In today’s digital world, IT is an essential part of business operations. Your company needs to use computers, phones, software, and communications infrastructures in order to get things done. While there are many benefits to these solutions, they also require a decent time investment. Did you know that the average employee wastes 22 minutes a day on IT-related issues? That’s about an hour and 45 minutes each week and time they could be spending on projects that grow your business.
Good news. There’s a way to avoid all of that lost time: hiring an MSP. 72% of SMB decision makers say that managed service providers can help them significantly improve business outcomes and run their business better. If you’re not enlisting the help of an MSP, you’re missing out on some great benefits. Here are four tried and true ways that IT support can help your business get the most out of its solutions, increase productivity, and become more efficient.
Keep Applications Up-to-Date
Software updates fix bugs and patch security flaws. Without regularly updating your software, you run the risk of it not running as promised and exposing your network to hackers via unpatched holes.
That being said, updating your software takes time. An MSP can run software updates for you, performing them at times that don’t disrupt your business. That way, your software stays up-to-date and you don’t have to experience downtime in order to keep it that way.
Secure Your Network
Testing your network security frequently is a good practice to get into. Doing this ensures that you keep your sensitive information safe by preventing data breaches. You can do this via vulnerability scans and penetration tests. Vulnerability scans examine your network for potential security risks by identifying, defining, and prioritizing the susceptibilities in your company’s communication frameworks, networks, servers, computers, and devices.
Once you know what these risks are, it’s best to exploit them via a penetration, or “pen,” test. That way, you can determine how potentially damaging your network’s vulnerabilities may be. This kind of test simulates a malicious attack on your network to determine if your security solutions are doing their job. An IT support provider can help you perform these evaluations and determine how best to secure your network.
Educate Your Employees
According to cybersecurity professionals, the biggest perceived barrier to better insider threat management is a lack of employee training and expertise. It’s important to educate your employees on their role in keeping your business network safe. An MSP will train your staff on protocols they need to follow in order to reduce the chances of a security breach.
Manage Your Devices
Chances are, your employees use a variety of devices to do business. It’s fairly common for a single employee to have a cell phone, laptop, and a desktop machine, plus all of the other in-office devices your business uses. That’s a lot of different maintenance to keep up with for every single device, let alone all of them! An MSP will update device software, keep your devices secure, and resolve issues with your machines when they occur, allowing you to focus more time on building your business.
Enlist Help
At RedNight, we want to help you get the most out of your IT solutions. If you’re interested in learning more about how an MSP can give you the IT support you need, give us a call. We’d love the opportunity to help your business get the most out of its technology.