store backups in a secure location, such as encrypted cloud storage, to prevent data loss.
- Clean Up Digital Workspaces
Organize email inboxes, clear out unnecessary files, and declutter shared drives to maintain productivity and reduce wasted time.
Quarterly Tasks
Dive deeper into your tech stack with these regular check-ins:
- Review Password Management Practices
Require and enforce that employees use strong, unique passwords and a reliable password manager. Update passwords for critical accounts to reduce security risks. - Audit Software Licenses and Subscriptions
Identify unused tools or duplicate services. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions and reallocate resources toward tools that add real value. - Test Data Recovery Plans
Conduct a simulated data recovery exercise to make sure your backup system works as intended and staff know the recovery procedures. - Check Internet and Network Performance
Assess your internet speed, network performance, and hardware health. If slow connections are affecting productivity, consider upgrading to Citynet GIG Fiber for business-grade reliability and speed. - Update Staff Security Awareness
Provide a refresher course on cybersecurity best practices, including identifying phishing emails, securing devices, and following company protocols. With security awareness training from KnowBe4, a Citynet partner, your team – your first line of cybersecurity defense – will be prepared!
Annual Tasks
Take a comprehensive look at your technology needs as part of your strategic planning. Citynet can help with it all:
- Evaluate IT Infrastructure
Assess whether your current hardware and software meet your business needs. Replace outdated equipment and make sure all devices are compatible with modern security standards. - Review and Update Cybersecurity Policies
Update your cybersecurity framework to reflect the latest threats and compliance requirements. Include policies for remote work, data privacy, and device usage. - Plan for Scalability
Consider your growth plans and whether your IT systems can scale with your business. Upgrading to a robust solution like Citynet GIG Fiber can future-proof your connectivity needs. - Perform a Vendor Assessment
Review your IT vendors and service providers to ensure they’re meeting your expectations. Evaluate their reliability, security standards, and cost-effectiveness. Conduct a Technology Budget Review
Analyze your IT spending and plan for future investments. Allocate funds toward tools and services that enhance security, efficiency, and growth.
Stay Ahead with Citynet
We understand staying on top of all the technology in today’s digital world can be overwhelming. Citynet is here to help. We can monitor and manage certain aspects of your business network and needs or manage it all, allowing you to focus on your core business operations.
Citynet connects, protects, and perfects your business technology needs. Let us help you secure your network and achieve your goals for the new year and beyond.
