In the dynamic realm of Information Technology, professionals are engaged in an ongoing battle to uphold the seamless operation of businesses. Amidst this perpetual challenge, a momentary respite becomes a valuable opportunity for IT experts to momentarily ease off the accelerator and strategically assess the path forward.
In the following discussion, we aim to distill key insights and offer practical tips for addressing various challenges encountered in the intricate landscape of IT.
Security is the Number 1 Concern
After a year of extensive cyber threats, it’s clear that a diverse 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 percent of respondents highlighting it as a significant 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 for 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 share 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. There can be severe insinuations for companies storing data long after being transmitted for technological giants such as Google and Amazon and businesses using Dropbox services. In any situation, keeping up with evolving security threats while meeting new privacy standards will be one of the biggest challenges in 2018.
In light of these changes, compliance was another matter highlighted by research as a concern. Whether it is the healthcare, financial, or legal sectors, many industries require full transparency and must secure their business-critical data. 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 to share the compliance burden.
Standing Out will be a Major Challenge
IT teams are also looking to revolutionize and need to tackle application performance and monitoring issues. 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 technological advances 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. A clear action plan must be implemented when arraying new technologies, handling user devices, and ensuring new technologies are compatible with the existing infrastructure. It will ensure the IT department isn’t left gasping at the starting line.
In addition to precise planning, implementing automated systems to tackle repetitive tasks will open up your time to run IT infrastructure and business-critical setups. Training staff could save time and troubles later when new technologies are implemented, increasing efficiency and productivity while ensuring that workforces make the most of the available technology.
Conclusion
IT professionals have a lot on their plate with many concerns: data protection and management, storage, device management, automation, and reporting. The simplest solution is this – don’t 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.