Recently, a NJ Transit bus was reported by several social media accounts to be driving down Route 23 South in Wayne, NJ…on Fire! Thankfully everyone involved was ok.
At BMT, we know taking preventative measures are key to avoiding potential disasters like this.
Business Machine Technologies (BMT) is dedicated to providing clients with the most comprehensive preventative maintenance. We know firsthand how these measures can play a large role in reducing network downtime and IT failures. Our managed service clients receive our World Class System Maintenance, a benefit that includes the continual monitoring of their systems. On top of all the work we do remotely, we provide at a minimum, monthly on-site checks to ensure there aren’t any warning lights that may have been missed.
Our Maintenance Program includes the following components:
Internet of Things Patching
We live in a time were the Internet is no longer made up of Computers and Servers. It now consists of any number of devices: IP Cameras, Network Printers and Scanners, Wireless Access Points, Thermostats, Smart plugs and switches, Garage Door Openers, etc. Hackers use these devices to establish footholds and launch further attacks from them. The work is tedious as there are currently no tools to automate this process, but we invest the time and resources to make sure it is done.
System Patching and Critical Updates
We ensure servers and PC’s are properly patched in a timely fashion. When a new patch is released it is a race against time as hackers now have the details needed to exploit unpatched systems. They don’t have to specifically target your systems, they just need to get someone in your organization to click on a link in an email or visit their website. Last year, the WannaCry ransomware attack was only successful because affected entities did not apply a patch released by Microsoft (59 days earlier). At BMT, we wait 30-days to make sure the patches themselves don’t cause issues and then roll them out around the 45-day mark.
Thorough Inspection and Patching of System Hardware (RAID, ILO/DRAC, UPS)
Another time-intensive task. In order to patch firmware on Server components it needs to be brought offline and restarted. Therefore, this work needs to happen on-site & after hours to minimize the impact on your business. We find many system administrators avoid performing these updates. Everything works now, why take a chance? However, with this thinking, when you do have a hardware related outage the manufacturer will insist these updates are applied before assisting. Now your systems are down and staff is idle while you catch up on preventative maintenance that should have been done previously and may have prevented the issue your currently facing!
Around the Clock Monitoring of Systems
We monitor changes to administrative groups with instant alerts. John Smith is now a member of the administrators group? Many times IT staff will make these changes to restore functionality for another program. The problem is, this changes now grants John with access to HR files he shouldn’t be privy to. With our monitoring you will be alerted of this changes. We also offer:
– Audits that review the continuous scanning for viruses/malware
– Audits of account lockouts
– Automatic alerts for software installs and hardware changes
Monitor/Clean up of Disk Space
All computer systems need space for temporary files. When available free space drops, bad things start to happen. That’s why we:
– Monitor systems to ensure ample space for programs to work properly
– Review systems alerts regarding disk space
– Free up disk space by cleaning up unused programs, files, or folders
Network and Firewall Protection
Do you know when a new device joins the production network? You can’t defend against what you aren’t aware of. For an aggressive defense we can block all new devices until they are approved for use. We routinely:
– Review Firewall logs and perform a system update
– Automatically remove inactive accounts or devices
Monitoring and Maintenance are critical components of a safe and secure network. Too often they are treated as chores – something in-house staff gets to when time permits. In many cases, these updates are simply not implemented. Management should take an active role in overseeing IT systems to ensure proper maintenance is being performed. If an outage happens due to poorly maintained systems, the company business and reputation are at stake.
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