A PC Audit Checklist From an IT Services Provider

Problems with your computer can arise at any time and make it impossible for you to remain productive at work. One way to be proactive about avoiding problems with your PC is to partner with an IT service provider who will follow best practices to keep your machines up and running. A good Managed IT services company will create a PC audit checklist to ensure your computer is running at an optimal level while also maximizing security.

Here are the top things an IT service provider should include in a PC audit checklist along with an infographic for your reference.

 

Keep PC System and Software Up to Date

Keeping your PC software and firmware up to date is important to protect against ever evolving cyber threats as well as fix functional bugs in your software. Downloading the latest software updates is also critical in patching vulnerabilities within your system, as cyber criminals will often attempt to exploit these weaknesses. An IT service provider will validate the latest bug patches and security fixes before installing them on your systems.

 

Maintain IT Security Software

The Internet offers countless benefits, but it also poses significant risks for users. Malware, ransomware, and viruses are only a few of the many dangers lurking on the Internet. One way to remain proactive against these threats is to install the latest IT security software available. A managed IT services provider will ensure this software is up to date and enabled on each computer.

 

Check Firewall Settings

A firewall plays a vital role in keeping your computer protected from a wide range of attacks. Microsoft Windows includes a built-in firewall, and you can even install another firewall for an extra layer of defense. An IT service provider will ensure that your firewall is turned on to give you the best protection against cyber threats targeting your network.

 

Use a Password Manager

Passwords play a vital role in keeping accounts safe. However, many employees will not give them much thought and just use weak passwords. These can be rapidly guessed by intruders by executing a brute force attack using a subset of all possible passwords. An IT service provider can circumvent this by creating a password policy for employees that requires them to use complex, or “strong” password for all accounts. This can be enforced by requiring everyone to use a password manager app to manage all of their account passwords. A Password Manager app also makes it much easier to manage and even help you generate multiple passwords. Since you only need to remember a single strong password for the manager, you also don’t have to struggle trying to remember the passwords for numerous accounts.  For more details read our blog post post ” Why you should use a Password Manager”.

 

Turn on Multi-factor Authentication

Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in your password manager to further boost the strength of your account access controls beyond just the password.

MFA refers to adding one or more authentication factors in addition to your password.

There are three types of authentication factors:

• something you know (a password, for example),
• something you have (a physical object), and
• something you are (a fingerprint or other biometric trait).

Today, the most frequently encountered implementation of MFA is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Most often it involves entering a numerical code you receive through an SMS text message. However, since hackers can easily intercept text messages, this is not the most robust approach.

Using an Authenticator app is much more secure because. When you use an authenticator app, you reinforce the password (something you know) with the token, smartphone, laptop, or smartwatch that you have, where the app resides.  For more information on using an authenticator app read our blog post “Why are Authenticator Apps Better Than SMS for 2FA”.

 

Encrypt Confidential Data

Cyber criminals are continually developing new schemes to access confidential data. All of this information is highly valuable on the dark web. One way to keep your data secure is to use tools to encrypt information stored on your computer. An IT provider will routinely inspect this data to ensure that it is encrypted to give you the best protection against cyber threats.

 

Back Up All Your Data

Use a reliable system to backup all the data on your PC, including your emails, at regularly scheduled intervals. In addition to the data stored on your PC, your cloud-based email data (via Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace) should also be backed up! A managed IT services provider can set up a backup system specially for your business needs to ensure your data is safely stored and can be quickly accessed if needed.

 

Want to Learn More?

Give our team at GSDSolutions IT Services a call at (650) 282-7695, or email us at getstuffdone@gsdsolutions.io, to learn more about how working with a managed IT service can help you optimize and maintain the technology side of your business.

 

GSDSolutions IT Services

GSDSolutions provides managed IT, data security, and virtual event management services for businesses across the Bay Area and Central Valley.  We follow best practices and work hard to earn your trust with a predictable cost model and help you keep your business running smoothly.

 

Related GSDSolutions blog articles

Using a Password Manager

• Why Should I Use a Password Manager?

Two Factor Authentication

• What is Two Factor Authentication and Why Should I Use It?

Data Backups

• Do I Still Need Backups?

Data Security

• What IT Managers are Worried about Now
• What should be in your Network Security Checklist
• Your Wi-Fi Security Checklist
• Guidelines for Small Business Cybersecurity