Just how future-proof is your ‘future-proof’ IT strategy?
Today, technology really is the backbone of every successful business. As a business leader, you rely on your IT systems to operate efficiently, serve your customers and stay ahead of competition.
The term ‘future-proof’ is widely used, but what does it actually mean when it comes to your IT systems and what steps can you take to ensure your business really is future-ready?
The reality of technology and business IT: a wake-up call
A recent study revealed that 90% of business leaders are confident that their current IT systems are “best in class.” However, when looking ahead, the picture isn’t as positive.
The global study of 3,200 businesses and technology leaders uncovered some alarming statistics:
- Only 39% of business leaders felt confident that their current IT system was future-ready
- 64% worry that their technology might be getting outdated
- Around half the tech used by businesses was at its end-of-life
When your technology is no longer supported, it’s like driving a car that’s been neglected for years. It might still get you from A to B, but without regular servicing, you’re risking a breakdown when you least expect it. And in the case of business IT, that breakdown could happen at the most critical time, affecting productivity, customer satisfaction and ultimately, your bottom line.
The growing threat of cyber security risks
Aside from system obsolescence, cyber security is another pressing concern. 65% of business leaders worry about the threat of cyberattacks, with 56% admitting that protecting their business from these threats is a significant challenge.
Cyberattacks are a constant and evolving threat, and the stakes have never been higher. Unfortunately, small and medium-sized businesses are often prime targets for cybercriminals, as they are seen as more vulnerable than large enterprises. If your systems are outdated or lacking robust security measures, your business could be at risk of a breach.
“Many small and medium businesses don’t realise they are the ones most at risk of a security breach that will damage reputation, compromise sensitive data and lead to legal and financial consequences.”
While it’s impossible to fully control whether or not your business will be targeted by cybercriminals, the good news is that you can take steps to ensure your business is well-prepared. Regularly updating your IT systems and investing in the right cyber security tools are crucial to safeguarding your business.
Don’t put your business at risk
Find out more about our cyber security tools and services.
How to ensure your IT is ready for the future
1. Assess your current IT infrastructure
Take a close look at your current technology. Are your systems and hardware running slower than they should? Is your software out of date or no longer receiving support? These are all signs that it may be time to upgrade.
Technology that is outdated or no longer supported by its manufacturer puts your business at a disadvantage, not only in terms of performance but also in terms of security.
Windows 10 end-of-life: why you should take notice
One key update likely to affect many businesses is Windows 10 reaching end of support in October, 2025 – it’s crutial to plan your migration over to Windows 11, factoring in device compatibility, data backups and staff training. Running unsupported software is more vulnerable to cyberattacks, as security patches are no longer available.
2. Plan ahead and replace old technology before it breaks
Don’t wait until your systems crash before taking action. If your business is still relying on hardware or software that is near or past its end-of-life, now is the time to start planning for an upgrade. Investing in new, more efficient technology will improve productivity, enhance security, and help you stay competitive.
Proactively planning for technology upgrades allows you to spread out costs over time and avoid sudden disruptions to your operations. Waiting until your systems fail could lead to expensive emergency repairs and significant downtime, which can harm your business’s reputation.
3. Invest in robust cyber security solutions
With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated every day, it’s critical to invest in a robust cyber security strategy. This means adopting the latest security technologies, such as firewalls, encryption and anti-malware software. It also involves having regular security audits and penetration testing to identify potential vulnerabilities before hackers do.
In addition to these tools, it’s important to train your team on security best practices. Employees are often the first line of defence against cyber threats, and ensuring they are aware of potential risks (such as phishing emails and weak passwords) can go a long way in protecting your business.
4. Keep your team trained on the latest tools and technologies
Your IT systems and tools are only as effective as the people using them. It’s essential that your employees are well-versed in the latest technologies and understand how to make the most of your IT infrastructure. Regular training ensures that your team can operate at peak efficiency and respond to any IT challenges that arise.
Offering ongoing training demonstrates a commitment to your employees’ professional development and can increase their job satisfaction and loyalty. We offer immersive training programmes alongside our Lightbulb platform—designed to onboard new staff and enhance the security awareness of your existing employees.
Don’t wait for technology issues or cyber threats to disrupt your business.
If you’re concerned about the state of your business’s IT systems and cyber security, you're not alone. Navigating the complex landscape of technology upgrades, cyber security, and IT management can be overwhelming.
At Ingenio, we specialise in providing tailored IT solutions that ensure your business really is future-ready. From comprehensive IT assessments to full system upgrades, we help businesses stay ahead of the curve, improve operational efficiency and protect against evolving cyber security threats.
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