How do businesses keep tabs on their IT assets? It’s through IT infrastructure management. It has historically been that way.
However, traditional infrastructure management could’ve been just a simple spreadsheet. That was when everything was less complex and all IT teams had to do was update the sheet based on recent changes.
Today, the landscape has transformed. IT infrastructure management has become more dynamic. In response to these evolving challenges, many organizations are integrating IT infrastructure support as a complement to their existing management strategies.
But what’s causing the change? A lot of things. The most notable ones are workforce dispersal and cloud services proliferation. Add to the list the rise of cybersecurity threats.
Of course, cybersecurity is a pressing concern for many businesses today. And that’s why secure IT infrastructure is paramount. To combat threats, there should be effective IT infrastructure management in place.
Below, let’s discuss the different ways IT infrastructure management plays a role in cybersecurity.
Enhancing Vulnerability Management
What happens when you merge vulnerability assessments with information technology infrastructure management? It results in a secure and robust IT infrastructure. That’s because you can identify vulnerabilities early. And that’s crucial for securing any IT environment!
The proactive protection and enhanced visibility that such an integration provides not only flags risks. It also helps you prioritize vulnerabilities efficiently. You can address outdated software components and end-of-life systems. You can also tackle misconfigurations and unpatched security flaws.
Furthermore, merging vulnerability assessments with IT infrastructure management services allows you to conduct patch management safely. It means you won’t introduce new issues or destabilize other system components.
Detecting Threats Proactively
Enhanced vulnerability management leads to proactive threat detection. It allows your business to not only anticipate risks but also mitigate them before they materialize.
Many infrastructure managers still practice a reactive approach to securing their IT assets. And that’s a problem. It’s no longer enough in today’s cyber environment.
The best IT infrastructure management service providers identify unusual activities through real-time monitoring and predictive analytics. Some employ the help of security analysts, a booming cybersecurity career path. You can respond swiftly that way, allowing you to keep your IT assets safe and ensure business continuity.
Improving Data Protection
IT infrastructure management also ensures that data is not only securely stored and encrypted but also backed up regularly. That’s a crucial process, considering the fact that data breaches can be catastrophic. Yes, it can lead to not only financial losses but also reputational damage.
Infrastructure security measures involve robust data protection as part of your storage management strategies. The result? Sensitive information within network devices is better protected against unauthorized access. Compliance with industry regulations is also ensured.
Managing Access Controls
Speaking of protection against unauthorized access, one of the security protocols that the right IT infrastructure management implements within operating systems is access control. The goal is to limit exposure, considering that unauthorized access to network infrastructures poses a significant risk to any IT system.
Proper management of infrastructure components ensures that only those who are authorized have access to critical data and systems. It takes advantage of advanced access management solutions.
Steering Clear of Expensive Non-compliance Issues
Also, speaking of compliance with industry regulations, what proper IT infrastructure management does to help is offer an all-encompassing view of your physical hardware and software. It will cover everything from the necessary licenses to support levels and statuses.
For instance, yes, there are open-source software applications available. And they’re free to use. Aren’t they great for cost savings? They are. However, they can also introduce challenges. It’s especially true when it comes to compliance as well as support. If your proprietary systems can steer clear of open-source components, the better. Remember: non-compliance penalties can be high!
When you can shed light on the usage patterns and licenses of the software programs in your arsenal, you can view the potential impact of a specific application on compliance and support. You can avoid penalties while upholding a high standard of ethical fusage in your business operation.
Keeping Remote Work Environments Secure
Remote work is on the rise. In fact, 35.13 million people in the US worked remotely, according to a August 2024 report. And there’s no sign of slowing down for this revolutionary setup. However, it also introduced new cybersecurity challenges.
You’d want your distributed teams to gain secure access to your company’s systems and data using their mobile devices. But how do you do it without compromising sensitive information? That’s where IT infrastructure management comes in and greatly helps.
Successful infrastructure management teams deploy Virtual Private Networks or VPNs as well as multi-factor authentication. Endpoint protection solutions are usually utilized, too. What do these measures do? They secure your IT environment for your remote workforce.
Building a Robust Disaster Recovery Plan
Of course, cyber threats are everywhere and can hit you anytime. No system is immune to them. And that’s why a resilient disaster recovery plan is crucial.
Proper IT infrastructure management is also about creating a plan for your company to recover from data breaches or ransomware attacks quickly. And it doesn’t only create a strategy, it also guides you in maintaining your current recovery system. The result? A more resilient business that ensures minimal downtime while being able to restore operations rapidly when needed.
Conclusion
IT infrastructure management done right translates to a more robust cybersecurity. There’s no doubt about that. That’s why businesses must approach it proactively and comprehensively. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated so never leave safeguarding your systems to chance.
Need guidance in managing your IT infrastructure and improving your cybersecurity? Consider partnering with IT infrastructure support specialists. With the right support, you can operate with more confidence!
(DISCLAIMER: The information in this article does not necessarily reflect the views of The Global Hues. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information in this article.)
