As 2025 comes to a close, business owners face a critical question: Is your technology ready for the year ahead? The pace of change in IT is relentless so keeping tech resolutions at the front of mind is crucial. Cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated, software evolves, and compliance requirements tighten. A few proactive steps now can save you from costly downtime, data loss, and security breaches later.
Here are five essential tech resolutions to tackle before the new year:
1. Test Your Backups
Backups are your safety net, but they only work if they actually restore your data when disaster strikes. Too often, businesses discover corrupted or incomplete backups during a crisis when it is too late.
Action steps:
- Schedule a full restore test before year-end.
- Verify not just files but applications and system settings.
- Consider offsite or cloud-based backups for added resilience.
Think of this as an insurance policy for your business continuity. A few hours of testing now can prevent weeks of downtime later.
2. Perform a Comprehensive Security Audit
Cybercriminals love small businesses because they often lack robust defenses. Outdated software, weak passwords, and untrained employees create easy entry points.
What to review:
- Are all devices patched and updated?
- Is multi-factor authentication enabled across accounts?
- Do you have endpoint protection and email filtering in place?
A security audit is not just about compliance. It is about protecting your reputation and customer trust. One breach can undo years of hard work.
3. Review Your Software Licenses
Unused licenses are silent budget killers. Many businesses pay for seats they do not use or stick with plans that no longer fit their needs.
Why it matters:
- Eliminating unused licenses frees up funds for upgrades or training.
- Ensuring compliance avoids penalties and legal headaches.
- Right-sizing your Microsoft 365 plan can unlock features you are missing.
Take an hour to review your subscriptions. It is one of the easiest ways to cut waste and improve efficiency.
4. Check Upgrade Readiness
Windows 10 support is ending soon, and hardware refresh cycles can sneak up on you. Outdated systems do not just slow productivity. They create security gaps.
Questions to ask:
- Are your devices compatible with Windows 11?
- Do you need to budget for replacements in Q1?
- Are critical applications tested for the new OS?
Planning ahead avoids last-minute scrambles and costly downtime. Treat upgrades as an investment, not an inconvenience.
5. Invest in Employee Training
Technology is only as strong as the people using it. Even the best tools fail if employees do not know how to leverage them or worse, if they unknowingly create security risks.
Training priorities:
- Cybersecurity awareness (phishing, password hygiene).
- Collaboration tools like Teams and SharePoint.
- New features in Microsoft 365 that boost productivity.
Empowered employees reduce risk and maximize ROI on your tech investments.
Start 2026 Strong
Don’t think of these resolutions as optional. They are essential for resilience and growth. A few proactive steps now can save thousands in lost revenue and hours of frustration later. Technology touches every part of your business, from customer interactions to internal operations, and neglecting it can lead to costly mistakes.
By testing backups, auditing security, reviewing licenses, planning upgrades, and investing in training, you are building a foundation that protects your data, empowers your team, and positions your company for success in the year ahead. These strategic moves are imperative to safeguarding your reputation, improving efficiency, and giving you peace of mind. The businesses that thrive in 2026 will be the ones that prepare today.
