Our 2025 IT Resolutions: Smarter Tools, Stronger Security

Decluttering Our Digital Tools

In 2024, we got a little carried away with the rapid expansion of AI tools, signing up for various content generation and coding tools that seemed promising at the time. However, as the year went on, we managed more accounts and tools than we could keep track of—many of which we no longer used or needed. If you’ve ever had a cluttered digital workspace, you know that it can lead to inefficiencies, confusion, and even wasted money. This year, we’re tackling that head-on.

What We’re Doing:

• Reviewing Accounts: We’re reviewing every account, tool, and cloud subscription to determine which ones are still necessary. Tools we no longer need will be canceled or closed to prevent unnecessary expenses.
• Organizing for Efficiency: We plan to consolidate tools where possible, using platforms that offer more features and simplify operations. This will help us avoid duplication and confusion.

Simplifying your tech stack reduces costs and boosts productivity. Eliminating clutter allows you to focus on the tools that matter most. For example, if you use multiple project management tools, consolidating them into a single platform like Asana or Trello can save time and reduce confusion.

Why It Matters:

• Cost Savings: Unused subscriptions and tools add up. A leaner tech setup reduces overhead.
• Improved Workflow: A simplified set of tools means fewer platforms to manage, leading to better productivity and less time spent navigating different interfaces.

By starting the year with a streamlined tech setup, we can more effectively monitor our tools, ensure they’re integrated properly, and avoid unnecessary complexity.

Strengthening Account Security

Account security is a critical aspect of IT management that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Cyberattacks are advancing; even minor vulnerabilities can expose your systems to risks. For 2025, we prioritize thoroughly reviewing and strengthening our account security to ensure better protection and peace of mind.

Our Plan for Better Security

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Every account, no exceptions. Adding this extra layer of security ensures that even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access is still prevented.
• Account Privacy Settings Audit: We’ll review the privacy settings on all accounts to minimize unnecessary data sharing and ensure that only essential permissions are granted.
• Backup and Recovery Methods: We’re double-checking that every account has a secure recovery method, such as verified secondary emails or phone numbers. This step is often overlooked but is critical for regaining access to accounts in emergencies.

The Google Security Checkup

We’re going the extra mile for our primary Google accounts by performing a complete security checkup. This includes:

• Removing third-party apps and services that no longer need access.
• Updating weak or reused passwords with stronger, unique combinations.
• Ensuring critical accounts use app-based authentication instead of SMS for 2FA.

The Importance of Simplicity in Security

When managing multiple platforms, account security can seem daunting, but simplicity is the key to success. By consolidating accounts where possible and centralizing management, we can reduce the risk of errors and streamline monitoring.

Why It’s Worth the Effort

• Reduced Risk: Stronger security practices lower the likelihood of breaches and unauthorized access.
• Compliance: For businesses in regulated industries, improving account security may also ensure compliance with data protection laws like GDPR or CCPA.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing your accounts are secure lets you focus on growth rather than worrying about vulnerabilities.

We’re preparing for a safer and more efficient year with a leaner, more secure account management system.

Overhauling Hardware Inventory

While our focus often falls on software and tools, the physical hardware that powers them deserves equal attention. Aging devices can bottleneck performance, introduce security risks, and limit scalability. This year, we prioritize a thorough hardware inventory to ensure our systems are efficient and ready for future demands.

How We’re Approaching It

• Creating a Comprehensive Inventory: This includes servers, workstations, networking gear, and peripheral devices. A clear picture of what we have helps us spot outdated or underperforming hardware.
• Prioritizing Updates: Some of our older servers still run legacy operating systems, such as Ubuntu LTS versions, which are nearing the end of their support. These will either be upgraded in place or replaced entirely with modern alternatives.
• Exploring Enhancements: For devices that are still serviceable, minor upgrades—such as adding more memory or swapping in SSDs—can deliver noticeable performance improvements without the cost of full replacements.

