With the heightened awareness around the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we would like to share how Systems Engineering has prepared to handle potential upcoming challenges, as well as how you should be thinking through your approach. Over the years, we have worked with a number of our clients to develop Business Continuity Plans, applying critical thinking to how they would handle a pandemic scenario. These organizations are generally going to be better prepared to handle the uncertain path ahead. 

When it comes to managing networks, businesses often fall victim to assumptions and oversights. The reality is that the protection of information and applications is always evolving and, as criminals find new ways to exploit weaknesses, it's tough to stay one step ahead.

In 2022, a total of 62 million tons of e-waste was generated worldwide, which is enough to fill 1.55 million 40-ton trucks. This amount of waste would be sufficient to encircle the equator if the trucks were arranged bumper-to-bumper. The United States alone contributed a staggering 7.2 million tons of this waste.

Technology permeates every aspect of a business, which means optimizing your IT investments should be a top priority. This can be done through strategic IT budgeting and planning. However, the technology landscape is evolving at such a rapid rate; IT leaders must sort through a myriad of technologies and prioritize those that will drive the most value for their organizations.

Trends in Information Technology are continuously changing and, as a result, organizations are having to adapt to those changes. Let's look at the most prominent IT trends that are showing up today. 

Cloud-Based Modern Desktop

Many organizational networks are now cloud-based, allowing end users to connect from literally anywhere at any time, and with any device. Businesses who look towards enabling employees with a "Modern Desktop" environment typically want to meet these objectives:

Systems Engineering is paying special attention to a Cisco IOS XE Software Web UI Command Injection Vulnerability that was announced earlier this week. Also known as "ThrangryCat Vulnerability," it is serious enough to get the attention of the press. As quoted on ZDNet, "This vulnerability allows hackers to plant persistent "backdoors" on Cisco gear, even over the Internet, with no physical access to vulnerable devices."