Over the past year, technology failures have increasingly made headlines—not because of system outages alone, but because of their business consequences. Cyber incidents, operational disruptions, and data exposure events are no longer viewed as isolated IT problems; they are now framed as governance, risk, and leadership issues.
This shift is not theoretical. Insurers are tightening cyber coverage requirements. Regulators are placing greater emphasis on data stewardship. Boards are asking more pointed questions about access controls, incident readiness, and system oversight. The expectation is clear: technology risk must be understood at the executive level, not delegated entirely to technical teams.
January is often when these pressures become more visible. Policies reset. Audits resume. Insurance renewals surface new requirements. Leadership teams begin planning initiatives that rely heavily on systems, data, and availability.
What we see across organizations—regardless of size—is a common challenge: technology environments that evolved organically over time without a corresponding governance framework. Access accumulates. Systems remain functional but unexamined. Oversight exists, but not always in a documented or testable way.
Strong organizations are responding by reframing how they approach technology:
- Not as a collection of tools, but as a managed operational system
- Not as a cost center, but as a risk and performance lever
- Not as an annual project, but as an ongoing leadership responsibility
This doesn’t mean executives need to become technologists. It means they need visibility—clear answers to basic but critical questions:
- Who has access to what, and why
- How quickly could operations recover from disruption?
- What assumptions are we making about security, and have they been validated?
The organizations that address these questions early in the year tend to operate with more confidence, fewer surprises, and greater flexibility as new demands arise.
Technology strategy is no longer about staying current. It is about staying accountable.
Ask Rami:
Question: “What’s the difference between AI and automation… and do I really need both?”
Answer: Automation shines at straightforward, repetitive jobs. Think of things like moving files around, sending scheduled reports, or copying data between systems. AI brings the smarts. It can read emails, understand what a customer is asking, pull key info from invoices, or spot patterns, and predict what’s coming next. When you put them together, that’s where the magic happens. Automation handles the reliable, “always-the-same” execution, while AI takes care of the thinking and decision-making. The result is everyday workflows that go from basic and rigid to smart, proactive, and adaptable. That’s why using both is usually the real game-changer.
About Rami:
Hello, my name is Rami. I graduated from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL, with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. I continued my studies to earn a master’s degree in computer science, focusing on data analytics and AI. I am part of the AI & Automations team at IT360, where I help clients start their AI journey and build automations of all shapes and sizes, from custom solutions to implementing existing AI systems into their business. Outside of work and the constantly evolving landscape of AI, I enjoy spending time outdoors fishing (which is more like casting, because I don’t do much catching) and tinkering with electronics
Did you know?
“The average cost of a data breach in the U.S. now exceeds $9 million, and organizations with tested incident response plans reduce breach costs by over 50%.”
— IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report
“Over 60% of organizations renewing cyber insurance in the past year were required to demonstrate stronger access controls, MFA usage, and documented recovery plans.”
— Industry Cyber Insurance Trends Report
CyberSecurity:
Cybersecurity threats don’t take New Year’s Day off—and attackers know first quarter is prime time.
Why first quarter?
- People are distracted getting back into routines
- Password resets feel inconvenient (and get delayed)
- “Just this once” shortcuts become habits
Some of the biggest risks this time of year aren’t sophisticated attacks—they’re human ones:
- Reusing passwords because it’s faster
- Clicking “urgent” emails that look work-related
- Putting off updates because meetings come first
Here’s the truth: cybersecurity isn’t about fear—it’s about consistency. Small actions done regularly are far more effective than big reactions after something goes wrong.
A good first quarter mindset:
- If it feels slightly annoying but improves security, it’s probably worth doing
- If something feels “off” in an email or login request, pause before reacting
- If you’re unsure—ask (that’s what we’re here for)
Cybersecurity works best when it’s part of the routine, not a response to a scare. January is simply a reminder that habits—good or bad—tend to set the tone for the rest of the year. The best January tech wins are often small but strategic:
- Reviewing who still needs access to systems (and who doesn’t)
- Updating software that’s been postponed “until later”
- Checking backups to make sure they’re actually running—and recoverable
- Aligning technology with what your business is actually prioritizing this year
Think of it like cleaning out a junk drawer. Nothing dramatic—just removing friction before it slows you down.
Project spotlight
Our team recently assisted a land development company with a Microsoft 365 migration for six users. By transitioning from their previous email and productivity platform, the client gained streamlined communication, stronger security, and improved collaboration across their team. The migration provided unified access to email, calendars, contacts, and tasks, while also integrating seamlessly with productivity tools and offering scalable licensing options. With increased storage, multi-factor authentication, advanced spam filtering, and compatibility with archiving and backup solutions, the company now benefits from centralized management of resources and enhanced data protection—resulting in greater operational efficiency and peace of mind.
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