Naughty or Nice? Are Your IT Systems Ready for Christmas?
Santa’s making his list and checking it twice. And you know what’s helping him? His team at the Department of Christmas Affairs. With cutting-edge technology, they make sure no child is forgotten, and every gift arrives on time.
Your business may not deliver presents worldwide, but you still need organized and efficient IT systems. With cybercrime on the rise this holiday season, phishing scams alone are up by 620%! Even small gaps in your IT systems can cause big problems. Take a lesson from Santa and check your IT systems (at least twice).
Are you on the “nice list,” where operations run smoothly, data stays secure, and employees are happy? Or are you on the “naughty list,” facing slow download speeds, broken hardware, and endless IT headaches?
Let’s find out.
Naughty List Warning Signs
If your IT systems are feeling more “bah humbug” than “ho ho ho,” it’s time to take a closer look. Here are some red flags that could land your business on Santa’s naughty list:
Cybersecurity Concerns
Nothing ruins the holiday cheer faster than a ransomware attack – and 52% of recent attacks in the past 12 months happened on a weekend or holiday. If you’re constantly worried about breaches and struggling to keep up with security updates, your business might be headed for the IT “naughty list.”
Frequent Downtime
Everyone loves a little downtime during the holidays, but when your IT systems are down, no one is relaxing. Outages are stressful and costly. If your systems go down frequently, your IT may be getting a USB stick full of coal this year.
Outdated Systems
Are your tools from tech’s version of the Ghost of Christmas Past? Outdated systems slow down your operations and create massive holes in your company’s security. That’s because old software doesn’t get updates to protect against modern threats, and aging hardware can fail at the worst possible moment. By planning to replace these systems now, you avoid big problems later.
Limited Scalability
Growing businesses need IT systems that grow with them. If your IT systems can’t scale to meet new demands, you’re going to run into issues. If adding new users is a constant headache, you’ve been stuck with the same tools since the early 2000’s, or you’re running out of storage space, well…don’t expect any presents in the server room this year.
Compliance Worries
The last thing anyone needs this time of year is another unexpected expense. If your company isn’t following industry regulations (knowingly or unknowingly), you could face some serious fines this holiday season. Regulations constantly change, and you need a strong, organized digital paper trail with consistent audit testing. Your compliance isn’t something you want to be checking only once.
How to Get on the Nice List
Getting off the naughty list isn’t as hard as you may think. With the right strategy, your IT systems can go from troublemaker to top performer. Here’s where to start:
Fix Cybersecurity Gaps
First, start by implementing security solutions like multi-factor authentication, encryption, and antivirus software. It’s important to understand that cybersecurity is not a one-and-done, but requires consistent updates and additions.
Reduce Downtime
Establish proper backup and disaster recovery systems to help you bounce back from an unplanned outage. By having clear guidelines and proper backup systems in place, you can make sure your business gets up and running after an outage while retaining all of your critical information.
Replace Outdated Systems
Your outdated systems are a performance and security drain. Create a plan with your IT service provider that addresses these systems, eventually phasing them out and replacing them with modern counterparts. This is part of a healthy IT asset management lifecycle, and something you need to get on the nice list.
Simplify Compliance
Work with your IT service provider to establish proper organization, access management, and security measures for your critical data. Your IT service provider should be able to assist you in compliance best practices and even perform mock audits on your data to ensure you’re ready for the real thing.
Plan for the Future
Your company is going to grow over the next year, and with it, your IT systems. Make sure you have a plan that spans the next few months. What hardware/software will you need? Are you planning on adding any new employees? What subscriptions need renewing, and what can be canceled? Taking stock now means setting yourself up for a successful new year.
Happy Holiday and Cheers to a Successful 2026
Need help putting your technology on the nice list? At The 20 MSP, we’ve been helping our clients for decades – taming misbehaving tech, simplifying compliance, and establishing strong cybersecurity. And the best part? It’s all included under a single, transparent flat-rate fee. Let’s get connected and make 2026 the year your IT systems work as hard as you do.
From all of us at The 20 MSP, we wish you a happy holiday and a successful new year!
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About The 20 MSP
As a leading provider of managed IT services, The 20 MSP serves thousands of businesses nationwide, including single and multi-location organizations, delivering white-glove service, secure and streamlined IT infrastructure, and 24/7/365 support. We believe in building lasting relationships with clients founded on trust, communication, and the delivery of high-value services for a fair and predictable price. Our clients’ success is our success, and we are committed to helping each and every organization we serve leverage technology to secure a competitive advantage and achieve new growth.
