Goodbye Summer – Time for a Computer Network cleanup

Autumn is finally here, which means it’s time for a seasonal-clean. While you’re busy decluttering your office and organising files, don’t forget your IT systems deserve a refresh too. A “seasonal clean” for your business technology can uncover inefficiencies, strengthen security and improve overall performance so you can operate more efficiently, reduce costly downtime and focus on growing your business without tech distractions.

Where should you start? Of course, the usual “delete old files and update your software” advice is important, but today we want to share a few additional but practical strategies to truly optimise your business systems.

1. Conduct A Comprehensive IT Audit

Season changes are the perfect time to review your entire IT environment, from hardware to software to user access. Look for:

• Outdated hardware: Devices nearing the end of their life cycle.
• Underused software: Licenses you’re paying for but no longer need.
• Redundant systems: Tools that duplicate functions or no longer align with your workflows.

Pro Tip: Work with your IT provider to identify and prioritise areas for improvement, ensuring your budget goes toward impactful upgrades.

NOTE: Windows 10 will no longer be supported after October 2025. If you currently utilise this software, now is a great time to figure out how you will deal with it before the deadline.

2. Clean Up Your Active Directory

The Active Directory (or its equivalent if you’re not a Microsoft user) is the backbone of your network’s security and efficiency, but it’s often neglected.

• Remove inactive user accounts: Former employees or unused accounts create vulnerabilities.
• Verify permissions: Ensure users only have access to what they need to fulfill their duties.
• Document changes: Keep a record of all adjustments to avoid future confusion.

A clean directory isn’t just about organisation – it’s a critical layer of protection against breaches that needs to be a priority for every organisation.

3. Optimise Your Network For Hybrid Work

With hybrid and remote work still going strong, your network may need a tune-up to support seamless collaboration and connectivity.

• Upgrade your VPN: Ensure your virtual private network is secure and scalable.
• Review bandwidth usage: Identify and address bottlenecks or underused resources.
• Enable secure file-sharing: Use encrypted tools for document sharing to reduce risks.

It’s also good to review how you work with third-party vendors. We learned through previous data breaches how important it is to work with vendors who value security as much as you. Make sure you’ve taken every precaution to protect your data on your end.

4. Test Your Backups With A Full Restore

Backing up your data is essential – but when was the last time you tested those backups? Many businesses discover too late that their backups are corrupt, incomplete or impossible to restore.

• Perform a full restore to verify your backup system works as intended.
• Document the time it takes to restore critical systems and evaluate if improvements are needed.

A backup isn’t worth much if it doesn’t function when disaster strikes, and unexpected disasters DO happen. You need to be prepared so that you’re able to either continue business or restart when you’re ready.

5. Reassess Your Cybersecurity Playbook

Hackers are always evolving their tactics, so your cybersecurity strategy should evolve too.

• Review your endpoint protection: Ensure all devices are secured, including employee-owned devices used remotely.
• Update your incident response plan: Train your team on the latest threats and update contact lists for faster response times.
• Invest in advanced monitoring tools: AI-driven systems can detect and neutralise threats before they cause damage.

Remember, cybersecurity is not a set-it-and-forget-it task – it’s an ongoing process because best practices change. For example, it used to be recommended that you change your password frequently. Now it’s recommended to just use a longer, complex password or passphrase and enable multifactor authentication. Stay up-to-date to help stay secure.

A Clean IT System Is A Productive IT System

Cleaning your IT systems isn’t just about getting organised – it’s about ensuring your business runs efficiently and securely all year long. By taking these steps, you’ll reduce downtime, boost productivity and stay ahead of evolving cyberthreats.

Want to go further? Start with a FREE Cyber Security Audit. Our experts will evaluate your systems, identify vulnerabilities and recommend optimisations tailored to your business.

Call 0800 242 206 to schedule your FREE Cyber Security Audit today!