The Top 4 Greatest Risks Facing IT Teams

Every IT professional knows that managing risks is part of the job. One minute you’re patching software vulnerabilities, and the next, you’re racing to meet compliance deadlines or managing an unexpected outage. The risks for IT teams are relentless — from systems failing to sudden regulatory changes that disrupt workflow — and it’s easy for vulnerabilities to slip through the cracks.

These risks shape how effectively your team can protect systems, maintain compliance, and keep business operations running. The stakes are high: A missed patch or overlooked compliance requirement could lead to downtime, data loss, or financial penalties. While the pressure to keep everything running smoothly is constant, IT teams also shoulder the responsibility of adapting to new demands, all while anticipating the next challenge.

So, how can IT professionals effectively mitigate risks without getting bogged down by reactive workflows? We’ll take a deep dive into the most pressing risks for IT teams and provide steps to strengthen your organization’s resilience.

1. Malware and cybersecurity attacks

Cybersecurity threats, particularly malware attacks, are a constant concern for IT teams. In 2023 alone, over 317.59 million ransomware attempts were detected globally. A single malware attack can result in stolen data, operational disruptions, and in some cases reputational damage that can take years to repair.

Malware attacks often exploit overlooked vulnerabilities, such as outdated software or unsecured endpoints. With the increasing use of remote work and cloud-based applications, the risks facing IT teams have expanded, making it even more challenging to monitor and secure all potential entry points.

Here’s why malware and cybersecurity attacks pose such significant risks for IT teams:

• Evolving Tactics: Cybercriminals continually refine their methods, making it harder to rely on traditional defenses.
• Data Theft: Malware often aims to steal sensitive information, including customer data and intellectual property.
• Costly Recovery: The average cost of recovering from a ransomware attack in 2024 is reportedly $4.88 million USD, not including reputational fallout.
• Widespread Impact: Malware can spread quickly, infecting multiple systems and paralyzing business operations.

Managing these risks requires more than just reactive measures. IT teams must adopt proactive strategies that minimize exposure and strengthen defenses, like:

• Regularly Updating Systems: Ensure all software, including operating systems and applications, is up-to-date with the latest security patches.
• Using Endpoint Protection Tools: Deploy advanced antivirus and anti-malware solutions across all devices, including remote endpoints.
• Conducting Phishing Training: Educate employees on recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts, a common entry point for malware.
• Implementing Network Segmentation: Limit the spread of malware by isolating critical systems from general networks.
• Monitoring Activity: Use tools that provide real-time monitoring and detection to quickly identify suspicious behavior and act before damage occurs.

Also read: What is Compliance Management Software? 7 Benefits and Key Features

2. Legacy systems and technical debt

Every IT team knows the frustration of keeping outdated systems operational. Whether it’s an aging server or software that hasn’t seen an update in years, legacy systems often feel like they’re held together by sheer willpower. These systems are more than an annoyance — they’re a significant source of risk for IT teams.

Legacy systems carry what’s known as technical debt, the accumulated cost of sticking with older technologies instead of modernizing. This debt builds over time, leading to issues like increased maintenance costs, compatibility headaches, and a greater likelihood of security breaches. For IT teams, technical debt can feel like a constant drain on resources, pulling attention away from bigger-picture projects.

Legacy systems pose the following risks for IT teams:

• Security Vulnerabilities: Outdated software lacks the defenses needed to handle modern cyber threats.
• Compliance Risks: Older systems may not align with updated regulatory standards, increasing the risk of fines or penalties.
• High Maintenance Costs: The ongoing expense of patching and repairing legacy systems often surpasses the cost of replacing them.
• Integration Struggles: Newer tools rarely play well with older systems, leading to inefficiencies and occasional disruptions.

Addressing legacy systems doesn’t have to mean replacing everything at once. A thoughtful, phased approach can help reduce risks while ensuring the organization keeps running smoothly. Here’s how IT teams can start tackling the challenges of legacy systems:

• Audit Your Current Systems: Evaluate which systems pose the biggest risks based on security gaps, operational importance, and maintenance needs.
• Prioritize Replacements: Start with high-risk systems that impact security, compliance, or business-critical processes.
• Use Temporary Fixes: Leverage automation and monitoring tools to extend the lifespan of aging systems while preparing for long-term replacements.
• Suggest Upgrades: Share examples of risks for IT teams with leadership, emphasizing the cost savings and improved performance new systems can bring. Work with other departments to ensure smooth transitions, minimizing disruptions during the upgrade process.

