If you’re worried about technology, you have every right to do so. Technology is at the center of most modern small to medium-sized businesses. However, technology-related advancements and protocols cause some concern for business owners and managers who aren’t sure if they have adequate software, equipment, and IT in place.
That’s because businesses rely on technology to carry out daily processes and keep track of many important pieces of data and information such as customer information, products, and sales.
While concern for staying on top of business processes is at the forefront, it’s easy to forget that technology is constantly changing. If a company’s technology isn’t up to date, it can leave them vulnerable to customer satisfaction and security issues.
When mentioning security, it’s also essential to address the ever-present threats from cybercriminals who are also changing and adapting to new technology.
This is where superior IT services can be an essential asset to staying on top of advancements and the threats that come with them.
Why Your Business Needs an Assessment
All businesses using digital technology should have an assessment done before they begin new services with an IT provider.
As mentioned, assessment serves to tell the IT company what equipment or approaches you need to optimize your internal structure — it also helps the company doing the assessment provide you with information and recommendations for upgrading. Following those recommendations helps to ensure you stay up to date and improve security.
Companies may not realize or overlook that you might lose sales because you lack technology or rely on old technology. When your technology lacks or breaks, it decreases the user’s experience and leaves them with a less than favorable impression.
A preliminary assessment also helps alert to any critical flaws or vulnerabilities that leave systems open to attacks and data breaches.
One focal point of concern is also protecting the privacy of customers by safeguarding their information. Having old equipment or outdated software leaves that information vulnerable and can even create compliance issues.
Additionally, downtime resulting from equipment failures and data breaches can also result in lost money, which is why it’s more cost-effective to stay up to date.
A top IT services company can help guide your upgrade process and take the reins to ensure everything is running smoothly around the clock if you choose to work with them after the initial assessment.
Cyber Insurance Eligibility
Another reason why an assessment of your network and equipment is essential is to purchase cyber insurance. Most businesses need cyber insurance to protect them from criminal activity and risks associated with data breaches and related damages.
Cyber insurance is a form of liability insurance designed to cover expenses related to criminal activity. However, to get cyber insurance, you’ll likely need to have an assessment before the insurance company writes a policy.
Any size business using computers and electronic systems needs cyber insurance because all businesses are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. So, be sure you consider that you’ll definitely need it if you don’t currently have cyber insurance.
It’s worth mentioning that over 155 million people were affected by data breaches in 2020, and those numbers will continue growing. This statistic outlines the need for cyber insurance for all businesses using modern technology.
Data breaches and cyberattacks can cripple a business, especially a small or medium-sized business. If an attack occurs, your company could be down for a period of time or incur fines and other costs associated with compliance, not to mention the time it takes to get up and running again.
It’s a significant advantage to get an assessment, especially since most top IT providers offer this service before working with any company. The process helps the customer understand their situation and to discover where to begin focusing attention. It also outlines what quality services the IT company can provide for their customer initially and over time.
What is an Assessment?
An assessment is a complete health check of your data systems and connected electronic devices, servers, and connected equipment. Some prime focus areas include the following:
- Firewall
- Employee education checks
- Missing patches
- Encryption
- Backups
- Presence of personal information
- Access errors
- Accounting issues
- Antivirus protection
One point to be aware of is you don’t want to wait for something to break or reveal itself as a weakness. You need to catch it before it causes a serious problem.
That’s why having an assessment is so important. This process helps you discover problems that need immediate fixes and ongoing monitoring.
There are many ways your current IT strategy or network can leave the company vulnerable to attacks or data breaches.
You need a company with the insight, tools, and ability to recognize weak spots in the system and correct them. They can then continually monitor everything to ensure everything stays optimized and safe.
How Simplitfy Can Help
Simplitfy is a professional IT company offering enterprise-level services for clients of all sizes. Armed with a team of seasoned experts, Simplitfy provides the best services available for providing coverage for services from vendors or to mobile devices, and everything connected to your network.
Not only do these experts provide insightful suggestions and services, but they also focus on offering the most cost-effective, affordable solutions.
Additionally, Simplitfy offers an IT assessment and a business assessment. To get started with your assessment and to find out more about Simplitfy’s range of services, contact us at esolms@simplitfy.com or book a call.
Erick Solms is the Founder of Simplitfy in West Palm Beach, Florida. Simplitfy provides a myriad of professional IT Services for small and medium sized businesses. To contact him personally or to inquire about information technology services, please email esolms@simplitfy.com or visit www.simplitfy.com
Also published on Medium.