Proactive IT management: Predict, prevent, and perfect your tech ecosystem

Today’s businesses need strong IT infrastructures to ensure seamless operations, safeguard data, and keep us competitive. But with the increased prevalence of cyber threats and the complexity of managing diverse IT ecosystems, they face big challenges in staying ahead. 

To explore this topic, our recent webinar, Proactive IT Management: Predict, Prevent, and Perfect Your Tech Ecosystem, offered valuable insights into how businesses can better manage and protect their IT assets.

If you missed the live session, don’t worry! We’ve highlighted some of the key takeaways below, and you can always watch the full webinar at the link right at the end.

The importance of cybersecurity asset management

One of the main focuses of the webinar was asset management, a topic of growing importance as cyber threats become more sophisticated. Our expert speaker, Espen Dochy, Senior Technical Product Evangelist at Lansweeper, emphasized the critical need for organizations to keep a comprehensive and up-to-date inventory of all hardware and software assets.

As Espen explained: 

Understanding what devices are on your network and what software they are running is the foundation of any effective cybersecurity strategy.

Cybersecurity asset management is not just about knowing what you have: it’s about finding vulnerabilities and mitigating risks. Outdated operating systems, unpatched software, and unknown devices connected to the network can all serve as entry points for malicious actors.  

By using advanced asset management tools like those offered by TeamViewer, organizations can ensure they have full visibility into their IT environment, allowing them to proactively address potential threats.

Read more: Understanding remote asset management 

Addressing shadow IT

The concept of shadow IT was another key theme discussed during the webinar. In essence, shadow IT refers to the use of unauthorized devices, software, and services within an organization, often without the knowledge or approval of the IT department. While using your own devices can increase productivity by enabling employees to use their preferred tools, it also brings significant security risks.

To combat this, companies need to deploy solutions that can detect and manage the risks associated with this rise in device diversity. TeamViewer’s asset management capabilities allow IT teams to discover all devices connected to the network, ensuring that even unauthorized devices are found and managed, and reducing the risk of data breaches.

Read more: A closer look at the difference between shadow AI and shadow IT

Lifecycle asset management: Ensuring efficiency and security

Another critical aspect covered in the webinar was lifecycle asset management. Effective lifecycle management involves tracking the entire lifespan of IT assets—from deployment to decommissioning. By tracking when hardware and software reach the end of their support life, organizations can plan prompt upgrades or replacements, making sure that their IT infrastructure stays both efficient and secure.

Espen explained the risks of neglecting lifecycle management: