Your Spring Network Cleanup Now Needs an AI Section
May 18th, 2026 by Brian Wakefield
Spring cleaning used to mean changing old passwords, updating outdated software, and making sure backups were working. We still need to do that. Now we need to add AI to the checklist.
As businesses experiment with new tools, there is a growing chance that employees are introducing platforms, plugins, and browser extensions that leadership knows nothing about.
Funny enough, that drive to create efficiencies can create new, worse inefficiencies that increase exposure.
A proper technology cleanup today should include:
Review AI Tools Already in Use
Find out what employees are using before it becomes a blind spot.
Check Browser Extensions and Plugins
Some tools may have access to more data than people realize.
Review Sharing Permissions
Know what company information can leave your environment.
Strengthen Security Basics
Passwords, MFA, endpoint security, and backups still matter.
Remove Legacy Software
Old tools create clutter and unnecessary vulnerabilities.
Evaluate Infrastructure
New technology can demand more from networks, systems, and storage. Like anything in our businesses, we need to keep adoption and dollars spent intentional. Clean systems are more secure, straightforward to manage, and better withstand changes and growth. AI bolted on can absolutely help firms move faster, but only if the business/network foundation is strong.
Posted in: AI