It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks of running a business – you’ve got clients to contact, a team to oversee, projects to run, and about a million other duties that need your attention.
But just like we need regular check-ups to make sure our health is in top shape, your IT infrastructure needs frequent TLC as well. Giving your IT systems a thorough look-over every month ensures they’re running smoothly and protecting your business from potential headaches down the road.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some simple yet essential maintenance tips to keep your IT game strong. Let’s dive in.
The Importance of Regular IT Maintenance
IT Infrastructure Maintenance Checklist
Maintaining your IT infrastructure doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear checklist in hand, you can systematically ensure every aspect is taken care of. Let’s break down this monthly routine.
1. Hardware Maintenance
Server Health Check:
- Give all the servers a once-over. Make sure they're not overheated, and are breathing easy with proper ventilation.
- Look out for warning signs, like physical damage or blinking lights that could be early indicators of problems.
- Check the storage usage; if things are getting too full, it might be time for a cleanout or upgrade.
Workstation & Peripheral Devices:
- Dust off all computers, keyboards, and other devices. This should probably be done more often than monthly, but monthly is better than never.
- Take a look at the hard drives – a quick health check ensures they're not nearing the end of their lifecycle.
- Double-check all connections. Make sure all devices are plugged in securely.
- Take a look at the sockets for any damage. If too many devices are plugged into a single outlet, it could cause a fire hazard or overload the circuits.
2. Software Maintenance
Update and Patching:
- Check that all operating systems, software, and apps are fully updated with the latest versions.
- Your anti-virus and malware policies, whitelists, or definitions may need updating to fend off new threats.
Backup Verification:
- Check that all data backups are happening as planned, and the backup solution is secure and functional.
- Test out the backup recovery process now and then. It's reassuring to know your safety net works.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Stay legit by verifying your software licenses are up-to-date, and make sure any renewals are scheduled.
- Spot check for any rogue software. If it's not authorized, it shouldn't be there – and you might have a bigger problem.
3. Network Maintenance
Connectivity Checks:
- Test your connection speeds and ensure they're up to par.
- Wi-Fi signals should be strong and clear all around, on every device.
Firewall and Security:
- Review the firewall rules. They're your first line of defense, and should be updated for emerging threats.
- Monitor for any sneaky unauthorized access attempts.
Device Inventory:
- Keep tabs on your tech. Maintain an up-to-date list of devices connected to your network.
- Spot any unfamiliar devices? It might be an employee’s new device – or something more malicious that will require detective work.
4. User Account Management
Review User Access:
- Ensure your people only have access to the resources they need to work. This may need some updating if job roles have changed, or new projects have started.
- Send a reminder to everyone about password resets, and make sure all accounts are double-secured with multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Deactivate Outdated Accounts:
- Ghost accounts are a cybercriminals’ ideal entryway into your systems. Make sure all accounts are deactivated when an employee leaves.
- Roles change, and so should access. Regularly revisit and adjust user roles and permissions, so your people don’t come across any hiccups when they’re trying to work.
Potential Risks of Neglecting Your IT Infrastructure
While our earlier sections shine a light on the bright side of regular IT checks, it’s crucial to understand the flip side as well. What if you never took your car in for servicing? Over time, minor issues can snowball into significant problems. The same logic applies to IT.
Data Breaches: Without regular checks, vulnerabilities might creep in, leaving your system exposed. Data breaches aren’t just about losing information; they can tarnish your business’s reputation and result in hefty fines or even lawsuits.
System Failures: Overlooking hardware and software updates can lead to system crashes. And we all know, random downtimes can disrupt your operations, frustrate your customers, and lead to potential revenue loss.
Increased Costs: Addressing major breakdowns or security breaches can be significantly more expensive than monthly preventive measures.
Need an IT Infrastructure Health Check-Up? You’re in the Right Place
Your infrastructure is the backbone of your business, making sure everything runs smoothly. From safeguarding critical data, to seamless daily operations, these monthly health checks are your ticket to peace of mind. Think of them as small investments today for a trouble-free tomorrow.
If you’re a bit overwhelmed facing the tech side of things, or just out of time every month, we’ve got you covered. The team at Davenport Group can make this process a walk in the park. Drop us a line today, and let us take the steps to keep your IT infrastructure in prime condition.
