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Summary

Learn how to protect your business from downtime and data loss. Discover the 7 pillars of reliable IT — from patching to backups — and how a Managed Services Provider can keep your business secure and running smoothly.

Keeping Business Running Smoothly: The Pillars of Reliable IT

When IT works… everyone works!

Technology keeps your business moving — until it doesn’t.

One failed update, one expired license, or one “click on the wrong email” can grind everything to a halt. And in today’s world, downtime is expensive — not just in dollars, but in lost trust, productivity, and opportunity.

The good news? Most IT disasters are preventable.

Here’s what every business should be doing to stay secure, stable, and always open for business — and how a Managed Services Provider (MSP) can make it happen for you.

1. Patch Everything (and Confirm It’s Patched)

Your systems are only as strong as their weakest update. Hackers love outdated software — it’s like leaving your front door unlocked.

✅ What you should do:

  • Apply updates to your operating systems, servers, and applications regularly.
  • Verify that every patch installs correctly.

🛠 How an MSP helps:

We automate patch deployment and validation. If something fails, we fix it before it becomes a problem.

2. Protect Every Device with Modern Anti-Virus

Traditional anti-virus is like a guard dog that’s good… but blind. Modern threats require next-generation endpoint protection.

✅ What you should do:

  • Use behavior-based, AI-driven protection that detects ransomware and phishing attacks.
  • Ensure every device is actually reporting in and updating properly.

🛠 How an MSP helps:

We monitor all endpoints in real time — and respond instantly when something looks suspicious.

3. Backup Like Your Business Depends on It (Because It Does)

Backups are your business’s safety net — but only if they work.

✅ What you should do:

  • Identify the data that’s essential to daily operations.
  • Back it up automatically and store copies both onsite and in the cloud.
  • Test restores regularly to make sure you can recover quickly.

🛠 How an MSP helps:

We automate backups, monitor them daily, and perform routine test restores — so when disaster strikes, recovery is just minutes away.

4. Build a Solid Network Foundation

Your firewall, switches, and Wi-Fi are the digital plumbing of your business. When they’re outdated or poorly configured, everything slows down — or stops.

✅ What you should do:

  • Use business-grade equipment.
  • Keep firmware updated and separate guest Wi-Fi from your internal network.

🛠 How an MSP helps:

We design, install, and maintain secure, high-performance networks — so your team can work efficiently and safely anywhere.

5. Train Your Team to Spot Trouble

The #1 cause of cyber breaches isn’t bad technology — it’s human error.

✅ What you should do:

  • Educate your employees on phishing, password hygiene, and safe browsing.
  • Reinforce good habits with regular reminders and updates.

🛠 How an MSP helps:

We deliver ongoing cybersecurity awareness training and run safe phishing simulations so your team learns without the pain of a real attack.

6. Monitor, Measure, and Document Everything.

You can’t protect what you don’t know exists. Visibility is key.

✅ What you should do:

  • Maintain an up-to-date inventory of your hardware, users, and software licenses.
  • Monitor system health and alerts continuously.

🛠 How an MSP helps:

We use advanced monitoring tools and keep detailed documentation of every device and user — so we can act before issues cause downtime.

7. Plan Ahead — Don’t Just React

Your IT environment should evolve with your business.

✅ What you should do:

  • Review your IT roadmap at least once a year.
  • Budget for upgrades, plan for growth, and stay compliant with regulations like Massachusetts 201 CMR 17.00.

🛠 How an MSP helps:

We act as your virtual CIO, guiding your technology strategy so IT aligns with your goals — not just your problems.

Bonus: Keep an Eye on These Often-Missed Essentials

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add a critical layer of login security.
  • Password Management: Use a secure password manager — no spreadsheets!
  • Cloud Security: Protect Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace data (it’s not automatically backed up).
  • Vendor Access: Review who has access to your systems and why.

The Bottom Line

Reliable IT isn’t about reacting when things break — it’s about building systems that prevent issues in the first place.

A Managed Services Provider like I.T.WORKS! acts as your dedicated IT department — handling updates, protection, backups, monitoring, and strategic planning so you can focus on running your business.

Because when IT works… everyone works!

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