It is common for small businesses to experience an increase in IT costs over time. While inflation could be a contributing factor, there are also several other factors that could be at play. 

Small businesses tend to outsource their support and associated managed services and rarely review their ongoing costs (OPEX). This means that they could be paying over the odds, or even worse paying for services that are not required. 

IT auditing made simple

Most small businesses with less than one hundred users have a remarkably similar IT profile, and their ongoing costs comprise the following:

* Microsoft 365 subscriptions

* Microsoft Azure subscriptions 

* Application software subscriptions 

* Support costs (helpdesk)

* Managed Security Services (AV/EDR, Mail/Web Protection, Patch Management)

* Data backup

* Connectivity

It is therefore a simple exercise for an independent party to determine whether a small business is receiving far value. For example, conventional support models are tied to headcount or the number of devices, whereas a growing band of MSPs is using a fairer consumption-based model. This means that if your business places low volumes of tickets, switching to a "pay as you use" based model could generate significant savings. 

Further savings can be unlocked by undertaking these steps:

* Ensuring that your Microsoft subscriptions are optimised 

* Identifying and removing duplicated cloud services - i.e. shadow computing

* Review your internet connectivity to ensure that you are subscribed to the most competitive deal 

Cyber Security Audit 

While regular IT audits include a security aspect, they are primarily focused on OPEX costs and determining value for money. However, in the current cyber threat landscape, it’s also worth conducting a full health check of your security posture by running an independent security audit.

A cyber security audit will help you:

Mitigate the consequences of a breach – It’s no longer the question of if you’ll be targeted, but when. A cyber security audit can help identify vulnerabilities before they become a breach and lessen the impact should an attack occur.

Prevent potential fines – A security incident doesn’t just result in lost data and reputational damages; it can also lead to regulatory fines. A cyber security audit helps you adhere to the latest regulations and standards.

Improve client trust – Supply chain attacks, where cybercriminals also compromise the data of the targeted company’s partners, are becoming increasingly common. By running a security audit, you show your clients that you prioritise cyber security and value the safety of their data.

Adhere to industry requirements – Compliance is an increasingly hot topic, so it’s necessary that you comply with your industry’s unique requirements. An audit helps you ensure you’re compliant on all fronts.

Support insurance policies – If you have a cyber security insurance policy, a security audit will strengthen your position should a breach occur because you can display that you’re actively investing in your business’s cyber security.

Unlock savings with an IT Audit

When you trust the experts to run IT and cyber security audits, you lay the foundation for your business’s future growth and success. At FOS.net, we help you do just that. Our audits are designed to be comprehensive and non-intrusive, so no one needs to stop working or turn anything off.

Let us help you harness the opportunities technology offers and book your IT and/or cyber security audit today.

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