9 Steps to Complete IT Efficiency & Security

Unlocking the full potential of your business's IT infrastructure is key to driving growth and ensuring operational efficiency. In today's digital age, IT plays a critical role not only in enhancing productivity but also in safeguarding your business against potential risks. Understanding the importance of a robust IT strategy and compliance with cybersecurity standards such as 'The Essential 8' is essential for businesses seeking to thrive in a competitive landscape

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Ensure your IT is supporting your growth by continually focusing on the steps below:

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1, Assess
2. Automate
3. Standardise
4. Monitor
5. Optimise
6. Secure
7. Protect
8. Communicate
9. Train

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1. ASSESS

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Where are your strengths, and where are the vulnerabilities? You need to conduct a thorough evaluation to pinpoint areas for improvement.
Do you have a good snapshot of your current I.T. situation?

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Do you know where your gaps are?
Where your inefficiencies lie?
Or what might be holding you back?

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Peppermint I.T. offer a FREE tech review to help you with a roadmap to enhanced tech health and here's our proven process, designed to optimising your tech infrastructure:

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- proactive monitoring analysis
- strategic IT planning
- cybersecurity evalution
- backup and recovery review
- policy and procedure analysis
- tailored report and action plan

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2. AUTOMATE

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Next, it's time to streamline your processes. Automation and standardisation of your IT operations, ensures consistency and efficiency across the board.

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Here's a thought: If you ever need to do anything more than three times it should be automated.

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Here's another thought... Nothing should ever be in your systems twice. If it's in your CRM system, it should be linked to in your email system—automatically.
If you live by this, over time, your business will become more and more automated and your productivity will skyrocket.

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If you need some support, Peppermint I.T. can help you can automate your routine tasks, streamline your processes, and ensure that every part of your system communicates seamlessly.

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From automated data entry to segmented email campaigns, we're here to free up your time so you can focus on what really matters: growing your business (or spending time with your family).

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3. STANDARDISE

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But don't stop there. You need to keep a pulse on your IT infrastructure, making proactive adjustments to maximise performance and minimise disruptions.

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Is your business operating by design or default?
It's easy for teams to develop their own methods for tackling daily tasks—leading to a many-ways-for-one-job scenario.
But let’s pause and ask:

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- How aligned are these varied approaches?
- What are the risks if everyone's"winging it"?
- Are crucial procedures like disaster recovery or password management clearly defined and accessible?

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Consistency is key in business efficiency and risk management, which is why standardisation is so powerful.
We work with clients to standardise business processes through the use of I.T. systems as well as standardising their I.T.systems.
This means everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet.
And when someone leaves the process doesn't leave with them, or when someone arrives they have a roadmap.
A key part of small business is 'how can you take yourself out of the business so it runs itself'.

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4. OPTIMISE

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Often we find that once I.T. systems are implemented in a business... they're then left untouched until something goes really wrong.

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It's the equivalent to building a house, but never cleaning it.

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You invest all this money into your system, but you have no idea if things are updated, backed up, or functioning optimally for your productivity.
In the tech world things are changing every day... a computer that's 4-5 years old just won't cut it... Your productivity is tied into the equipment,software and systems you're using ona daily basis.

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So...
How long ago did you implement your current IT systems?
Have you looked at them since?
Have they been optimised?
Have you explored whether there's a system, platform or program that could be a better fit for your business?

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5. MONITOR

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What would happen if you left your laptop in a taxi tomorrow? Would it be a problem if you couldn't wipe it remotely?

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Do you have a full proof backup?

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This happened to a client of ours recently. Our team was able to swiftly ping the laptop and wipe it remotely.
With backups in place, we can then support clients in setting up their new computer as if it was the old one.
We see many clients who don't have the proper support and backup to ensure they're able to resume their business as usual the next day and only approach us in a time of crisis

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6. SECURE

Security is paramount. You need robust measures to secure and protect your data from cyber threats, giving you peace of mind knowing your business is safeguarded.

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If someone hacked your Google or Sharepoint drive today. Could you access your files tomorrow?
Here's the reality check: 53% of companies have experienced data loss or corruption in the last 12 months.
Here's the kicker: Less than 25% of people can recover 100% of theirmicrosoft365 data during a data loss incident. Yikes!
So,the big question is: Does your I.T. department have this covered? If you're unsure or if you're a growing business yet to establish an I.T. department,let's talk!
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7. PROTECT

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"I thought my IT was under control, but since our security breach I've realised it's not"
This is what a client said to me yesterday.

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A staff member had her bank call her and indicate that her personal bank had been hacked. They convinced her to allow them to jump onto her computer to allow them to ascertain where the breach had come from..And she let them. Within 10 minutes they had access to her bank, passwords and all documents on her computer.  
90% of data breaches involve human error.
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8. COMMUNICATE

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Transform your employees into your first line of defense.

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If the fraud department of your business bank called to talk directly to your accountant, are you sure they would know how to verify that they were actually the bank?
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We recently had two clients that would have told you unequivocally say yes to this question... but just fell prey to this exact scenario.
90% of data breaches involve human error.
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Humans make mistakes.
Even our best and most trusted employees.
It's our best and most trusted employees that are targeted.
It's the managers, trainers, CEO's that have the security access the scammers are looking for.  
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9. TRAIN

Lastly, knowledge is power. Your team needs comprehensive training and communication strategies to empower them and foster a culture of IT awareness and readiness.Do you have a good snapshot of your current I.T. situation?

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Everybody knows how to use excel..." Or do they?
This made me giggle. There's using excel and then there's USING EXCEL... or any other tech program for that matter.
Too often, businesses assume their team's Excel skills are up to par, only to discover costly errors and inefficiencies lurking beneath the surface.
Incredible power lies in the training of key IT programs and systems. When your team is equipped with the right skills, magic happens. Productivity soars,efficiency skyrockets, and tasks that once seemed daunting become a breeze.
Investing in training isn't just about mastering formulas and functions—it's about unlocking the full potential of your team and ensuring your business stays ahead of the curve.

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