Skip to main content

How to Strengthen Your IT Resilience

24 July 2024
Reform IT workers

In these current times, there is a growing need for businesses to have a resilient IT infrastructure; organisations depend heavily on this to maintain daily operations, support business growth, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. However, the increasing complexity of IT systems, coupled with the rising threat of cyberattacks, natural disasters, and other disruptions, makes it essential to build a robust and resilient IT framework.

In this article, we will explore practical tips and strategies to enhance your IT resilience. From leveraging cloud solutions, to implementing strong security practices, we will cover the essential steps needed to safeguard your IT infrastructure.

What Is “IT Resilience”, and Why Is It Important?

IT resilience refers to a business's ability to maintain continuous IT operations and swiftly recover from disruptions, such as cyberattacks or hardware failures. It encompasses proactive strategies, robust infrastructure, and responsive recovery plans which are designed to prevent downtime and data loss. 

The importance of IT resilience lies in its capacity to ensure business continuity, protect critical data, and maintain customer trust. In a world where digital operations are pivotal to success, having a resilient IT framework is essential for mitigating risks, reducing operational disruptions, and sustaining long-term growth and stability.

woman viewing ipad

Upcoming Events That Will Affect IT Resilience

Significant events and changes by service providers can affect the way businesses use their IT infrastructure. Perhaps the most notable upcoming event comes in the form of Windows 10. Microsoft has announced Windows 10’s “end of life” (EOL), following the shift towards Windows 11 in October 2025. From this date, service users will no longer receive updates for the newly outdated operation system, leaving those who rely on Windows 10 vulnerable to cyber threats. To avoid the risks associated with using out-of-date software, we advise you to look to upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible. 

Slightly further down the line, but equally as important to know, traditional Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs), Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDNs) and analogue services are being switched off in December 2027, following a total shift to internet-based communication systems. To avoid ending up with no phone services - catastrophic for many businesses - you should make sure you upgrade your phone network to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or other digital communication solutions. 

13 Top Tips to Strengthen Your IT Resilience

  1. Regularly Update and Patch Systems

Keeping your software and systems up to date is vital for protecting against vulnerabilities and security threats; out-of-date software is a goldmine for cybercriminals, which is why the Windows 10 EOL (End of Life) is so significant for reliant businesses to be aware of. Automated update systems ensure that all software and systems remain current, minimising the risk of exploitation by cybercriminals.

  1. Develop a Comprehensive Backup Strategy

Shocking figures show that 93% of businesses that suffer data loss for more than 10 days file for bankruptcy within a year - 50% of these businesses do so immediately. Data loss can occur due to various reasons, including cyberattacks and hardware failures. Implementing a robust backup strategy, such as the 3-2-1 rule - three copies of data, two different storage mediums, and one off-site backup - ensures that your data is protected and can be quickly restored if needed.

  1. Adopt Cloud Solutions

Perhaps the most popular alternative data storage method is through “the Cloud”, where data is stored in logical pools and accessed remotely via the internet. Cloud services offer scalability, flexibility, and reliability, making them an excellent addition to your IT resilience strategy. Utilising cloud solutions for critical applications and data storage ensures that your data is secure and easily recoverable in case of an on-premises failure.

  1. Implement Disaster Recovery Planning

A disaster recovery plan (DRP) prepares your business to quickly recover from disruptions. It should include clear roles and responsibilities, and it must be regularly updated and tested to ensure its effectiveness. Having a solid DRP in place reduces downtime and helps maintain business continuity.

  1. Establish Clear Incident Response Procedures

Clear incident response procedures minimise damage and speed up recovery. Make sure you carefully develop and regularly test these plans, ensuring that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities in the event of an incident. According to 2024 statistics, only 55% of medium-sized businesses have an incident response plan in place, so don’t be one of those businesses that don’t have one. 

  1. Monitor Systems Continuously

Carrying out continuous monitoring of system performance, network traffic, and security alerts allows for early detection of issues. By addressing these problems promptly, you can prevent minor issues from escalating into major incidents. This requires consistent, proactive behaviour and the use of monitoring tools to track your hardware and software over time.

  1. Ensure Network Redundancy

Preventing single points of failure in your network is crucial for maintaining continuous connectivity. Where possible, implement multiple network paths and redundant hardware to ensure that your network remains operational, even if one component fails. This will make it easier for businesses to identify where the fault lies, isolating the case for a faster resolution.

  1. Conduct Regular Security Audits

Don’t wait for a threat to arrive - keep on top of your system’s security measures. Regular security assessments and penetration testing will help identify and mitigate potential security weaknesses. By addressing these vulnerabilities proactively, you can prevent security breaches and protect your business from potential threats before it's too late.

  1. Train Employees on Cyber security

Human error is a significant factor in many security breaches; providing ongoing cyber security training for employees - including phishing awareness and secure practices - reduces the risk of human error and strengthens your business’s overall security posture. All new employees who work on your network should be fully trained to minimise the risk of issues caused by human error.

  1. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Adding an extra layer of security beyond just passwords, MFA requires users to provide multiple forms of identification before gaining access to critical systems and data. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access to some of your business’s most sensitive data and reduces cybercriminals' chances of breaching your system.

  1. Use Data Encryption

Implementing encryption is a critical step in safeguarding your business’s data; encryption works by scrambling data into unrecognisable “secret” code, which can only be unlocked through a unique digital key. Protecting data through strong encryption protocols ensures that sensitive information remains secure from unauthorised access - particularly useful for data “in transit”.

  1. Leverage Automation and AI

Automation and AI can enhance your business efficiency and predictive maintenance. Automated tools can handle routine tasks, while AI can detect anomalies and predict potential issues before they become significant problems, allowing for proactive management. Many businesses are apprehensive about the use of AI, but it certainly offers a unique set of benefits - especially for cyber security.

  1. Create a “Culture of Resilience”

Promoting the importance of IT resilience at all business levels encourages proactive behaviours and mindsets. Integrate resilience into your company’s values and ensure that all employees understand their role in maintaining IT resilience.

IT Team Resilience

What Are the Benefits of Strengthening Your IT Resilience?

There are several benefits to having a strong, resilient IT infrastructure. These include:

  • Enhanced Business Continuity: A resilient IT infrastructure ensures that systems and services remain operational, even during disruptions, reducing downtime. A fast recovery from any failures or attacks helps maintain ongoing business operations.
  • Improved Data Protection: Automated and reliable backup solutions protect businesses against data loss, whilst strong data encryption safeguards sensitive information both in transit and at rest.
  • Increased Security: Continuous monitoring and security audits help detect and mitigate threats early before they escalate. Keeping systems up to date prevents the exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
  • Customer Trust and Satisfaction: Demonstrating robust IT resilience positively impacts the company’s reputation, and a reliable service delivery enhances customer trust and satisfaction.
  • Regulatory Compliance: A resilient IT infrastructure helps businesses meet regulatory requirements, avoiding legal and financial penalties. Alongside this, consistent review and compliance checks ensure adherence to industry standards.

Don’t Wait for Disaster to Strike - Let Us Help With Your IT Security

At ReformIT, we offer comprehensive cyber security solutions to keep your business protected from emerging online risks. Get in touch with us to discuss how we can help your business and its unique needs. 

Contact Us