Ah, January. The holiday spirit has faded, the decorations have been put back in storage, and the office printer has resumed its normal operations. It’s that time of year when we pull ourselves out of the Christmas mood, stare at our inboxes, and commit to be better, smarter, and more productive. While we’re at it, let’s talk about IT resolutions, not the kind where you promise your Wi-Fi will never go down again (we wish), but the strategic goals that will drive your business forward in 2025.
Ready? Let’s get started.
1. Prioritise Cybersecurity
Cyber threats are on the rise, and staying one step ahead is crucial for protecting your business. A robust cybersecurity plan not only prevents costly breaches but also reassures your clients that their data is safe with you. It’s important to remember that the native security features provided by Microsoft or Google business licences, while helpful, are not sufficient on their own. To truly protect your business, investing in third-party security services is a must.
Steps to Take:
- Complete an assessment for your business to evaluate cybersecurity risk level
- Perform a cybersecurity audit to identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication.
- Educate your employees about phishing and other cyber threats.
- Keep software and hardware updated with the latest patches.
Pro Tip: Our recommendation is to start with a quick assessment to evaluate your business’s risk level against cyber threats. Based on the results, consult with your IT provider to develop a tailored cybersecurity strategy. You can try our CyberFit assessment to identify your risk level and receive a complimentary consultation to discuss the best steps for safeguarding your business.
2. Data Backup Strategy
Your business relies heavily on data, so it’s crucial to have a plan in place to recover from any data loss event. A reliable backup strategy ensures that your business can bounce back quickly from issues like accidental deletions, cyberattacks, or hardware failures. With a well-structured backup plan, you can restore lost files efficiently and minimise downtime.
Steps to Take:
- Identify critical data and systems that need to be backed up.
- Use a combination of on-site and cloud backups for redundancy.
- Schedule regular backups and test recovery processes.
- Ensure backup solutions comply with industry regulations.
Pro Tip: Consider using a managed backup service to ensure your data is always secure and recoverable. Regularly testing your backups is just as important as creating them—it’s better to discover issues before you actually need the data!
3. Invest in IT Training for Your Team
Your technology is only as effective as the people using it. Equipping your team with the right skills ensures they can maximise the tools at their disposal, boosting productivity and reducing errors. Additionally, providing training in areas such as business cybersecurity equips your team to recognise risks like phishing emails and other scams. Empowering your employees with the knowledge to identify and avoid threats reduces the likelihood of security breaches
Steps to Take:
- Conduct cybersecurity awareness training to help employees identify phishing and other common threats.
- Provide training on the effective use of existing business tools and systems.
- Offer resources to help employees understand new technology your business adopts.
- Regularly refresh training to ensure knowledge stays up-to-date.
Pro Tip: Get employee training services from your IT provider. They can offer customised sessions for cybersecurity and any new technology your business adopts, ensuring your team stays informed and confident.
4. Establish a Clear IT Budget
Your IT strategy should align with your business goals, and that requires proper financial planning. Setting an IT budget helps ensure you’re investing in the right areas, whether it’s upgrading hardware, improving security, or exploring new tools.
Steps to Take:
- Review past IT expenses to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Forecast future needs based on business growth plans.
- Allocate funds for new hardware, software, and training.
- Leave room for unexpected expenses like emergency repairs or upgrades.
Pro Tip: Partner with your IT provider to create a detailed roadmap for your budget. They can help you prioritise investments that deliver the highest ROI for your business.
5. Upgrade Outdated Systems
Using outdated systems like Windows 10 may seem convenient, but with Microsoft officially ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, businesses that fail to upgrade to Windows 11 will face significant challenges. Without critical updates or security patches, your systems will be exposed to vulnerabilities, and newer software might not be compatible. Moreover, businesses may need to invest in new hardware capable of running Windows 11 to stay compliant and secure.
Steps to Take:
- Audit your current systems to identify what needs upgrading.
- Plan upgrades for hardware, operating systems, and key software.
- Schedule updates during low-activity periods to minimise disruption.
- Provide training to employees on any new systems.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until support ends or problems arise to upgrade. Proactive planning ensures a smoother transition and avoids the stress of last-minute changes.
6. Simplify Your Tech Stack (Less is More)
If your tech stack has grown into a Frankenstein’s monster of apps and subscriptions, it’s time to simplify. A well-organised system improves efficiency, reduces costs, and eliminates the frustration of switching between countless tools.
Steps to Take:
- Audit your software subscriptions and cancel unused ones.
- Invest in integrated tools that cover multiple needs (e.g., Microsoft 365).
- Consolidate communication platforms to reduce duplication.
- Monitor usage and adjust licences accordingly.
Pro Tip: Check with your team to see which tools they actually use. It’s amazing how many “must-have” subscriptions sit around doing nothing.
Next Steps
Overall, these six resolutions will help you in developing a stronger, more efficient, and secure IT infrastructure in 2025. We’re here to help you overcome challenges, upgrade your systems, and maintain a healthy IT environment. Schedule a Free Consultation with us, and we’ll work together to keep your business thriving in 2025 and beyond.