3. Overlapping and siloed tools

IT teams often find themselves managing a growing number of tools, each designed to address a specific need. While these systems are intended to make life easier, they can end up doing the opposite when they don’t work together. Overlapping tools, siloed data, and inconsistent workflows create extra work for IT teams and introduce new risks that can’t be ignored.

For example, if one system tracks compliance, another monitors vulnerabilities, and a third handles incident response, pulling together a complete picture can feel impossible. Not only does this fragmentation waste time, but it also increases the likelihood of mistakes or overlooked risks for IT teams, such as:

• Disconnected Workflows: Without integration, teams spend hours piecing together data manually.
• Visibility Gaps: Important information can slip through the cracks when tools don’t communicate.
• Redundant Spending: Paying for multiple tools with similar functions drains resources unnecessarily.
• Slower Responses: Fragmented systems make it harder to act quickly in the face of security or compliance issues.

Addressing these challenges requires a careful and deliberate approach that prioritizes both efficiency and collaboration. These risks for IT teams can be reduced by:

• Evaluating Existing Tools: Conduct a full inventory of all tools currently in use. Look for overlaps or tools that are underutilized.
• Choosing Integrated Platforms: Where possible, select platforms that combine functions, like compliance tracking and risk management, to streamline operations.
• Implementing Integrations: For systems that can’t be replaced, use APIs or integration software to connect them and reduce manual effort.
• Setting Clear Guidelines: Standardize how tools are introduced and approved to prevent duplication or unnecessary purchases.
• Engaging With End Users: Gather feedback from the teams using these tools daily to ensure changes improve their workflows.

4. Insufficient incident response planning

When incidents strike — be it a system outage or data breach — IT are usually the ones expected to react immediately. But without a clear and practiced response plan, those reactions can feel frantic and disorganized. The risks for IT teams lies in insufficient planning leads to slower containment, longer recovery times, and often, more severe consequences. Teams may also struggle to effectively communicate during a crisis, leaving key stakeholders in the dark.

The lack of a structured approach to incident response can escalate what might have been a manageable issue into a costly disaster. Delayed responses, unclear roles, and poorly coordinated efforts only make matters worse, damaging trust in the IT team and exposing the organization to operational and reputational harm.

Here’s why insufficient incident response planning creates challenges:

• Unclear Roles and Responsibilities: Teams waste time deciding who should take action during an incident.
• Miscommunication: A lack of consistent messaging delays resolution efforts and frustrates stakeholders.
• Prolonged Downtime: Inefficient processes extend disruptions, impacting productivity and customer trust.
• Failure to Improve: Without proper documentation and review, teams miss opportunities to refine their response strategies.

Effective incident response planning is so much more than reacting to problems — being prepared to manage risks for IT teams in a controlled, efficient way is critical. To avoid the chaos that comes with insufficient planning, IT teams can:

• Develop a Detailed Plan: Define roles, responsibilities, and clear action steps for containment, communication, and recovery.
• Regularly Simulate Incidents: Run realistic drills to test the plan, identify weaknesses, and improve team readiness.
• Use Automation Wisely: Deploy tools that can detect and respond to incidents automatically, reducing manual effort for non-sensitive issues.
• Review Each Incident: Conduct post-mortems to document lessons learned and refine the plan.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Include stakeholders from legal, communications, and operations in the planning process to ensure alignment.

Learn How to Eliminate Risk Reporting Challenges and Unlock Risk Intelligence

Mitigate risks for IT teams with Resolver

Managing risks for IT teams doesn’t have to mean operating under constant pressure. These challenges don’t just strain resources — they create vulnerabilities that can disrupt operations and erode trust. Resolver’s Compliance and Regulation Management Software is built to help IT teams take control, providing tools that simplify complex processes and reduce the likelihood of critical failures.

Our unified platform that helps to consolidate workflows and eliminate the inefficiencies caused by disconnected tools. By centralizing risk data, your team gains a clearer view of vulnerabilities and can prioritize issues based on actual impact. That means less time juggling multiple systems and more time focusing on solutions that align with organizational goals.

When incidents do occur, Resolver’s RCM solution helps you act with precision so your team can contain issues quickly and effectively. By integrating communication and reporting, everyone from IT to executive leadership stays informed and aligned throughout the process.

Request a no-commitment demo today and see how our solutions can help you improve efficiency and secure your organization’s future.