The Problem With “Forgotten” IT Devices

Every business has those IT devices tucked away in storage rooms, old drawers, or even still sitting on your network unnoticed. Forgotten devices may seem harmless, but they can pose significant risks to your business's security. Let's take a closer look at why these "forgotten" devices are more of a ticking time bomb than a harmless relic of the past.

Outdated Hardware: An Invitation for Trouble

Every piece of hardware on your network needs regular updates to stay secure. The problem? Unknown or forgotten hardware doesn't get those updates. Whether it's an old router still plugged in or a neglected server, these devices are easy targets for cybercriminals. Hackers actively exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems because they know these devices are rarely monitored or patched.

Even devices you're aware of can become a problem if the manufacturer no longer supports them. Once support ends, security patches stop coming, which means any vulnerabilities discovered after the fact remain unaddressed, exposing your business.

What can be done?

A regular IT audit can help uncover these forgotten or unsupported devices. By identifying and addressing outdated hardware, you can reduce the risk of security breaches.

Old Smartphones: A Treasure Trove for Cybercriminals

We've all done it – upgraded to a shiny new smartphone and tossed the old one into a drawer. While that old phone might seem like a paperweight now, it likely contains valuable data. From business emails to personal credentials, these forgotten devices hold a wealth of information. Worse yet, without proper tracking, you might not even remember where the phone ended up.

Before discarding or storing a phone, it's essential to wipe it clean of all data. A managed service provider can help securely erase data and ensure no sensitive information falls into the wrong hands.

The Hidden Dangers of Forgotten Hard Drives

Old hard drives, whether external or still inside retired laptops, are another common oversight. These drives might not look like much, but they often contain sensitive business information, even if it's several years old. The problem doesn't stop there, though. Many people discard, donate, or sell old computers without ever clearing their data. This means the next person who gets their hands on the device could easily access important and sensitive information.

The best way to deal with old hard drives is to store or have them professionally destroyed securely. A managed service provider can implement processes to track and securely handle retired storage devices.

Why "Set and Forget" Isn't a Strategy

When it comes to IT, "set and forget" isn't a strategy; it's a risk. Forgotten devices not only pose security challenges but can also slow down your network and waste valuable resources. Regular reviews of your IT infrastructure are necessary to identify these potential problems before they lead to bigger issues.

How we can help

Our managed services include comprehensive IT audits to identify forgotten hardware, assess risks, and implement solutions. From securely retiring old devices to patching and monitoring active ones, we'll help keep your business secure and running efficiently.

Don't let forgotten devices become your business's Achilles' heel. Reach out today to learn how we can help secure your IT infrastructure.