Back to Business: Key IT priorities every organization should focus on this fall.
Back to Business: 5 IT Priorities to Tackle This Fall
As summer winds down and routines reset, many businesses take time to refocus for the rest of the year. Just as students head back to school with fresh supplies and new goals, fall is a smart time for organizations to check in on their IT priorities.
Here are five areas that can strengthen your security, improve efficiency, and prepare your business for what’s ahead.
1. Review Security Updates and Patches
Outdated systems remain one of the easiest ways for attackers to gain access. In fact, over 60% of breaches stem from unpatched vulnerabilities (Ponemon Institute).
Make sure all operating systems, applications, and devices are current on updates and security patches. This is also the right time to assess upcoming end-of-life software (like Windows 10 in October 2025) so you can plan ahead rather than scramble later.
2. Refresh Employee Training
Cybersecurity awareness isn’t a one-time event. Employees are your first line of defense, but 90% of breaches still start with human error (World Economic Forum).
A fall refresher course — even a short workshop — can reinforce good habits and keep security top of mind. Phishing simulations and awareness programs go a long way in reducing risk.
3. Test Your Backup and Recovery Plan
Having a backup is one thing. Knowing it works when you need it is another. According to IBM, the average cost of a ransomware attack for SMBs is $4.54 million when downtime and recovery are factored in.
Schedule a fall test of your disaster recovery plan to confirm data restores quickly and completely. This reduces downtime in the event of an outage, ransomware attack, or other disruption.
4. Revisit Compliance Requirements
Regulatory frameworks and cyber insurance policies often update requirements annually. Fall is a good checkpoint to confirm your business is aligned — especially as insurers and auditors continue to raise expectations.
Noncompliance is costly: businesses that fall out of alignment face 2–3x higher breach costs than those that meet regulatory requirements (IBM). Addressing gaps early avoids year-end surprises and strengthens your overall security posture.
5. Plan for Next Year’s IT Budget
Budget season is right around the corner. Use the fall to review technology needs, hardware/software refresh cycles, and security investments. Gartner predicts worldwide IT spending will grow 8% in 2025, with security and cloud leading the way.
Building your plan now ensures you enter the new year with a clear strategy — and no last-minute scrambles.
Setting Your Business Up for Success
Fall is about getting organized and preparing for what’s next. By tackling these IT priorities now, you’ll strengthen your defenses, support your employees, and set your business up for a more secure and productive year.
Want a clear picture of where you stand? Contact RCG for an IT assessment tailored to your business goals.
