As we approach the end of the year, it’s crucial to ensure a smooth transition into the new year while effectively wrapping up ongoing projects. This period presents an ideal opportunity to review and finalize year-end tasks to set a solid foundation for the coming year. We’ve outlined key year-end duties for IT departments to facilitate and get a head start on this process. By addressing these tasks with diligence and foresight, you can ensure operational continuity and position your organization for a successful start to the new year. Please review the following essential tasks to help streamline your year-end activities and prepare for 2025.

Review all contracts for IT services, including ISP, Telecom, and SAAS subscriptions (Office 365, business apps) for rates and renewal dates.

Review all software products for End-of-Life dates and upgrades. This includes business applications and their foundational components (SQL Server, Server operating systems and environments, etc.).

Review all infrastructure hardware warranty and renewal dates.

Before creating a budget, review all future IT projects and needs for 2025.

Prepare a budget for the following year to reflect any planned upgrades or hardware changes.

Perform a Cybersecurity Assessment through a third party. 

Perform a security audit, including the annual Penetration Test (Pen Test), and ensure all stale accounts are disabled, passwords for service accounts are sufficiently complex, and review all group policies.

Review with your cyber security insurance that you are meeting all requirements for coverage.

Ensure that all software, including EndPoint protection and monitoring, is up to date and meets all current business requirements.

Review any changes in governmental compliance with regulations related to the business.

Perform annual security awareness training for new hires during the year. ICG has security training classes.

Review all internal IT infrastructure documentation and ensure that it’s up to date.

Hire independent parties to perform Health Checks around critical areas of your infrastructure and ERP. If you are looking at significant upgrades to your infrastructure and systems, ICG offers a full Technology Systems Review (TSR). This ensures your system architecture is current and compliant.

Review and test backup and disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.