Why Routine Network Health Checks Can Pay Dividends

 

If you aren’t regularly testing the health of your networks, your taking on some very serious risk. When companies share information via a network, there are almost always going to be some vulnerabilities that must be addressed. Routine checks can help identify potential exposure early on and prevent things like viruses, identity theft, and ransomware.

Ensuring Business Continuity

The number one way in which routine network health checks improve cash flow and generate more revenue comes from the manner in which they ensure business continuity. When networks are proactively managed, businesses don’t have to worry as much about downtime due to things like hackers, ransomware, and other potential problems that can take their companies offline. Even if there is a threat, proactively managed business IT environments typically have reduced downtime compared to offices with unmanaged technology.

Preventing Potential Data Theft

With all of the stories of data theft in the news today, businesses and consumers are on edge about somebody stealing their private information – and rightly so. Regular network health checks can reveal vulnerabilities that hackers may be able to exploit in order to gain access to that information. When customers feel as if their information is protected, they are more likely to do business with a particular company. It also lessens the burden and provides advanced peace of mind for these consumers since they will not have to replace their credit cards due to such a breach.

Healthier Networks Are More Productive

Networks of all kinds are limited by bandwidth. Although most companies know they need enough bandwidth to remain productive, there are “bots” and other malware that can significantly reduce the available bandwidth for employees over time, leading to lessened productivity. Regular network health checks ensure that companies are not impacted by malware and have access to all of their bandwidth so they can process and share information at full speed. These checks can catch things like bots and other software that may hack into a company’s resources utilizing Internet bandwidth for unsavory practices, even if those practices aren’t targeted toward that particular company.

Less Money Spent on Major Issue Resolution

Finally, it’s important to think of a regular network health check like a tune-up for a car, or even like going to the doctor to get a physical exam. Oftentimes, catching potential problems early on (and dealing with them) is the best way to ensure future network health. Failing to catch a small vulnerability now could cost a company tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in the future, so it’s important to emphasize the need to regularly test things like speed, vulnerabilities, redundancy, and more – if only just in case.

Routine network health checks can go a long way toward saving a company not only money but also its reputation in the long run. As technologies continue to advance, so do criminals and the tactics they use to penetrate vulnerable networks. Being able to regularly check for potential weak spots and holes makes it easier for IT companies to help their clients before they become victims.

Common IT Security Compliance Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

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.

Why Cybersecurity and Business IT Support Are Crucial for Fort Wayne Businesses

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.