Why Routine Network Health Checks Can Pay Dividends

Scott Starost • November 3, 2016

 

If you aren’t regularly testing the health of your networks, your taking on some very serious risk. When companies share information via a network, there are almost always going to be some vulnerabilities that must be addressed. Routine checks can help identify potential exposure early on and prevent things like viruses, identity theft, and ransomware.

Ensuring Business Continuity

The number one way in which routine network health checks improve cash flow and generate more revenue comes from the manner in which they ensure business continuity. When networks are proactively managed, businesses don’t have to worry as much about downtime due to things like hackers, ransomware, and other potential problems that can take their companies offline. Even if there is a threat, proactively managed business IT environments typically have reduced downtime compared to offices with unmanaged technology.

Preventing Potential Data Theft

With all of the stories of data theft in the news today, businesses and consumers are on edge about somebody stealing their private information – and rightly so. Regular network health checks can reveal vulnerabilities that hackers may be able to exploit in order to gain access to that information. When customers feel as if their information is protected, they are more likely to do business with a particular company. It also lessens the burden and provides advanced peace of mind for these consumers since they will not have to replace their credit cards due to such a breach.

Healthier Networks Are More Productive

Networks of all kinds are limited by bandwidth. Although most companies know they need enough bandwidth to remain productive, there are “bots” and other malware that can significantly reduce the available bandwidth for employees over time, leading to lessened productivity. Regular network health checks ensure that companies are not impacted by malware and have access to all of their bandwidth so they can process and share information at full speed. These checks can catch things like bots and other software that may hack into a company’s resources utilizing Internet bandwidth for unsavory practices, even if those practices aren’t targeted toward that particular company.

Less Money Spent on Major Issue Resolution

Finally, it’s important to think of a regular network health check like a tune-up for a car, or even like going to the doctor to get a physical exam. Oftentimes, catching potential problems early on (and dealing with them) is the best way to ensure future network health. Failing to catch a small vulnerability now could cost a company tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in the future, so it’s important to emphasize the need to regularly test things like speed, vulnerabilities, redundancy, and more – if only just in case.

Routine network health checks can go a long way toward saving a company not only money but also its reputation in the long run. As technologies continue to advance, so do criminals and the tactics they use to penetrate vulnerable networks. Being able to regularly check for potential weak spots and holes makes it easier for IT companies to help their clients before they become victims.

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In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cybersecurity is more than just a necessity—it's essential to business survival. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and evolving in sophistication, leaving companies vulnerable to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. A robust cybersecurity strategy is critical to safeguarding your business from these growing threats. One of the most effective ways to enhance your cybersecurity defenses is by leveraging the expertise of professional IT support services. The Importance of a Strong Cybersecurity Strategy Every business, regardless of size or industry, is a potential target for cybercriminals. The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be devastating, ranging from financial losses and operational downtime to legal liabilities and damage to your brand's reputation. This is why developing and maintaining a robust cybersecurity strategy is more important than ever. A strong cybersecurity strategy helps your business: Protect sensitive data: Safeguarding customer information, intellectual property, and financial records. Ensure compliance: Meet regulatory requirements, such as CMMC, HIPAA, and SOC2, to avoid fines and legal repercussions. Maintain business continuity: Minimizing disruptions caused by cyberattacks and ensuring quick recovery when incidents occur. Build customer trust: Demonstrating to customers and partners that their data is secure, which can lead to stronger relationships and business growth. While some businesses attempt to handle cybersecurity internally, IT support services offer a more comprehensive, proactive, and scalable approach to protecting your business. Cybersecurity Services Provided by IT Support Teams IT support services can significantly enhance your cybersecurity strategy by offering a wide range of specialized services. Here’s how they contribute to protecting your business: 1. 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IT support teams can continuously update and patch systems to address emerging vulnerabilities, ensuring your cybersecurity defenses remain current. 4. Incident Response and Remediation Even with robust security measures, no system is entirely immune to cyberattacks. When an incident occurs, the speed and efficiency of the response are critical in minimizing damage. IT support teams are equipped with incident response protocols to quickly isolate affected systems, investigate the root cause, and restore normal operations. With a well-coordinated incident response plan, businesses can significantly reduce downtime, prevent further data loss, and recover quickly from attacks. 5. Security Awareness Training for Employees Employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity, with many attacks originating from phishing schemes, weak passwords, or social engineering. 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By partnering with an IT support service, businesses can enhance their cybersecurity defenses through risk assessments, security protocol implementation, continuous monitoring, and employee training. These services protect data and help ensure business continuity and compliance with industry regulations. If your business wants to strengthen its cybersecurity posture, now is the time to consider working with an IT support provider. Doing so lets you stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and focus on growing your business with peace of mind. Ready To Strengthen Your Cybersecurity With SDTEK? Don't leave your business vulnerable to cyber threats. At SDTEK, we offer comprehensive IT support and managed cybersecurity services designed to protect your business and ensure seamless operations. Whether you need risk assessments, ongoing monitoring, or incident response, our team of experts is here to help. 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