In IT, there is a continuous struggle against the tide to ensure a business is running smoothly. That precious break can give IT gurus a much-needed moment to take their foot off the throttle and take stock of what lies ahead.
Here we will summarize some of the findings and tips on how to tackle some IT problems we are facing nowadays:
Security is the number 1 concern
After a year of extensive cyber threats, it is clear that a multifarious attack could happen at any time on nearly any part of the network. Highly publicized data breaches have catapulted security to the top spot in the survey, with over 25% of respondents highlighting it as a major concern. As cyber convicts become more sophisticated and better-funded, the reality is that we are not doing enough to keep up.
Heading into 2018, the focus on security needs to be data protection.
Data breaches stole first place in the security category while securely transferring data ranked at number two. End users often won’t consider the risks when selecting a method to transfer information, and unsurprisingly data, i.e., mid-transit, has the highest probability of loss. Scheduling your approach to security is essential and will help you understand where your system is weakest.
Privacy will undergo a huge overhaul
There are massive changes to the way data can be adequately transferred. Businesses will find privacy at the forefront of their agendas. For technological giants such as Google and Amazon and businesses using services like Dropbox, there can be serious insinuations for companies storing data long after it has been transmitted. In any situation, keeping up with evolving security threats while meeting new privacy standards will prove to be one of the biggest challenges of 2018.
Considering these changes, another matter highlighted by research as a concern was found to be compliance. Many industries require full transparency and must secure their business-critical data, whether in the healthcare, financial, or legal sectors. With the introduction of new data privacy regulations, all businesses will have to comprehend and obey what is being asked of them. An awareness and education program could benefit an organization by helping share the compliance burden.
Standing out will be a major challenge
IT teams are looking to revolutionize and need to tackle issues in application performance and monitoring. As networks become increasingly demanding and dispersed across many platforms and devices, every aspect of the infrastructure must be monitored to optimize efficiency and highlight performance issues, from applications, servers, connected devices, and virtual environments.
Keeping up with new technologies will prove as difficult as ever
As advances in technology continue to push on at an exceptional rate, the invasion of new devices such as smartwatches and fitness bands and the streaming of high-bandwidth content will pressure IT pros. When arraying new technologies, handling user devices, and ensuring new technologies are compatible with the existing infrastructure, a clear plan of action must be put in place. This will ensure the IT department is not left gasping at the starting line. In addition to precise planning, implementing automated systems to tackle repetitive tasks will open your time to spend on running IT infrastructure and business-critical setups. Training staff when new technologies are implemented could save time and troubles later down the line, increasing efficiency and productivity while ensuring that workforces make the most of the technology available.
Conclusion
IT professionals have a lot on their plate with a broad range of concerns, including data protection and management, storage, device management, automation, and reporting. The simplest solution is this – do not attempt everything. Decide what is achievable for your department and follow through with your improvements.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
