The start of a new year is the right time to pause and run a quick IT health check — not a full overhaul, just a focused review to catch risks, reduce waste, and prevent avoidable surprises.
Use this IT health check checklist to work through the essentials.
1. Confirm what you own — and who has access
- List devices (laptops, desktops, servers, networking gear).
- List software and subscriptions.
- Remove accounts for people who left.
- Reduce unnecessary admin access.
Over time, tools multiply, permissions expand, and nobody remembers why. Make sure there is one source of truth for hardware, software, and users — and review it quarterly.
2. Make sure patches and updates are happening
- Confirm updates are automated.
- Include firewalls, switches, Wi-Fi, and servers.
- Verify someone checks that updates actually succeed.
Most breaches are not “sophisticated.” They happen because a known vulnerability was never patched. Automate, monitor, and document updates wherever possible.
3. Test backups — don’t assume they work
- Confirm what is backed up (files, email, servers, cloud apps).
- Confirm where backups live (on-site, cloud, both).
- Perform at least one test restore.
Many organizations discover the truth about backups during a crisis. By then it’s too late. Put backup testing on the calendar for at least twice a year.
4. Strengthen passwords and MFA
- Turn on MFA for email, remote access, and sensitive systems.
- Remove shared passwords where possible.
- Limit admin accounts.
Compromised credentials remain one of the top causes of data breaches. Adopt MFA widely, strengthen password policies, and remove unnecessary access.
5. Clarify what happens during an incident
- Who do we call first?
- How do we isolate a device safely?
- Where are vendor/IT contacts stored?
- Is the plan documented and easy to find?
Document a simple, realistic incident response plan, review it annually, and make sure leadership knows where it lives.
6. Eliminate licensing waste
- Cancel unused licenses.
- Remove “temporary” licenses that lingered.
- Consolidate overlapping tools.
- Use features you already pay for.
Many organizations pay for software that they no longer use. In essence, these hidden expenses can add up, and it’s worth taking a look to make sure your organization is utilizing all of the tools you pay for.
7. Align tech with 2026 goals
- What are we trying to grow, protect, or improve?
- What tech may slow us down if we ignore it?
- What should be planned, not reacted to?
Use your health check findings to build a simple roadmap for upgrades, security enhancements, and efficiencies across the year.
Final thought: Why an IT health check matters in 2026
A quick IT health check now can prevent outages, security incidents, and surprise costs later. In short, small, consistently reviewed steps make organizations safer and more resilient.
When you partner with OptfinITy we take care of all of the above (and more) to help keep your organization secure and running efficiently. Contact us today for a free assessment.
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