May 05, 2025
A client recently asked me about the most common mistakes business owners make regarding IT and cybersecurity.
Where to start…
After years of experience with businesses of all sizes, the most significant mistake I observe repeatedly is treating IT and cybersecurity as an afterthought. Despite the constant news about data breaches, many business owners still underestimate the real risks of cyberthreats or believe that basic protections are sufficient. Unfortunately, that's far from the truth. A single breach, ransomware attack, or IT failure can devastate your business in an instant. Yet, many companies adopt a reactive stance, focusing on security only after an incident occurs, which is ultimately more exhausting and costly.
Another frequent error is assuming that free software is adequate. I understand the temptation; free antivirus programs, consumer-grade routers, and DIY security setups can seem like a smart way to cut costs, especially for small businesses facing inflation. However, those perceived savings vanish quickly when a data breach occurs, compliance fines are imposed, or critical client trust is lost. If you wouldn't rely on a free spreadsheet app for your business, why would you entrust your entire security infrastructure to subpar software?
Additionally, many businesses underestimate the cost of downtime. They often think they can afford to be offline for a few hours if something fails. But when your network crashes, your team may be unable to work for hours or even days, customers can't access your services, and you start losing money rapidly. A robust IT strategy is not only about security; it's also about ensuring operational continuity so that when disaster strikes (and it will to some extent), you're not left scrambling to recover.
Lastly, one of the most overlooked mistakes is failing to plan for the long term. IT and cybersecurity are not one-time investments. Threats evolve, technology advances, and hackers grow more sophisticated every day. If you're not consistently assessing, updating, and strengthening your security posture, you're already falling behind.
Ultimately, you need to safeguard what you've built.
So, what's the solution? Here it is.
- Stop taking shortcuts. Invest in professional-grade IT and security solutions instead of temporary fixes.
- Think long-term. A solid cybersecurity plan is not a one-off project; it requires ongoing commitment.
- Seek expert guidance. You shouldn't navigate the complexities of IT security alone. Surround yourself with knowledgeable individuals who can help you stay ahead of the curve.
If you're ready to take IT and
cybersecurity seriously, let's talk. Click
here or give us a call at (802) 331-1900 to book a free Discovery Call, and let's make sure
your business isn't one click away from disaster.
