As a business owner, you rely on your staff to use technology efficiently and effectively—but do they have the right habits?

Unfortunately, many people in the workplace can develop bad technology habits that can not only harm their productivity but also put your business’s data at risk. Here are five of the most common bad technology habits of staff people and how to address them:

1. Not Updating Software:

Many staff members fail to update their computer’s software on a regular basis, leaving the company vulnerable to security risks due to having older versions of programs that are no longer supported.

To help ensure everyone updates their software, remind them regularly and set up automatic updates to ensure that everyone has the most recent versions of their software.

2. Not Backing Up Data:

Another bad technology habit that staff may have is not backing up data regularly. It’s essential to set up a system for regularly backing up your company’s data to protect against any unexpected disasters such as a server crash or ransomware attack.

A ransomware attack is when malware is installed on a computer or network that restricts access to the data until a ransom is paid.

If you don’t have a system for regularly backing up your data, a ransomware attack can easily damage or destroy your files, rendering them unusable. To protect your business from ransomware, make sure you have a reliable backup system in place and update your software regularly.

Managed IT services can also help protect your business from ransomware attacks by providing regular updates to your software and monitoring your network for any signs of malware.

3. Not Securing Devices:

Leaving devices such as laptops, tablets, or phones unlocked for long periods or in public places could put your business’s data at risk. Make sure to remind your staff to always set up a password and not leave their devices unsecured in public places.

4. Not Deleting Old Data:

Storing old data on devices or servers takes up valuable space, leading to slower speeds and problems with the systems. This can allow time and space for hackers to work to destroy your systems. Remind your staff to delete files they no longer need and properly store important documents in the correct folders.

5. Not Protecting Privacy:

Your staff should also be aware of how to protect their privacy when using company devices or networks. Remind them not to share sensitive info, such as passwords or account numbers, with anyone outside the organization and that anything they post online is public.

Managed IT Services Can Help

While it can be difficult for business owners to stay on top of their staff’s technology habits, managed IT services can help. Managed IT services providers will work with you to ensure your devices and networks are secure and running optimally. They can also provide education and training for your staff on the importance of good technology habits, as well as how to practice them.

These are just a few of the bad technology habits that can cause serious problems for businesses—so make sure your staff is aware of them and how to correct their behavior. With proper education and support from managed IT services, you can keep your business’s data safe and secure.