Common Tech Mistakes Small Businesses Face

Running a small business may sound like less work than running a larger one, but there is still plenty to keep up with for a small company. Something that is often left behind is the technology needs of a company. Who wants to fiddle with IT needs when there is more exciting tasks to be completed! Nonetheless, in order for a business to grow, your technology needs to expand also. But keeping an eye on technology can easily be overlooked. However, overlooking the maintenance of your technology can lead to common tech mistakes which some small businesses can fall victim to. Failing to stay current with your IT can actually set you back. To keep your business running smoothly it’s important to make your technology needs a priority.

Here are some tech mistakes to avoid for your small business:

Failing To Backup Your Data

Some businesses will consider since they are saving data to the cloud or their computer network that it is being backed up, however, that may not be the case. For example, if you are saving files in your Google Drive – and have no other back up program in place – that data is not being backed up. This is the same for data that is saved in your computer network as well. Unless you have a specific backup system in place you are in danger of losing your information if a disaster were to strike. It will cost more to try to recover lost data then investing in a program to backup your data.

Skipping Out On Hardware and Software Updates

We often have those little reminders pop-up about software updates becoming available. But how often do you remember to go back and run the update? If your software is presently running fine then maybe you are thinking the update can be done at another time. Nevertheless, waiting to run a software update can hurt your device or computer network. Many software updates include security upgrades that help to keep your computer safe from cyber attacks. It’s important to be proactive with your computer maintenance and run software updates when they come available. In addition, some business owners may consider if their software is up-to-date then the hardware is okay too. This is not always the case. Computer hardware is separate and not updating hardware can cause problems to your entire network system as a whole.

Less Importance on IT Security

Even if you are a small business, you have not fallen off of a hackers radar. You can still be prone to becoming a target of a cyber attack. Hackers aren’t picky and if they feel they can attack your company, they will. No matter the size of your business you will want to protect your sensitive data with an IT security plan. It can be more messy for your company if you are hacked and your information and your client’s information is stolen.

Not Providing Employees With Cyber Security Training

Employee cyber security training is a very helpful tool to not only your team members but for your business. Providing employees with the proper tools on how to be safe with their technology will help employees to be aware of when something looks phishy. It can help employees spot phishing emails or other types of attacks made by hackers. For example, if an employee is aware of the signs of a phishing email – they will know which links not to click on in these emails and will know not to provide personal information. This can protect your company from being hacked. It also keeps employees up-to-date about current technology scams.

Not Keeping Up With The Latest Technology Trends

Technology is definitely something that is always changing and constantly being updated. It’s important to stay in the know about the latest technology trends and applying those trends to your business. Some technology trends that are helpful are monitoring the dark web, utilizing cloud management programs such as Office 365 and Google’s G-suite, patch management, firewall protection and more. Staying up with technology trends is useful – it keeps you ahead of competitor’s and keeps you safe.

 

It can be overwhelming trying to avoid making tech mistakes for your business on your own. This is where SDTEK can help you. Hiring a managed IT service provider (that’s us!) can take care of all of your technology needs. We look forward to managing your IT while you focus on the success and growth of your company. Please feel free to contact us today to learn more about our IT services and how partnering together can help you achieve your business goals.

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.
April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.