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If you’ve been looking for ways to maximize productivity in your IT department, you’re in good company. According to CompTIA’s IT Industry Outlook 2024 report, businesses of all sizes are prioritizing it too.
But all IT professionals know that a range of IT issues — network connectivity, data security threats, outdated hardware and software, you name it — can easily get in the way. To take your organization forward, you need to proactively get ahead of common IT problems and solutions, one by one.
With Atera’s all-in-one IT management platform, solving or proactively preventing IT issues is far easier, thanks to predictive AI and automation that can identify problems and suggest fixes when, or even before, they arise.
Let’s explore a list of the top 7 common IT issues that you are likely to face, how to solve them, and how Atera’s IT management solution can help you do it even more efficiently.
1. Network connectivity problems
Strong network connections are essential for an organization’s daily functioning, so it is not surprising that network connectivity heads the list of common IT problems and solutions. Common issues with connectivity include:
- Dropped connections
- Inability to access network resources
- Slow internet speeds
- High bandwidth usage
- High CPU usage
- IP address conflicts
- Cable issues
- DNS issues
- Configuration errors
- Security breaches
Causes of network connectivity issues
Problems with network connectivity can be caused by hardware, software, and disruptions from elements both internal and external to the network. The main culprits that should be checked are:
- Outdated hardware
- Interference
- Misconfigured network settings
How to solve network connectivity problems
There are several ways to tackle problems that arise with network connectivity. If you are facing issues with network connections, try the following:
- Regularly update and maintain hardware.
- Optimize network configurations.
- Verify that devices are not in airplane mode, then restart routers or devices.
- Upgrade to higher network bandwidth if you keep reaching your limit.
- Use network monitoring tools to identify and address issues promptly.
- If nothing works, check whether your firewall is too restrictive or if your system has been hacked.
How Atera can help
Atera provides robust network monitoring and management tools, enabling teams to detect connectivity challenges quickly and troubleshoot them remotely. Automated alerts notify technicians of potential problems with network connectivity, ensuring timely resolution.
2. Data security threats
Cybersecurity is another critical issue for IT-based organizations, and data security threats are increasing in number and scope all the time. Breaches put everyone at risk — your company, employees, customers, and partners. Common cyber threats that IT organizations face today include:
- Malware
- Phishing attacks
- Password hacking
- Ransomware
- Data breaches
- Supply chain attacks
- Denial of services (Dos)
Causes of data security threats
Cyber criminals are a fact of life for IT departments. It is important not just to focus on the offensive that they are putting to IT networks, but also to consider the defenses that you can put in place. Problems with those defenses are significant causes of data security threats, including:
- Inadequate security measures, including outdated patches
- Lack of employee training in cyber defense, leading to gaps in the security posture
- Outdated software
How to solve data security threats
Maintaining cybersecurity defenses demands nonstop vigilance. To prevent data security threats before they strike, take the following measures:
- Implement robust security protocols and regular updates.
- Create ongoing schedules for patching vulnerabilities.
- Conduct regular employee training on cybersecurity best practices.
- Decrease remediation time.
- Implement zero trust. Limit access to sensitive data only to internal and external sources that really need it to support your company.
- Use advanced security software and firewalls.
How Atera can help
Poor patch management policy is one of the most critical issues for IT teams today. According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, 85% of vulnerabilities tend to remain unremediated 30 days after their patches are available, and 47% after 60 days. Atera supports automated patch management to ensure all systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches, with minimal effort. Additionally, Atera integrates with leading security software, providing comprehensive protection against threats. It also offers tools for conducting security audits and vulnerability assessments.
3. Software compatibility issues
In 2022, organizations worldwide were already using an average 130 SaaS applications. A leading IT challenge is when new software is not compatible with existing systems. Examples of software compatibility issues include:
- Legacy hardware that needs to cooperate with innovative software
- Incompatible software versions
- Conflicting antivirus problems
- Driver-software incompatibility
- Web browser incompatibility
Causes of software compatibility issues
Integrating a wide range of software and applications while ensuring smooth continuity of IT operations can be tricky. Some of the causes of incompatibility in software are:
- Lack of standardization
- Outdated systems
- Poor planning
How to solve software compatibility issues
Ensuring compatibility between softwares demands regular monitoring and testing. It is far better to work proactively to identify and predict compatibility issues, rather than waiting till problems arise. Here are several tactics to effectively solve software compatibility problems:
- Perform thorough compatibility testing before software deployment.
