A quick year-end IT check to boost security and start 2026 smoothly.

As the year closes out, IT often becomes an afterthought — until something breaks.

For small and midsize businesses, November and December are the ideal months to uncover hidden issues, tighten security, and prepare your environment for a more efficient year ahead.

A structured year-end IT tune-up helps prevent downtime, unexpected costs, and security vulnerabilities while ensuring you start 2026 with a strong, dependable foundation.

Below is a streamlined checklist your business can use right now.

1. Review System Security & Patch Compliance

Is every server, workstation, network device, and cloud system fully up to date?

Security vulnerabilities spike when patches lag — especially during the holiday season when cyberattacks increase. A patching review ensures you begin 2026 without inherited risks.

2. Validate Backup & Disaster Recovery Readiness

Many businesses assume backups are good — until they attempt to restore.

Year-end tasks should include:

• Verifying backup integrity
• Testing restore procedures
• Confirming recovery time/point objectives
• Ensuring offsite backups meet compliance expectations

This prevents costly downtime and protects against ransomware, accidental deletion, or hardware failure.

3. Audit User Accounts & Permissions

Old accounts create avoidable security risks.

Perform a full review of:

• Former employee accounts
• Shared logins
• Elevated admin rights
• Stale passwords or unused access

This quick cleanup dramatically improves security posture heading into the new year.

4. Evaluate Hardware Health & Lifecycle Planning

Outdated equipment leads to slowdowns, crashes, and unexpected costs.

Perform checks on:

• Aging workstations
• Unreliable storage devices
• Network hardware beyond its lifecycle
• Warranty and service expiration dates

Planning replacements now helps businesses budget accurately for 2026.

5. Review Software Licensing & Renewals

Licensing issues can trigger downtime, missed updates, or compliance risks.

Year-end is the ideal time to:

• Identify unused licenses to reduce costs
• Ensure legal compliance
• Review upcoming renewal dates
• Consolidate duplicate subscriptions

6. Assess Network Performance

Slow networks frustrate staff, reduce productivity, and increase support tickets.

Conduct tests for:

• Wi-Fi coverage gaps
• Bandwidth issues
• Firewall performance
• Congestion or misconfigurations

This is one of the quickest ways to improve your team’s daily experience.

7. Align IT With 2026 Business Objectives

Before 2026 begins, ensure your IT supports:

• Growth plans
• New technology needs
• Operational goals
• Compliance requirements
• Emerging security expectations

A brief strategic review now prevents disruptive surprises later.

Start 2026 the Right Way

A proactive year-end IT tune-up reduces risk, improves efficiency, and gives your business a clean slate for smarter growth.

If you want help reviewing your environment and preparing for a stronger 2026, Expedited IT Solutions provides fast, professional year-end assessments for SMBs.

👉 Contact us today at expediteditsolutions.com to schedule your technology review.