Running a new business comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to managing IT infrastructure. Managing IT infrastructure is a significant challenge for SMEs. Without dedicated in-house IT expertise, many businesses stumble into pitfalls that cause costly downtime, data loss, or even security breaches. Are you unknowingly repeating the IT mistakes new businesses make? In this blog post, we'll delve into the top five errors often made, and more importantly, provide actionable tips to help you steer clear of them.
October 2024 is Cyber Security Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of cyber security across all sectors. Established in 2004, this annual campaign aims to educate individuals and businesses about the growing threats in the digital world and the steps they can take to protect themselves. For all organisations, this is a crucial reminder of the vulnerabilities they face and the significant impact a cyberattack can have on their operations. New businesses are often prime targets for cybercriminals.
Cyber Security Awarness Month October 2024
By participating in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, any business or organisation can gain valuable insights and practical tips to enhance their cybersecurity posture, safeguard their data, and ensure business continuity.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has a great tool for checking your Cyber Security and we would recommend everybody to spend a few minutes to utilise this tool.
And if you are a charity we recommend you take advantage of the Charity Cyber Awarness Month promotion and discounts which OCM are providing.
Not surprisingly there is an element of cyber security (but not exclusively!) in the advice below.
#1: Neglecting Cybersecurity Is Number 1 In The IT Mistakes New Businesses Make.
The Mistake: Many underestimate the threat of cyberattacks, assuming their business is too small to be a target. This assumption often leads to lax security measures, leaving them exposed.
Consequences:
Data breaches can lead to the loss of sensitive information, damaging your reputation and causing financial harm.
Malware or ransomware attacks can severely disrupt operations, resulting in costly recovery efforts and prolonged downtime.
How to Avoid It:
Implement Strong Password Policies: Ensure all employees use complex, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager for secure storage. Always change your password if you suspect it has been compromise and use the 3 random words advice.
Keep Software Up to Date: Regularly update operating systems and applications to protect against known vulnerabilities. Include your router/firewall as well.
Do Not Use Administrator Accounts for every day use: Enforce account separation and operate on a least privledge basis, a user should only have access to the IT resources they require to do their job, nothing more.
Train Your Team: Provide regular training to help employees recognise phishing scams, social engineering, and other cyber threats.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra security layer helps prevent unauthorised access even if passwords are compromised. Whenever you can deploy MFA , do so!
Invest in Security Solutions: Use firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems to safeguard your network. On every device (i.e. Windows and Macs) turn on the built in firewall even if your behind your office firewall.
#2: Inadequate Data Backup and Recovery Plans
The Mistake: Many rely on outdated or manual backup methods, often failing to implement a reliable data backup and recovery plan.
Consequences:
Data loss from hardware failure, accidental deletion, or cyberattacks can have catastrophic effects.
Without an effective recovery plan, restoring operations can take days or weeks, resulting in significant revenue loss.
How to Avoid It:
Automate Your Backups: Implement automated solutions to ensure regular, reliable backups.
Use Multiple Backup Locations: Store backups in several locations, including offsite or cloud-based storage, to protect against physical disasters.
Test Your Backups Regularly: Periodically test your backups to confirm that data can be restored efficiently.
Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan: Create a detailed plan that outlines clear roles, communication protocols, and recovery procedures in case of data loss.
#3: Overlooking IT Maintenance
The Mistake: Some adopt a “set it and forget it” approach to their IT systems, neglecting regular maintenance. This lack of upkeep can lead to performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and system failures.
Consequences:
Outdated hardware and software can slow down productivity and increase system instability.
Unpatched systems are more vulnerable to cyberattacks and malware.
How to Avoid It:
Schedule Regular Maintenance: Set up a maintenance routine for checks, updates, and system optimisations. Having a policy of installing all updates as soon as they are released works!
Monitor Performance: Use monitoring tools to identify potential performance issues early, before they escalate.
Replace Aging Hardware: Regularly evaluate hardware health and replace aging equipment before it fails. Remove equipemt that is no longer supported by the vendor i.e Windows 7 machines, old firewalls etc.
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#4: Ignoring the Importance of IT Policies
The Mistake: Without clear IT policies, employees may adopt inconsistent or risky practices, potentially leading to security lapses or compliance issues.
Consequences:
Inefficiencies and increased error rates from lack of standardisation.
Non-compliance with industry regulations, which can result in legal penalties and harm to your business’s reputation.
How to Avoid It:
Develop Clear IT Policies: Create comprehensive policies covering areas like acceptable use, data protection, password management, and incident response.
Communicate and Train: Make sure employees understand the policies, providing training and resources to support compliance.
Enforce and Review: Regularly enforce your policies and update them to reflect changes in technology or regulatory requirements.
#5: Failing to Plan for IT Scalability
The Mistake: Many focus on immediate IT needs without considering future growth. This short-sighted approach can cause scalability issues as the business expands.
Consequences:
An undersized IT infrastructure can slow growth and limit the ability to take on new clients or projects.
Without a proper plan, scaling up your IT can lead to inefficient and costly implementations.
How to Avoid It:
Evaluate Future Needs: Regularly assess your business growth plans and identify future IT requirements, including increased storage, employee growth, and new services.
Invest in Scalable Solutions: Choose scalable solutions like cloud services, modular hardware, and adaptable software to accommodate growth.
Plan for Upgrades: Develop a roadmap for upgrading your IT infrastructure, considering timelines and budget needs.
Consult Experts: Work with OCM to develop a scalable strategy that supports your long-term goals.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common IT mistakes is key to maintaining a secure, efficient, and scalable IT environment. By focusing on cybersecurity, backup and recovery, regular maintenance, clear IT policies, and scalability, new businesses can minimise risks while supporting their growth.
Investing in your IT infrastructure isn’t just about avoiding problems—it’s about positioning your business for success in a digital-first world. If you need support in any of these areas, partnering with a trusted MSP such as OCM can provide the expertise and resources your business needs to thrive. Click below for a free consultation
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