Surviving COVID-19 with a Managed IT Services Provider

Just a few months ago most offices were occupied by employees, yet this changed in late March 2020 due to COVID-19. Before the Coronavirus pandemic erupted some businesses already had employees set-up to work remote, however, for some of these businesses they were not set-up to have the whole company be remote. Several company’s have had to switch gears quickly and change their day to day operations so the entire company can now work remotely. Partnering with a Managed IT Services Provider during this challenging time can be a benefit and a helpful tool for your business to survive COVID-19.

Utilizing an outsourced IT provider can help keep your business running smoothly – your IT needs are taken care of offsite and your IT operations are being closely monitored while your business continues to remain secure. There will be little to no interruption to your daily operations especially during uncertain times such as what we are facing now.

Here’s a quick break down how the services of a Managed IT Services Provider can help your business survive COVID-19.

Managed Services

As we just mentioned, several company’s have had to make a quick transition from the office to moving to a virtual environment. To make the switch without interrupting day-to-day operations, having a managed services provider make the switch for you is huge. A managed services provider (MSP) can be working for you in the background so that everyone else can continue along with their tasks. And this includes an in-house IT department who may have their own set of daily tasks to keep up with already. Therefore, an MSP can step in and take care of the rest of any IT needs. In times such as what we’re in now, having an MSP on board is a benefit – as an MSP is working behind the scenes, they can safely move workstations to a remote environment. Business owners can have peace of mind that their technology is operating correctly and employees working remote have access to a secure connection.

In addition, partnering with a MSP provides staff members with complete network, server and computer support. There is proactive monitoring of software and devices alerting to anything suspicious which can reduce down time. Also included in managed it services is helpdesk support, patch management, software upgrades, email protection, server support and more.

IT Security

Presently, during the COVID-19 crisis, we are seeing an increase of hackers creating scams solely based on the coronavirus. Hackers never will stop, in fact they find ways to improve their hacking methods to conform to what is happening in the world. IT security is vital to the health of any business and can protect your staff, clients and sensitive data. Plus it gives you peace of mind knowing your IT operations are safe.

As we discussed earlier, setting up an entire company to be remote is a task for an MSP. There are certain protocols to follow to ensure all employees are using a safe connection such as using a VPN. Other benefits of IT security services or cyber security services from an MSP are anti-virus monitoring or removal, daily backups, managed firewall and employee cyber security training.

Cloud Computing

Due to COVID-19, many organizations have had to make a complete switch over to the cloud to accommodate moving team members to a remote environment. A MSP can help businesses on navigating through the cloud. Cloud computing is rapidly changing the landscape of IT. The effect is dramatic with appreciable benefits including reduced capital expenditure and maintenance costs, increased on-demand agility, rapid deployment and much more.

In addition, utilizing cloud services with an MSP can elevate your business to achieve better communications with your team members, manage office files across different types of devices and gain access to mobile device management for your remote employees. At SDTEK, we blend a combination of Google’s G Suite, Microsoft’s Office 365 and Managed Email Security to offer our clients a best in class solution.

IT Consulting

During challenging times it is still important to continue to plan for the future of your IT. Good IT strategy provides solutions for short term and long term challenges. The right strategy can also reduce capital expenditures and improve your bottom line. Working with an MSP can help achieve your IT goals – it can reduce bottom-line expenses (not just IT expenses), grow your business, enhance customer service through technology, develop IT strategies that are aligned to your business objectives and protect your business from risk and data privacy issues.

With the support of a Managed IT Service Provider, navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic can significantly help your business survive any IT challenges. In addition, working with a MSP allows time for business owners and employees to focus and concentrate on business growth even during uncertain times. Please contact us today to learn more about our IT services and how they can benefit your business.

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.
April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.