How to Outsmart 5 Common IT Support Pitfalls
Hey there. If you’re running or managing a business in town, you're probably wearing a lot of hats, and one of them might be the IT support hat. It's a heavy one, isn't it? Full of jargon, complexity, and potential pitfalls. But don't worry, we've all been there.
Here's a friendly heads up on the top 5 IT support traps that businesses in our area often fall into, and some simple, no-nonsense advice on how to sidestep them:
Playing Fast and Loose with Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity isn't just for the big guys. It's a big deal for every business, no matter the size. For instance, you might think that your small business doesn't need to worry about cyber threats, but remember the WannaCry ransomware attack? It didn't discriminate based on business size. In fact, ransomware attacks have increased by 80% year-over-year. And according to the Ransomware Taskforce, small businesses were hit by 70 percent of the attacks in 2021.
So, keep your software and hardware updated, use strong, unique passwords, and invest in firewalls and antivirus software. Don't skimp on it.
Forgetting to Back Up Data
Imagine losing all your business data. This is a common mistake that takes months or sometimes years to recover from. We don’t mean to play any scare tactics here, it’s just that this is way more common than it needs to be. Don't let it happen. Back up your files regularly or even automate it with cloud storage. This is like an insurance policy for your data. When it happens, you’ll be grateful you took this small step. Reach out if you want expert guidance this.
Sticking with Outdated Systems
Old software and hardware aren't just slow and annoying. They're a security risk. Many people try to get by with old systems because instead of justifying the cost of doing safe, solid business. Remember that big Equifax leak back in 2017? The culprit? An old vulnerability that just wasn't patched. It's like leaving your front door unlocked because you didn't feel like getting a new lock.
Keep your systems up-to-date. It's not about having the latest shiny thing, it's about efficiency and security.
Overlooking Employee Training
Your team isn't just there to do their jobs. They're your first line of defense against IT problems. Invest in their training. Make sure they know how to use your systems properly. It's not just about preventing problems, it's about empowering your people.
Naples, Florida, a small city just like ours, lost $700,000 in 2018. An employee fell for a spear-phishing attack. Take the time to train your employees. (We can help guide you on this.)
Flying by the Seat of Your Pants
When (not if) something goes wrong with your IT, you need a plan. With a reliable IT support team ready to go, you can arrange your business to prevent the worst. It's not pessimistic to have a disaster recovery plan, it's realistic and smart.
Avoid these traps, and you'll be well on your way to keeping your business running smoothly. Got any other IT pitfalls you've encountered? Schedule a free chat with a Eugene Networks engineer.