Clear responsibility for IT helps ensure that maintenance, security, access and technology decisions do not fall between roles. Consider assigning clear ownership for the management of your organisation's technology.

Computers, software and business systems benefit from regular maintenance and updating rather than attention only when something goes wrong. Proactive maintenance can improve reliability, security and the useful life of your technology.

Maintaining an accurate view of the devices, systems, software and subscriptions your business relies upon makes technology easier to manage, secure and budget for.

Multi-factor authentication provides an important additional layer of protection if a password is stolen or compromised. Confirm that MFA is enforced for everyone accessing important business services, particularly email and cloud accounts.

Business devices should have appropriate security protection that is actively managed and monitored. Consider reviewing whether your current protection provides sufficient visibility and control across all business devices.

Employees are routinely targeted through phishing, fraudulent login pages and social engineering. Ongoing cybersecurity awareness training helps keep these risks visible throughout the year rather than relying solely on occasional reminders.

Knowing that a backup exists is only part of business continuity. Consider establishing how quickly important files, computers and systems could actually be restored following loss, failure or a cybersecurity incident.

A backup only provides value if information can be successfully restored when it is needed. Regularly test recovery of important files and systems and confirm that backup failures are being identified and addressed.

Important business information should remain accessible if a key employee suddenly becomes unavailable. Consider whether another authorised person could locate the information, credentials and working knowledge needed to keep essential activities moving.

Access to business email, files and cloud services should be reviewed regularly so that employees, former employees and external parties retain only the access they genuinely require.

Software subscriptions can accumulate as employees join, leave or change roles. Periodically review licences to confirm that the business is paying for the right products, quantities and licence levels.

Technology and business requirements change over time. Periodic reviews can identify opportunities to improve reliability, productivity, security and cost before equipment or systems reach the point of failure.