Downtime: It’s a word business owners dread.
It is a word usually associated with IT failures that bring a business to a standstill and we will look at the causes of those here. However, downtime can also occur when building premises become unusable or when employees are unable to make it into work for any particular reason.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the major causes of IT downtime and how business owners can avoid them.
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Subscribe#1: Hardware failure
Hardware failure can occur when IT devices are faulty or outdated. It can also occur when damage takes place, be that because of human error, sudden temperature rises, or a general lack of maintenance.
How to avoid:
- Outdated hardware should be replaced when it becomes clear it is no longer fit for purpose.
- Devices should be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.
- Training should be given to all employees on the correct handling and usage of IT hardware
- Safety measures should be put in place, such as an environment monitoring system that can help prevent critical damage to hardware due to sudden temperature and humidity rises
#2: Cybersecurity threats
Cyber threats, including phishing and ransomware attacks, are a leading cause of downtime in businesses today. It’s not only bigger businesses that are targeted as many hackers attack smaller businesses because they know they are more likely to be less protected.
Regardless of the size of your business, you should enhance your cybersecurity to protect your financial and customer data and to reduce the chances of downtime in your company.
How to avoid:
- Train your employees on cyber attack prevention and make sure they are regularly up to date on new and evolving hacking threats
- Safeguard your IT systems with firewalls, antivirus software, and endpoint protection systems
- Back up your data so you can resume work quickly if downtime occurs
- Don’t let unauthorized personnel or members of the public gain access to your IT systems
- Have different passwords for every application and account that your business uses
#3: Human error
To err is to be human, or so the saying goes. But in a business, human error can be very costly. It could be a click on a malicious link within an email or the accidental deletion of important data that leads to downtime. These are just two examples of human error but you can probably think of more.
How to avoid:
- Ensure employees are well-trained in areas where mistakes could prove catastrophic
- Automate as many tasks as possible
- Give employees regular break times so they don’t make mistakes caused by stress and tiredness
- Provide check-lists so employees can make sure they’re following proper procedures
- Invest in offsite cloud data backdrop to ensure business continuity should a human-made disaster occur
Finally
Downtime can lead to lost productivity, missed business opportunities, a damaged brand image, and severe financial losses. So, consider the suggestions we have made above and take the appropriate steps to minimise the risk of downtime happening within your business.
