Published 2020-12-03 by TechNet New England
As the year winds down, it is a good time to take stock of your technology. A thorough year-end review helps you start the new year on solid footing and avoid surprises. Here is a practical checklist for small businesses.
Security Review
- Verify all workstations and servers have current security patches
- Review user accounts and disable any that are no longer needed (former employees, contractors)
- Confirm multi-factor authentication is enabled on all cloud services
- Review firewall rules and remove any temporary exceptions that are no longer needed
- Check that antivirus definitions are current on all endpoints
- Review and update your password policy if it has been more than a year
Backup Verification
- Confirm all backup jobs are completing successfully
- Perform a test restore to verify backup integrity
- Review what data is and is not being backed up
- Verify offsite or cloud backup copies are current
- Document your backup schedule and retention policies
Hardware Assessment
- Inventory all hardware including age and warranty status
- Identify any equipment approaching end of life or end of support
- Check storage capacity on servers and workstations
- Plan and budget for any replacements needed in the coming year
- Verify UPS batteries are functional and have been tested recently
Software and Licensing
- Review software licenses and subscriptions to ensure compliance
- Cancel any unused subscriptions
- Check for upcoming end-of-life dates on software you rely on
- Plan upgrades for any software that will lose support in the new year
Documentation
- Update your network diagram if changes were made during the year
- Review and update your disaster recovery plan
- Document any workarounds or known issues that should be addressed
- Update your vendor and contact information list
Planning for Next Year
- Create a technology budget based on anticipated needs and replacement schedules
- Identify any projects or improvements to prioritize
- Schedule security awareness training for your team
- Review your service agreements and contracts for renewal dates
This checklist may seem long, but working through it systematically prevents the kind of surprises that derail budgets and productivity. If you would like help with your year-end IT review, contact TechNet New England and we will walk through it with you.