- Maintain up-to-date systems and software.
- Develop a standardized IT environment.
- Deploy automated patch management.
- Uninstall software, plugins, and extensions you no longer use.
- Handle conflicting software products by trying to unify your IT solutions into a holistic one. For example, rather than deploying separate RMM and patch management tools, use an all-in-one IT management platform like Atera.
How Atera can help
Atera’s remote monitoring and management capabilities allow for extensive testing of new software in various environments. Inventory management tools that are included in Atera’s all-in-one solution assist in maintaining a standardized IT environment. Additionally, Atera helps to keep systems updated and compatible by automating software updates, solving this IT problem with peak efficiency.
4. Insufficient backup and recovery plans
Another big IT problem for many organizations is a sub-par strategy for comprehensive backup and recovery.
A solid backup strategy involves deciding which data to backup, where, how often, for how long, and how to replicate it when needed. Recovery strategies include a solid backup strategy — with special care for sensitive data — and clear ownership and communication plans for disaster situations. And just like with fire drills, it’s important to practice the recovery plan so it runs smoothly in the event of a data disaster.
Causes of insufficient backup and recovery plans
When backup and recovery plans are not robust enough for purpose, it could be due to:
- Over-reliance on single backup solutions
- Infrequent backups
- Untested recovery plans
How to solve the issue of insufficient backup and recovery plans
Backup and recovery is part strategy, part technical, and part teamwork. Ensuring a sufficient back and recovery plan involves a range of actions and tactics:
- Conduct a vulnerability assessment.
- Implement multi-layered backup solutions (local and cloud).
- Schedule regular backups.
- Perform healthy maintenance to prevent severe IT issues. For example, updating your cybersecurity software versions and taking care of hardware issues before they escalate.
- Document backup and recovery processes, and assign ownership to team members.
- Test recovery plans periodically to ensure effectiveness.
How Atera can help
Atera supports integration with popular backup solutions, facilitating regular, automated backups. It also monitors backup processes, ensuring they are completed successfully without IT problems. Plus, the platform’s remote access capabilities make it easy to test and manage your recovery plans, so you are always prepared to counter disaster scenarios if they should arise.
5. Outdated hardware and software
For many organizations, modernization is a challenging process. Using outdated technology can lead to some of the most frustrating IT issues, including:
- Slow or inaccurate performance
- Software incompatibility, especially with newer solutions that offer efficiency and scalability
- Security vulnerability
- Data loss
- Noncompliance with current laws and regulations
- More time maintaining and solving IT issues, less time on high value work
Causes of outdated hardware and software issues
In an ideal world, IT teams would only be using the latest, updated hardware and software. Unfortunately, in the real world, there are several reasons why this is not always the case:
- Budget constraints
- Lack of awareness of new tools or versions
- Complacency, or too busy with other tasks
How to solve problems around outdated hardware and software
Ensuring your technology is reasonably updated at all times requires ongoing monitoring of IT assets. Take proactive steps to keep in line with advancements in hardware and software, including:
- Regularly audit IT assets to identify outdated components.
- Update versions and handle IT challenges fast to prevent issue escalation.
- Educate stakeholders on the benefits of up-to-date technology.
- Explore unifying solutions to ease budget constraints. For example, an all-inclusive IT management software can offer both helpdesk and cybersecurity capabilities in one solution, making it easier to stay updated and relevant.
- Consider outsourcing some of your work to providers who have access to innovative technology.
- Plan and budget for regular upgrades.
How Atera can help
Atera provides an all-in-one, up-to-date, and AI-powered solution for IT departments. It includes an inventory management system that keeps track of all hardware and software assets, highlighting outdated components. Automated patch management ensures software is always updated. Also, the robust IT reporting tools help in planning and budgeting for upgrades by providing detailed insights into asset lifecycles.
