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The Summer Tech Health Check Every Business Should Do

With staff taking annual leave, clients heading off on holiday, and office life slowing just a little (maybe?) now is a great time to set aside some time to do a health check on your tech.

Think of it like an MOT for your business technology. Taking just a small amount of time to review your IT setup now can prevent major headaches later. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to check, why it matters, and how you can make sure your business is protected, productive, and prepared.

Regular reviews help businesses avoid costly downtime, data breaches, or unnecessary software spend. Let’s dive into the checklist.

Your Summer Tech Health Check

 

  1. Review User Accounts & Access Permissions

Staff coming and going? Temporary logins created for short-term projects? It’s time to check:

  • Are there any inactive accounts that should be removed?
  • Do users have more access than they need?
  • Are any former employees still able to log in to systems?

Unnecessary or unmanaged access can pose a huge cybersecurity risk. Keep things clean and tidy with a regular user audit, especially across Microsoft 365, cloud storage and shared platforms.

 

  1. Test Your Backups

We’re big believers in the idea that a backup isn’t a backup until it’s been tested.

  • Are your files, emails, and systems being backed up regularly?
  • Are your backups automated and secure?
  • Have you tested the restore process recently?

A working backup is your business’s safety net, so make sure it’s actually doing what it should.

 

  1. Check Device Updates & Antivirus Protection

  • Are all laptops, desktops, tablets and phones fully up to date?
  • Is your antivirus software current and running scans?
  • Are your website plug-ins updated?
  • Are there any devices no longer in use but still connected?

It’s easy to forget about older or shared devices — but any one of them could be a weak spot in your cyber defences.

 

  1. Audit Wi-Fi Networks

If your team are using business Wi-Fi, guest Wi-Fi or shared working spaces, ask yourself:

  • Is your Wi-Fi network password-protected?
  • Do staff use a secure, encrypted connection?
  • Are there unused guest networks that could be closed down?

Wi-Fi is often overlooked but can be a major vulnerability if not maintained correctly.

  1. Update Your Passwords (And Encourage Staff To Do The Same)

Now is a good time to enforce a password refresh across all systems.

  • Use a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords.
  • Avoid re-using passwords across platforms.
  • Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

Even better: schedule a quick staff reminder or training session to boost password hygiene.

 

  1. Review Microsoft 365 Setup & Licences

Most businesses rely heavily on Microsoft 365, but are you really making the most of it?

  • Are you using all the tools available (like Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint)?
  • Is your licence package still the right one for your needs?
  • Are your permissions, sharing settings and user roles all correctly set up?

A quick review could help streamline workflows and avoid overpaying for licences you don’t use.

 

  1. Run a Cybersecurity Awareness Refresh

Cyber threats don’t slow down in summer. In fact, scammers often exploit holiday periods.

  • Share recent examples of phishing or spoofing emails with your team.
  • Remind staff what to do if something looks suspicious.
  • Run a refresher or short quiz to test knowledge.

Awareness is your first and best line of defence.

 

  1. Clear the Digital Clutter

Slow systems? Endless files? Confusing folder structures? Use this quieter time to:

  • Archive or delete old files
  • Rename and organise shared folders
  • Remove old downloads and install files

It’s like a digital spring clean — and it really boosts productivity.

Why This Matters for Highland & Islands Businesses

If you’re a business in the Highlands and Islands, you know how crucial it is to keep things running smoothly. Whether you’re managing a busy office, running a hotel or B&B, or coordinating a team of remote staff, IT is at the heart of it.

By doing a simple Summer Tech Health Check, you can:

  • Save time and reduce IT-related stress
  • Avoid downtime and costly cyberattacks
  • Improve your team’s digital working environment

 

Don’t Want to Do This Alone?

At sfG Software, we offer friendly, no-jargon IT support tailored for businesses across the Highlands and beyond. If you’d like a hand running through your Summer Tech Health Check or if you spot any red flags in the process – we’re always happy to help.

You can also request a free cybersecurity audit from our team, no strings attached. Just smart advice to help you stay safe and secure.

Let’s make summer stress-free for your business – starting with your tech.

Testimonials

Abbie McCahill

“As a small team, time at work can be quite precious so when there’s a glitch with a laptop or a computer, it can really be a nightmare. Prior to us having sfG Software to support us, if one of the laptops was playing up, I’d invariably get asked to look at it and the downtime involved would usually be significant. Now, we pay sfG a very reasonable monthly retainer and if anything goes wrong with any of our equipment, we’re all safe in the knowledge that we can pick up the phone to or raise a ticket with one of the experienced engineers and the problem will be sorted out with minimal disruption. I really wouldn’t hesitate to recommend sfG to any customers or associates and I’m really grateful to have sfG Software as an extended arm of our team! Thanks again for supporting us so well!”

Abbie McCahill, Managing Director
Adder Business Ltd, Inverness

Tony Lister

“Having just signed up to get sfG Software to look after our IT needs, I wanted to thank you and your team for what has been an exceptional onboarding process. Andy is a good listener and has very quickly helped increase our understanding of the benefits of Office 365 and helped set up our systems to work more effectively. We have already agreed a gameplan for further improvements and are delighted with his expertise and knowledge. We are confident that as our company expands, we have the right people in place to look after our systems and would happily recommend sfG Software to anyone wanting assistance with their IT needs. We look forward to working with sfG Software for many years to come.”

Tony Lister, Director
Hamish Homes, Inverness

Highland Hospice

“Your response was great including the swift site response and working through the situation to resolution. You clearly identified the fault, where the issue was and put future mitigations in place. All this reinforces our confidence in sfG providing IT support to the Hospice.”