Why Hardware Health Matters

• Better Performance: Faster, more reliable devices reduce downtime and improve workflow efficiency.
• Enhanced Security: Newer hardware often includes built-in protections and is compatible with the latest security protocols.
• Cost Savings Over Time: While upgrades require upfront investment, they reduce maintenance costs and prolong the lifespan of IT systems.

Making Practical Decisions

For example, upgrading older networking equipment to support Wi-Fi 6 or 7 can dramatically improve connectivity in busy office environments. This investment boosts speed and ensures compatibility with newer devices. Similarly, replacing aging servers with cloud-native solutions might be more cost-effective for businesses with fluctuating workloads.

By committing to a hardware refresh in 2025, we’ll improve day-to-day operations and create a more scalable and secure IT environment for the future.

Hosting Environment Assessment

Behind every high-performing IT infrastructure is a reliable hosting environment. Whether it’s on-premises servers, virtual machines, or cloud solutions, keeping these systems updated and optimized is crucial for maintaining security and performance. This year, we’re diving into our hosting setup to identify improvements and ensure they align with our current and future needs.

Our Hosting Goals for 2025

• Routine Maintenance: We’re scheduling updates for all our servers and virtual machines, ensuring they run the latest patches and software versions.
• Server Upgrades: Some instances are still operating on older versions of Ubuntu. These servers will either be migrated to newer hardware or upgraded to the latest supported version.
• Performance Monitoring: We’re implementing enhanced monitoring tools to track server performance, identify bottlenecks, and predict when resources need scaling.

Why Hosting Matters

A stable and efficient hosting environment does more than keep systems running—it sets the stage for future growth. Whether supporting web applications, internal tools, or customer-facing services, optimized hosting ensures reliability, security, and scalability.

Example: Dealing with Legacy Servers

Take legacy systems, for example. Older servers might still perform adequately but often lack support for modern software. Upgrading these servers allows access to better features, stronger security protocols, and compatibility with new applications. It’s a necessary step for any organization aiming to stay competitive.

Cloud or On-Premises?

For businesses using on-premises servers, this is also a good time to evaluate a potential move to the cloud. Cloud hosting offers:

• Flexibility: Scale resources up or down as needed.
• Cost Efficiency: Pay only for what you use, eliminating the need for significant upfront hardware investments.
• Remote Accessibility: Ideal for hybrid or remote teams needing secure access from anywhere.

On the other hand, businesses with strict data compliance needs may find hybrid solutions—combining on-premises and cloud hosting—a better fit.

By addressing these hosting challenges now, we’re ensuring a solid foundation for the tools and services we rely on daily.

Building Internal Tools

In 2025, we’re doubling down on building internal tools tailored to our unique operational needs. Off-the-shelf software can only take a business so far; custom-built tools offer greater flexibility and are perfect for solving specific challenges. Last year, we began creating an internal asset tracker, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level.

Our Internal Tools Plan

• Completing the Asset Tracker: We’ve been using Vercel, a low-code platform, to develop a simple yet effective tool for tracking IT assets. This project will help us manage inventory, track maintenance schedules, and monitor equipment lifecycles—all from a single dashboard.
• Exploring Low-Code Solutions: Tools like Vercel and Bolt.new have proven invaluable for quickly prototyping and deploying applications. In 2025, we plan to test more low-code and AI-enhanced platforms to streamline the development process.
• Iterative Improvements: Building internal tools is not a one-and-done process. We’ll continuously refine and expand features based on feedback and evolving needs.

The Case for Custom Tools

• Efficiency Boost: Tailored solutions eliminate unnecessary features and focus on what’s critical for your workflow.
• Cost Savings: Compared to expensive enterprise software licenses, custom tools often cost less to develop and maintain in the long run.
• Scalability: Internal tools can grow with your business, adapting to changes more easily than off-the-shelf solutions.