6. User support and training gaps
In a CyberEdge survey of 1,200 IT security professionals from 17 countries, gaps in skill and awareness among personnel was shown to be the top barriers to effective cybersecurity.
Of course, cybersecurity is only one of the areas that insufficient staff training and support causes IT problems. There are plenty of other ways that training gaps can contribute to employee errors that ultimately lead to IT issues. For example:
- Employees mistakenly click on a link or open a file that contains malware
- Inefficient work processes and unsuccessful product deployment due to not knowing how to use innovative tools
- Unintentional damage to hardware or data
- Unnecessary heavier workload for your IT department, which might prevent them from working on higher value IT issues
- High employee turnover as staff move to workplaces willing to invest in training and support
Causes of gaps in staff training and support
While it might be tempting to focus on technical issues, many IT problems actually stem from people. Providing high quality, ongoing training and support is key to smoothing IT issues and preventing them in the first place. The reasons why some organizations are not providing the necessary training and support to staff could be:
- Lack of budget for training programs
- Lack of awareness of the importance of staff training
- Inadequate support strategies, tools, and resources
- Poor communication
How to solve gaps in staff training and support
Personnel problems can be solved with technology-based solutions, such as LMS (learning management systems). However, it must also take into account the human side of the equation, which means staying attentive to employees’ needs and requests. For example:
- Develop comprehensive employee training programs.
- Offer multiple learning methods to serve different needs.
- Provide a range of accessible support channels.
- Build a culture of ongoing learning and IT literacy.
- Reward new skill implementation by acknowledging the employees’ growing contribution to the company.
How Atera can help
Atera goes beyond IT management, with functions for scheduling and tracking training programs, ensuring employees are continually updated on IT issues and best practices. The platform offers a helpdesk and ticketing system plus remote support capabilities. Therefore, IT teams can assist users as they learn new skills, regardless of location.
7. Scalability issues
To wrap up our list of common IT problems and solutions, let’s talk about scalability. As businesses grow, IT systems may struggle to scale effectively. To give a few examples of scalability fails:
- Software products don’t offer automation solutions
- IT infrastructure can’t keep up with the added usages
- IT support team can’t keep up with the increase in tickets and inquiries
- Quality gets compromised in the rush to scale
Causes of scalability problems
Scaling an IT organization is more than the sum of software, hardware, and networks. It requires a shift in mindset and IT culture based on accurate strategizing, planning, and execution. Reasons why scalability problems occur usually revolve around issues like:
- Poor initial planning
- Rigid IT infrastructure
- Lack of foresight about IT requirements (including technology, resources, personnel, and budget)
How to solve scalability issues
Problems around scalability are first solved with the right planning and design. The physical execution and implementation will follow on smoothly. Doing scalability right will help prevent and solve issues down the road. Here are some key solutions:
- Design IT systems with scalability in mind from the start.
- Utilize scalable cloud services and infrastructure.
- Regularly review and adjust IT strategies to accommodate growth.
- Automate as much as possible without compromising quality.
- Develop a solid backup and recovery strategy. The more you grow, the more assets you have to protect.
- Launch strategic partnerships with tech companies and consultants that specialize in IT challenges surrounding scalability.
How Atera can help
Atera’s scalable cloud-based IT management platform grows with your business, offering flexible solutions for expanding IT issues and needs. The platform’s comprehensive monitoring and management tools support seamless scaling of IT infrastructure. Atera also provides detailed analytics and reporting to help plan and adjust IT strategies in line with business growth.
Solve common IT issues every day with Atera
So many companies are overwhelmed by IT challenges, they end up falling behind on the tasks that matter most for maintaining IT efficiency and scaling towards success.
Instead, IT teams that put an emphasis on continuous monitoring, updates, and employee training can move ahead of the competition more efficiently.
Atera’s IT management platform can be your partner in solving the most common (and more complex) issues that IT professionals face every day. With fast, easy deployment, you can get on top of your IT issues right away. Start your free Atera trial today.
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