How to Identify Unmanaged IT Risks and Protect Your Data

Today’s digital world has made it easier than ever for businesses to store and access large amounts of data. However, this also makes your organization more vulnerable than ever to cyber-attacks and data theft. Unmanaged IT risks can result in devastating financial losses and reputational damage. In order to protect your business operations, it is important to understand the potential consequences of unmanaged risks and take steps to mitigate them.

This blog will discuss how organizations can identify unmanaged IT risks, create a risk management plan, and implement solutions to protect their data from malicious actors. By following the steps outlined below, you can ensure that your company remains secure and compliant with applicable regulations.

Introduction

Unmanaged IT risks refer to the potential threats posed by hardware, software, and users that are not properly managed or monitored. These can include outdated software and firmware, weak passwords, unsecured network connections, lack of user authentication, and more. If left unchecked, these risks can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to confidential information, malicious code injection into systems and networks, system downtime or disruption of services, loss of revenue and reputational damage.

The Benefits of Addressing Unmanaged IT Risks

It is essential for businesses to have a comprehensive understanding of their IT resources in order to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities. By taking proactive steps to detect unmanaged IT risks and address them, organizations can:

• Protect confidential information and data
• Increase network security to prevent unauthorized access
• Reduce the risk of system downtime or disruption of services
• Comply with applicable regulations and laws
• Maintain a good reputation among customers and partners.

Steps to Identifying Unmanaged IT Risks

Step 1: Assess Your Organization’s Current Cybersecurity Posture

1. Analyzing Existing Policies and Procedures for Compliance Standards
2. Identifying Weaknesses in Your Network Infrastructure
3. Reviewing Software Versions & Updates on Devices to Address Vulnerabilities
4. Examining Data Access Controls & User Authentication Requirements

Step 2: Analyze Your Data Storage Practices

1. Identifying Unsecured Storage Locations for Sensitive Data
2. Establishing Policies and Procedures for Proper Data Management
3. Encrypting Stored Data to Prevent Unauthorized Access
4. Taking Inventory of All Hardware & Software Systems in Use

Step 3: Develop a Comprehensive Risk Management Plan

1. Building an Infrastructure for Monitoring IT Resources
2. Creating Policies and Procedures for Security Protocols
3. Determining Appropriate Response Strategies to Potential Threats
4. Establishing Clear Communication Channels with Employees and Customers

Step 4: Implement the Appropriate Solutions

1. Utilizing Software and Hardware Firewalls to Protect Network Connections
2. Installing Antivirus & Malware Protection on All Systems
3. Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication into User Access Controls
4. Establishing Training Guidelines for Employees to Follow Security Protocols

Step 5: Make Risk Management a Part of Your Organization’s Culture

1. Develop an IT Policy Framework to Drive Compliance Standards
2. Dedicate Resources Towards Regular Risk Assessments and Monitoring
3. Take Steps Towards Educating & Empowering Employees About Cybersecurity Practices
4. Make Use Of Resources For Further Information and Education on Unmanaged IT Risks

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined above, organizations can effectively manage their unmanaged IT risks and protect their data from malicious actors. By proactively monitoring and detecting threats, organizations can reduce their risk of data breaches, system downtime or disruption of services, and loss of revenue. Ultimately, by creating a culture of risk management that embraces transparency and accountability, companies will be better prepared to handle any cyber security issues they may face in the future.

If your organization is seeking assistance with managing unmanaged IT risks, contact an experienced cybersecurity consultant today to help you identify and address any potential threats.

References

• “What Are Unmanaged IT Risks?” Gartner, www.gartner.com/it-glossary/unmanaged-it-risk/.
• “Risk Management: An Overview” National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-30/rev-1/final.
• “Multi Factor Authentication Explained” LastPass, https://www.lastpass.com/how-to/multi-factor-authentication/.
• “Cyber Security Best Practices for Organizations in 2021” NortonLifeLock, https://www.nortonlifelock.com/internet-security-center/cyber-security-best-practices.html.
• “Data Breaches and Cloud Apps” Salesforce Security, https://www.salesforce.com/products/platform/data-breaches/.