Now that we’re less than a month out from 2026, it’s the perfect time to take a look at your technology, cybersecurity, and data hygiene. It’s always risky to have outdated systems or unresolved vulnerabilities, but going into the new year, when you are engaging in strategic planning and wrapping up the previous year’s finances, it’s more important than ever to make sure your data is secure. Here’s a practical, MSP-recommended guide to help your company get ready for a strong, secure start to 2026.
1 – Review your current technology infrastructure.
This means auditing your current hardware and software by checking the age, warranty status, and performance of laptops, servers, and network equipment. You’ll also want to use this time to update patches and firmware. Most people put off updates, but these patches often make the biggest difference in cybersecurity. You should include internet speed and reliability checks during this stage, too. You can consider upgrading your firewalls, Wi-Fi access points, or bandwidth.
2 – Strengthen your cybersecurity.
Refresh your security policies, like password guidelines, remote work rules, and acceptable use policies. Your policies should also reflect your industry’s regulations. Test your backups and disaster recovery plans by performing a test restore, reviewing backup frequency, and confirming the recovery time objective with your leadership. You should also revisit multifactor authentication (MFA) essentials, like user access. Remove old or unused accounts, limit admin privileges, and confirm that the staff only have access to what they need. Human error is still the number one reason for data breaches, so it’s wise to also kick off Q1 with employee cyber awareness training. It’s one of the highest-ROI security investments you can make.
3 – Clean up and organize your company data.
Remove redundant or outdated files to boost efficiency and reduce storage costs. Review data retention requirements to make sure your data storage practices align with your industry’s compliance standards. Optimize your cloud storage by auditing your storage, permissions, and subscription usage for cost savings and security.
4 – Evaluate your business apps and tools.
Audit your subscriptions and licenses, as most companies are paying for tools they no longer need or use. Plan for upgrades or replacements to make sure the tools and apps you use serve your needs. Look for opportunities to leverage automation and AI-powered applications to improve workflows and reduce manual tasks.
5 – Plan your technology budget for the new year.
Align your IT with your business goals so that your IT strategy supports your growth plans. Discuss your business’ efficiency goals, security improvement opportunities, and departmental needs. This is the time to forecast major purchases and map out hardware refresh cycles, cybersecurity investments, and cloud and software renewal timelines. This will help you avoid surprise expenses and spreads the budget throughout the year.
6 – Consider outsourcing to a managed or a co-managed IT plan.
If your team is stretched thin, the new year is an ideal time to explore different IT support. Predictable monthly costs, expert resources, and proactive management free up your team to focus on business.
Starting the year with secure and optimized technology gives your business a stronger growth foundation. By investing time now, your business can enter the new year with confidence.