Here are the top 5 technology mistakes many small businesses make and what you can do to avoid them.

Since opening our doors in 2004, we’ve helped thousands small-medium sized businesses (SMBs) achieve great things with the help of technology. In like manner, we’ve witnessed companies make poor technology decisions that ultimately led to their demise. Investing in right technology is a challenge (particularly for SMBs) because it’s expensive and it moves at warp speed. Whether you’re a startup or an established business on the verge of making a significant IT investment, here are 5 mistakes you should avoid.

1. They don’t take cybersecurity seriously

Too many small businesses think that because they are small, they have the ability to fly under hackers’ radar. This could not be further from the truth. Cybercriminals recognize that SMBs don’t have the resources to invest in cybersecurity protection, so they target SMBs because they’re easy targets. According to SonicWall, 2021 there were 495 million ransomware attacks in 2020 and 714 million more in 2021. Similar studies show that 70% of these attacks were targeted at small businesses.

Below are a few quick reminders all businesses should be doing to protect their data and maintain their security posture.

2. They don’t invest in the RIGHT technology

Having been in business for over 18 years, we’ve witnessed situations where small businesses waste money on technology that ultimately doesn’t add value to their business. Technology is an expensive investment (especially for small businesses) so you want to make sure you get it right the first time. This is an area where a Managed Services Provider (MSP) can add value to a small business. Most MSPs cater to small businesses from all industries, so they’ll have the inside scoop on the latest technologies and should be able to make recommendations and help you invest in the right technology.

3. They don’t have RELIABLE backups

At least once a year we get a frantic call from a company who experienced a ransomware attack, and all of their files are inaccessible (until a fee is paid). If that company has reliable backups, they should be able to restore their data without paying a hefty ransomware fee. If the company does not have reliable backups, they’re forced to pay the fee or, in some cases, shut down their business. For adequate data protection, we always recommend the 3-2-1 Backup Rule, which suggests having 3 copies of your data on 2 different media platforms (external hard drives) and 1 copy of your data offsite (cloud-based).

4. They overstretch the technology lifecycle

Smart organizations set PC service lives at three or four years. There’s a reason. When businesses look at costs (particularly around a four- to six-year lifecycle) it may seem like it’s saving you money, but in reality, it’s costing you because support expenses increase over time. Keeping PCs longer than three or four years often results in repair and support costs that meet or exceed the price of new systems.

5. Their employees lack sufficient technology training

This is where the 80/20 rule comes into play. When it comes to technology, most employees typically only understand less than 20% of the features that a solution offers. This means that roughly 80% of the features (that you’ve invested in) are going unused. Most vendors offer free training, so it’s important to conduct training sessions for your staff whenever you deploy new technology.

Here are the top 5 technology mistakes many small businesses make and what you can do to avoid them.

1. They don’t take cybersecurity seriously

Always use MFA

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2. They don’t invest in the RIGHT technology

3. They don’t have RELIABLE backups

4. They overstretch the technology lifecycle

5. Their employees lack sufficient technology training

LET US SET YOUR MIND AT EASE, KNOWING YOUR FUTURE IS WELL-INSURED

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