Highland Hospice

Scott Anderson

“Can I also take this opportunity to say that every time we deal with sfG we are always impressed at the speedy, helpful and efficient response we get. In this post-covid day and age I am finding it increasingly difficult to find suppliers who live up to their word, but sfG always deliver.”

Scott Anderson
Masson Cairns Solicitors and Estate Agents

Freda Newton

“I am often reluctant to give references in case it all goes wrong but I have to say that the support from sfG has been the best that we have had and I feel that our systems are much more robust and professional having listened to their advice.”

Freda Newton, Managing Director
Jacobite Cruises, Inverness

Scott Murray

“We have been working with sfG for a number of years now, and have found their service to be attentive and efficient. Nothing is too much hassle, and if they can’t do something they are happy to make a recommendation for someone who can. Their pricing is great and, unlike some companies, we have never had a bill for “extras” that weren’t discussed before a project. All in all, a great bunch of guys to work with.”

Scott Murray, Managing Director
Cru Holdings

David Brookfield

“My experience of IT support companies was that they were broadly all the same and all very mediocre. Since moving our business to sfG I have changed my view entirely.

The changeover from our previous providers was seamless and since then the support we have received has been excellent. The personnel at sfG are very easy to speak to. We receive almost instant responses to our needs and help is provided even if the issue isn’t directly within their remit.

We are kept up to date with our usage and spend via the monthly activity reports which provide excellent statistics for our Board and all at a very competitive price. sfG are certainly a cut above the norm in the IT Support industry.”

David Brookfield, Head of Finance and IT
Centred

Mike Ayres

“sfG have provided IT support services to HighWater since 2011. The broad range of technical capabilities provided by their patient and dedicated support staff ensures that they are always able to respond to our needs in a timely and efficient manner. The accurate data provided by their support desk system ensures that they are able to provide HighWater with a tailored, cost-effective IT support package designed to suit the size and complexity of our company. sfG’s staff have gone above and beyond the level of support that I have typically experienced from other companies when we have had unforeseen out-of-hours IT problems. In summary, I couldn’t recommend them highly enough!”

Mike Ayres, Managing Director
Highwater

Dan Rose-Bristow

“We have used sfG now since 2015 and have always found the service to be friendly and professional. They cover periodic maintenance, ad hoc issues as well as upgrade installations. They often work with 3rd party suppliers and always facilitate any issues that this can bring. sfG look after our Office 365, server and networking, PC maintenance, switches and access points, wireless infrastructure, EPOS hardware and cyber security. I would highly recommend them as a business to work with and we appreciate the service they provide for us”

Dan Rose-Bristow, Owner
The Torridon

Sarah Fowler

“We’re a small charity that has muddled by without any formal IT support for many years, with frustrations and glitches ever growing! Our IT had really started to hold us back and interfere with our day to day work. It took around a year from us initially contacting sfG for us to finally take the leap and enter into an SLA. During that time they were incredibly patient, understanding and always happy to answer any questions we had. We’ve now made the move to Office 365, supported by sfG every step of the way. There’s lots still to do but they’re happy to work with us, at a pace that suits the team, so everyone can get used to changes gradually and avoid any additional pressures. I have no hesitation in reccommending sfG.”

Sarah Fowler, Chief Officer
Thriving Families

Brenda Dunthorne

“sfG have provided us with IT support for a number of years and we are always very pleased with their response time and the outcome of their advice. In addition sfG have supported us in some complex bespoke software developments which demonstrated their skills and determination to achieve the desired outcome. The sfG staff are always very polite and a pleasure to work with.”

Brenda Dunthorne, Director
In Your Element

Sarah Mackay

“Appointing sfG has been a wise business move for us at Canonbury Interiors. Now sfG handle all our IT issues, we are free to focus on our clients and what we do best.”

Sarah Mackay, Managing Director
Canonbury Interiors

Paul Wood

“We’ve been using sfG software for many years now for our back-office, server and IT support. Their fast, knowledgeable and reliable service has ensured IT failures and niggling computer problems are all, fortunately, a thing of the past!”

Paul Wood, Managing Director
West Highland Publishing Company

Dave McLaughlin

“As with most modern businesses we have become totally dependent on IT systems in all areas. Any break in service has a direct cost impact. We have been working with sfG for many years and their support is critical to our business. I would highly recommend their professional service.”

Dave McLaughlin, Managing Director,
Shandwick Supply Co

Daniel Murdoch

“We have been with sfG for just over a year now and their customer service has been first class from the first minute.  Initially, we probably weren’t their ideal client as we were just starting out, however during the first year of a business, the last thing you want to be worrying about is IT.  With a number of new employees and systems coming in throughout the year, sfG have been on top of all our needs and requirements.  Their response to any issue or query is within minutes and any issues which do arise are resolved well within their SLAs.  Their charging structure is very fair which sees us never overpaying for support which we don’t require or use throughout the year.  The team are all very friendly, personable and are quick to come and see us in person if required.”

Daniel Murdoch, Financial Planner
57 North Financial Planning

Bruce Farrell

“Without the help and support from sfG, I would still be staring at a screen now scratching my head.
The support they offer is above and beyond normal.
Extremely friendly staff, very understanding.
We required a specific bit of work done for our company and Andy was extremely helpful and did work behind the scenes that was outstanding.

The work he did will now save us hours of work.”

Bruce Farrell, Rope Access Technical Authority
Ethos Inspection Solutions