The Future Workplace: Network Security and Routine Maintenance

Key Takeaways

• Keeping AV devices and software updated helps reduce security risks and compatibility problems.
• Routine maintenance helps identify issues before they interrupt meetings or daily operations.
• Managed AV services can include remote monitoring, network updates, and support based on the service agreement.

When it comes to implementing new technology into a hybrid workplace, properly taking care of your network and devices are often overlooked. Especially when employees are working from home, it is vital to ensure that they can seamlessly integrate into meetings and interact with employees as needed. When technology is old, not maintained and cluttered with unnecessary data, it hinders the ability for employees to be as efficient and productive as possible. It's important to consider network security and routine maintenance to create a secure, reliable digital workspace.

Network security ensures that your hybrid workspace is safe from outside interference such as hacking or information theft. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, over half of all cyberattacks target private businesses. This number is striking as it is often thought that hackers typically target large corporations. As employees use their personal devices and third-party applications more often, it's essential to safeguard important data and personal information. Many new platforms need to be protected within a hybrid workspace, such as online meeting rooms and chat spaces. Not only does network security protect internal data from breaches, it also guarantees that platforms available to the public, such as your website or log-in portals, are safe to use. 

Network security is a preventative measure, meaning it works to stop any issues before they can happen. Simple steps like updating routers, firewalls and anti-malware software can increase the extent of your security. In addition, changing usernames and passwords to harder-to-guess alternatives is another simple way to improve security, both at home and in the office. Without network security, the risk of devastating data loss and interrupting business activity increases. 

Routine maintenance is integral to maintaining the efficiency of any workplace technology. Regular maintenance saves your company time and money by ensuring that your software, hardware, and security tools are all up to date. When any piece of technology is outdated, it can impair the system's function, affect the other components and not work correctly. The more complex technology and complicated design solutions your business relies on, the more critical AV maintenance becomes. Without maintenance, systems can fail, and you may lose your initial investment in technology.

As technology has evolved, end users have opted into managed services programs with service level agreements (SLAs) from integrators to ensure their equipment performs seamlessly. A maintenance contract could cover technology and applications for room scheduling, video conferencing, equipment allocation, network updates, remote monitoring and emergency support. It is designed to ensure your system's potential problems are found early and resolved quickly, so your technology is constantly at its peak performance. By continually making sure your technology is working to the best of its ability, maintenance also elongates its lifetime and minimizes the chance of any unexpected damages.

Any technology connected to other devices or the internet can benefit from both network security and routine maintenance. AV Planners can provide you with the tools and expertise you need to integrate these tools into any workspace, remote, in-person or hybrid. Contact AV Planners to learn more about our services. Keep up with the latest news from AV Planners on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.