Why Low-Code Platforms Shine

Low-code platforms, like the ones we’re exploring, allow businesses to build applications quickly without requiring a team of developers. They’re particularly helpful for SMBs with limited resources. For instance, a low-code platform can enable IT teams to create dashboards for tracking projects, automating workflows, or monitoring cybersecurity metrics.

By leveraging smart solutions, we can focus on what we do best while letting technology handle repetitive tasks.

Doubling Down on Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is no longer a nice to have—it’s necessary for any business operating in today’s crazy digital landscape. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and frequent, a proactive approach to protecting sensitive data and systems is critical. In 2025, we’re prioritizing cybersecurity by focusing on simplifying, securing, and strengthening our IT environment.

Our Cybersecurity Focus Areas

• Account and Data Cleanup: We’re starting with a comprehensive review of all accounts and data storage locations to identify unnecessary or redundant information. Simplifying our digital footprint will make it easier to secure.
• Implementing Stronger Controls:
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Ensuring 2FA is enabled on all accounts, particularly those handling sensitive information.
  • Password Management: Weak or reused passwords will be updated with strong, unique combinations stored securely in a password manager.
• Streamlining the Tech Stack: A leaner setup is inherently more secure. Fewer tools mean fewer points of failure, easier monitoring, and less risk of overlapping vulnerabilities.
• Regular Training: Ongoing cybersecurity training ensures the team is equipped to recognize and respond to potential threats.

The Cost of Complacency

Ignoring cybersecurity comes at a price. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024, the average cost of a data breach globally was $4.88 million. SMBs are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack the resources to recover from such incidents. By investing in preventative measures, businesses can avoid costly disruptions and maintain customer trust.

Why Start with Simplification?

A lean IT environment is easier to protect. For instance:

• Fewer accounts and tools reduce the attack surface.
• Consolidated platforms mean centralized security settings, making it harder for vulnerabilities to slip through the cracks.
• Streamlined workflows make it easier for IT teams to monitor systems and respond to threats quickly.

Practical Advice for SMBs

• Audit Your Digital Footprint: Review all accounts, subscriptions, and connected devices. Remove anything unnecessary to minimize risks.
• Invest in Tools That Prioritize Security: Platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 offer built-in security features that make managing and securing your data easier.
• Partner with Experts: Cybersecurity is complex. If you lack internal resources, consider hiring IT professionals like iFeeltech to audit your systems, identify risks, and implement safeguards.

By simplifying our tech stack, strengthening our controls, and emphasizing team education, we’re building a solid cybersecurity foundation for 2025.

Conclusion

As we embark on a new year, our IT-related resolutions are centered around one overarching goal: building a leaner, more secure, and highly efficient technology environment. From decluttering digital tools to upgrading hardware, streamlining hosting, developing internal tools, and fortifying cybersecurity, each step is part of a larger strategy to improve how we work and protect what matters most.

Why These Resolutions Matter

• Efficiency and Cost Savings: A simplified tech stack and optimized systems save time and reduce unnecessary expenses.
• Scalability: Up-to-date hardware and tailored internal tools ensure that our IT infrastructure can grow with us.
• Peace of Mind: Strengthened cybersecurity safeguards our data, systems, and client trust, reducing risks in an increasingly volatile digital landscape.

Actionable Takeaways for Businesses

If you’re inspired to adopt similar resolutions, here are a few practical steps to get started:

1. Set Aside Time for Reviews: Dedicate time early in the year to assess your tools, accounts, and hardware.
2. Prioritize Cybersecurity: Simplify your digital footprint, update security settings, and train your team on best practices.
3. Seek Professional Advice: Partnering with IT experts like iFeeltech can help you streamline your IT environment and implement the right solutions for your business.

By taking a proactive approach to IT management, 2025 promises to be a year of greater productivity, stronger security, and fewer headaches.

We’re excited about the path we’re setting for this year and encourage you to take similar steps to improve your IT systems. Have questions or need guidance? Contact us at iFeeltech to learn how we can help you implement these resolutions for your business. Here’s to a successful and secure 2025!