Keeping your office’s computers and other hardware up-to-date is a necessary step in ensuring your systems are secure, and capable of continuing to function as they are expected to. It can be challenging, however, to consistently stay on top of hardware maintenance. Windows and Apple-based computers have regular updates every month, your servers need to stay up to date, and you may have firewalls and routers that also need to stay up to date to maintain a level of security and functionality. So, what is the best way to manage and maintain your computers and hardware updates?
Best Ways to Manage Your Updates
Keeping all of your software and hardware up-to-date doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. Implementing policies that maintain all of your workstation updates can ensure that your machines are fully functional, secure, and avoid problems that outdated software may run into.
Working with a Managed IT Services provider, like Natural Networks, will provide such implementations where trained IT professionals are able to remotely view and manage all of your workstations’ updates. We can also schedule updates during down times so that your workstations are updated during non-working hours.
Keeping other vital equipment up-to-date is also essential, however. Servers, mass storage devices – like Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices – and firewalls should all maintain the latest software updates available to stay secure and functioning as expected. Updating these devices is not always as easy as updating your Windows or Mac based workstation. Often, it is up to the owner or manager of these devices to proactively check for updates on a regular basis.
Benefits to Staying Up-to-Date with Your Devices
Utilizing a Managed IT Services plan should also ensure that these devices are maintained and updated whenever new software and firmware updates are available. The benefits of keeping all of your hardware and software up-to-date includes security peace of mind, less down time, and less time your own employees are spending having to clear or attempt to update their devices on their own.
Having outdated software and hardware runs an unnecessary security risk as well. Malware and cyber criminals are far more likely to infect and target outdated systems or software. Manufacturers often release updates to address vulnerabilities they have found or become aware of.
If you’re interested in learning more about Managed IT services that ensure hardware and software updates at all times, contact us today!
