Spring Clean Your Network: 7 Steps to Better IT Hygiene
- dsmith577
- Apr 5
- 2 min read
As the seasons change and we shake off the cobwebs of winter, there's no better time to give your IT infrastructure a much-needed refresh. Just like your home or office, your network needs regular cleaning to stay secure, efficient, and clutter-free. Whether you manage a business, nonprofit, or church network, practicing good IT hygiene can prevent downtime, reduce security risks, and extend the life of your equipment.
Here are 7 simple yet effective steps to spring clean your network and ensure everything is running at its best:
1. Audit Your Devices and Network Assets
Start with a thorough inventory. Identify every device connected to your network—computers, printers, access points, smart devices, servers, NAS drives, and even IoT gear.
✔ Tip: Use network scanning tools like Advanced IP Scanner or Nmap to detect rogue or outdated devices. ✔ Action: Remove or isolate any unknown or unused equipment.
2. Update Firmware and Software
Outdated firmware is a common entry point for cyber threats. Check your firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless access points for available updates.
✔ Tip: Schedule quarterly update checks moving forward. ✔ Action: Patch all systems, including operating systems, antivirus tools, applications, and network devices.
3. Review User Accounts and Permissions
Old user accounts are a security liability—especially if former staff, vendors, or volunteers still have access.
✔ Tip: Apply the principle of least privilege—give users only the access they need. ✔ Action: Remove inactive users, reset passwords, and verify access levels.
4. Clean Up Cabling and Label Everything
Cable spaghetti isn’t just messy—it makes troubleshooting harder. Take time to organize and label.
✔ Tip: Use Velcro ties and color-coded labels to make future maintenance easier. ✔ Action: Document your rack layout, switch ports, and patch panels.
5. Check Backup Systems and Test Restores
A backup that hasn’t been tested is a backup you can’t trust.
✔ Tip: Implement the 3-2-1 backup rule—3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite. ✔ Action: Run a test restore and confirm that all critical data can be recovered.
6. Tighten Network Security
Perform a quick security check:
Are your firewall rules up to date?
Are default passwords still in use anywhere?
Is MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) enabled?
✔ Tip: Review VPN access and remote work policies. ✔ Action: Scan for open ports and disable unused services.
7. Document Everything
Finally, write it all down. Having up-to-date documentation helps you—and anyone who comes after you—maintain the network efficiently.
✔ Tip: Use cloud-based tools like OneNote, Notion, or Google Docs for easy access. ✔ Action: Document IP schemes, VLANs, passwords (in a secure vault), configurations, and vendor support contacts.
Final Thoughts
Spring is all about renewal—and your network deserves the same attention as your workspace or storage closet. With just a little effort, you can dramatically improve the health, security, and performance of your IT environment.
Need help with a network cleanup or security check? Tamar Computer Consulting offers free consultations and full-service network audits to get you back on track.
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