The Smart Tools Aren’t the Problem — Delivery Is
January is the perfect time to set new goals for your business, and your IT strategy should be top of the list. With the pace of digital change accelerating, having a solid IT setup is essential for security, efficiency, and staying ahead of the competition. Start the year strong by reviewing your IT systems and setting resolutions that will help your business thrive in 2026.
Here’s a checklist of key IT priorities every small business should tackle this January:
1. Evaluate Your IT Budget
Kick off 2026 with a clear picture of your IT spending. Ask yourself:
- Are there any software licenses or hardware upgrades coming up?
- Do you have a plan for unexpected IT costs, like cybersecurity updates?
Proactively planning your IT budget will save you from unpleasant surprises later in the year. If you’re looking for more predictable costs, consider moving to a monthly managed IT contract - it offers peace of mind and consistent support for your business.
2. Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Measures
Cyber threats continue to rise, and small businesses are prime targets. Start the year by assessing your defences:
- Are your firewalls and antivirus software up to date?
- Have you implemented multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
- Are backups secure and regularly tested?
Taking these steps now can help prevent costly breaches later. A cybersecurity review is a great way to identify vulnerabilities and build a plan for ongoing protection.
3. Test Your Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan
Are you prepared for the unexpected? A strong backup and disaster recovery (DR) plan is vital for keeping your business running in case of cyberattacks, hardware failures, or natural disasters.
Check:
- How frequently are your backups tested and updated?
- Can you restore critical data quickly in an emergency?
A reliable DR plan ensures your business stays operational, no matter what 2026 throws at you.
4. Optimise Your Remote Working Setup
Remote work is here to stay, so it’s crucial to keep systems efficient and secure for off-site teams. Review your setup by asking:
- Are employees using secure VPNs or encrypted connections?
- Is cloud storage accessible and safe for remote users?
- Do employees know how to spot phishing attacks?
A secure and streamlined remote working environment boosts both productivity and protection.
5. Upgrade Your Email Security
Email is often the weakest link in a business’s cybersecurity strategy. Make 2026 the year you eliminate threats by reviewing:
- Spam filters: Are they catching what they should?
- Employee training: Can your team spot phishing scams?
- Backups: Is your email system backed up securely?
Improving email security protects your business from scams and malware.
6. Strengthen Endpoint Protection
With so many devices accessing your business network—laptops, tablets, and smartphones—endpoint protection is essential. Focus on:
- Real-time threat detection and response.
- Automatic updates to block the latest cyber threats.
- Protecting all devices, including mobile and remote ones.
By safeguarding every endpoint, you reduce vulnerabilities and improve overall security.
7. Review Your Software and Hardware
January is a great time to take stock of your tools:
- Renew or upgrade expiring software licenses.
- Replace outdated hardware that’s slowing down your operations. This is especially relevant given ‘Windows 10: End of Life (EOL)’ which was rolled out earlier this year. If you’re unsure about this, please reach out us to us directly for a review:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Consider moving to cost-effective, cloud-based solutions.
Keeping your software and hardware up to date reduces risks and ensures smooth business operations throughout the year.
Start 2026 the Right Way
A fresh approach to your IT in January can set the tone for a successful year. Proactive planning, robust security, and reliable systems aren’t just goals—they’re the foundation of your business’s growth.
Need expert support to review or upgrade your IT systems? The team at Perita is here to help. Email us at: