New technology implementations can be stressful for all types of companies, from small mom-and-pop shops to large corporations. Many companies have already made the switch to Windows 10 and are discovering ways to capitalize on the new features included with the upgrade. If you want to get the most out of your company’s Windows 10 upgrade, then following these tips can help you maximize its effectiveness to benefit your business.
Manage Updates to Install on a Regular Predictable Schedule
Updates are a major security concern when it comes to your operating system, but they can also disrupt your team’s operations if you do not configure a safe, consistent, and predictable update schedule. Windows 10 allows you to configure your update schedule, but, by default, they will start downloading as soon as Microsoft releases them. This applies to version updates and quality updates. Administrators can control when their systems will download these updates, allowing them to defer updates up to 30 days. A relatively low-risk buffer is seven to ten days; this allows administrators to schedule updates with minimal disruption to usual operations without leaving the system vulnerable to malicious attacks that target outdated operating systems.
Ensure Security Through Proper Identity and User Account Management
Every Windows 10 PC will need at least one user account, and devices running Windows 10 Business Edition can link to a Windows domain. This allows domain administrators to configure Active Directory, create permission groups, and essentially determine who has access to the system and what level of access each authorized user has. This creates multi-level security and streamlines access for your team.
Protect Your Data
Networking issues, software problems, and malicious digital intrusions into a company’s system are some of the most common data protection concerns among businesses, but physical data security is just as important. Windows 10 allows administrators to configure BitLocker device encryption for physical company assets. A company laptop forgotten in a taxi or a flash drive lost in a restaurant will be much easier to manage with properly configured BitLocker encryption on Windows 10.
Block Malicious Codes
Cybersecurity is a top priority for virtually every business; cyberattacks have grown in sophistication very rapidly, and Windows 10 Business and Enterprise Editions offer companies various security tools to block malicious codes from interfering with their systems:
Windows Defender, the included antivirus program in Windows 10. Companies that purchase Windows 10 Enterprise Edition can take advantage of Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection that uses behavioral sensors and cloud-based analytics to detect suspicious network behaviors and quickly alert administrators.
SmartScreen, a built-in feature that automatically scans all downloads and prevents any with malicious code from executing.
Assigned Access, which allows domain administrators to restrict the function of a single device to a single application.
These tools limit access to narrow the potential window malicious code might exploit to enter a targeted system.
Engage in Appropriate Networking
Domain administrators should configure Windows Firewall to adjust which applications and which users have access to different types of networks through the company’s system. For example, it’s possible to configure access to the domain network, private networks, and public networks for each of the company’s devices.
These tips can help your organization get the most out of your Windows 10 upgrade. Companywide implementations may entail some growing pains but taking the time to configure Windows 10 for your company in advance and following these best practices will help ensure maximum productivity and enterprise security.
If your business is still using a previous version of Windows, you should consider an upgrade. Windows 10 is now the default Windows operating system, and future software releases are not likely to include previous versions. It is incredibly important to have a strategy for this transition; diving into a major upgrade without a plan could prove to be very challenging.
If your organization is migrating to Windows 10 or Office 365, KnowledgeWave can help! We provide easy, affordable end user training for software and OS migration. Call us today and we can explore your options while helping with all of the considerations that go along with an upgrade.
You might also like these related Windows 10 blog posts:
- Why Your Company Needs a Windows 10 Upgrade Strategy
- Windows 10 vs. Windows 7: Differences You Need to Know
- Top 10 Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 10 Today
- Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts
