10 Easy IT Fixes to Protect Your Company’s Information Treasure Chest

April 7, 2011 - PRLog -- (Alberta, Canada)—Why is a company’s most valuable treasure—its vast stores of information—the most vulnerable and least protected?

Managers agree that a company’s most vital asset is information: data, documents, records, contracts, personnel files, contacts, policies, procedures, research, e-mails, notes, confidential correspondence, etc.

They also agree that if crucial data necessary for the day-to-day or long-term operation of a business is lost, stolen, damaged or hacked, the consequences could be catastrophic—even terminal. So why do most companies pay little attention to their information management systems?

“Most companies are flying by the seats of their pants when it comes to information technology,” says David Papp, author of “IT Survival Guide: Conquering Information Technology in Your Organization.” “The good news is that many potential catastrophes can be avoided by applying some high-priority IT fixes.”

Mr. Papp points out that until an information disaster occurs, managers and employees don’t realize how much their success depends on a well-functioning IT system. He notes, “People put more effort into protecting their credit cards or homes than they do their entire companies.”

As an international IT consultant, Mr. Papp has performed hundreds of information technology audits and assessments for both small and large organizations. Common to all of them are some basic IT solutions that can prevent significant IT failures. Quick-fix solutions include:

* Establishing routine data back up procedures
* Developing a disaster recovery plan
* Detailing an emergency communication protocol
* Creating smart solutions for data storage
* Ensuring sufficient IT system speed response and capacity
* Performing timely IT system upgrades to provide a competitive edge
* Maintaining documentation systems for passwords, serials numbers and more
* Formalizing an IT budget
* Devising a formal training program for IT personnel
* Scheduling periodic IT assessments and audits

“All it takes to protect your information vault,” says Mr. Papp, “are relatively small investments of time and money. Just imagine the consequences if you don’t.”

About the author:
David Papp is an international IT consultant with over twenty years’ experience in IT systems. He is a popular keynote speaker on numerous IT topics. Mr. Papp has a computer engineering degree from the University of Alberta and holds multiple industry certifications.