4 Technology Mistakes Small Businesses Make

Technology plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of both small and large-scale businesses. Having the latest technological equipment boosts your employees’ productivity, along with the overall customer experience.

That said, small businesses often overlook certain aspects of technology, which can be costly for them in the future. They also typically have more difficulty recovering from technology mistakes than their larger counterparts due to the sustainability challenges faced by small businesses.

So, how do you avoid these technological pitfalls as a small business owner? How do you ensure that your business remains ahead of the curve? The answer is to educate yourself on the common technological challenges small businesses face and take proactive steps to tackle them.

You’ll have an easier time making informed technological decisions once you understand what these challenges are. In this guide, we’ll explore four common mistakes that lead to technology failures in business.

1. Ignoring Data Security

Due to a small business’ limited resources, they become a prime target for cyber criminals, who continue to develop more advanced tactics to exploit vulnerabilities. Without robust security measures in place, even minor oversights can lead to severe financial losses and reputational damage.

Securing your data is paramount if you want to prevent data breaches and ensure the continuity of your business. Failure to prioritise data security puts your business at risk of being exposed to cyber attacks like phishing scams and ransomware.

To protect your business from these threats, take steps to enhance your cyber security and ensure that only your employees have access to your system. You can do this by regularly evaluating your system’s permissions, enabling 2FA, training your employees on safe browsing practices, and encrypting sensitive data.

2. Using Outdated Software

Technology failures become prevalent in small businesses when their software applications are outdated. This is because old software versions typically lack the latest security patches, leaving your system vulnerable to attacks.

You can identify the impact of using outdated software on your device through various signs. These signs include unusually slow performance, frequent crashes, suspicious pop-up ads, and compatibility issues with newer technologies.

To avoid technology mistakes like this, you can enable automatic updates where possible to ensure you’re always protected. For applications that don’t involve automatic updates, set a reminder to manually update them after regular intervals. Evaluate your operating system annually and upgrade to the latest versions for better security and functionality.

3. Neglecting Cloud Backup Solutions

One of the most common technology mistakes that small businesses make involves not leveraging cloud backup solutions. Losing critical data due to accidental deletion or cyber attacks can cause significant damage to your business, making it crucial to have a cloud backup.

If you’re relying solely on physical hard drives or local servers to store data, your business is exposed to potential data loss. For instance, sensitive customer information can be lost due to the factors mentioned above, which could disrupt your operations.

Cloud backup solutions are a must-have to prevent your data from being lost. They automatically store your data off-site and schedule regular backups to ensure easy recovery in case of any loss.

If you’re looking for a reliable cloud computing service provider in Northampton, you can check out Redpalm’s public cloud, redCLOUD.

4. Skipping Regular IT Audits & Maintenance

Oftentimes, small business owners neglect regular IT health checks or evaluations because they don’t see any immediate faults in their systems. However, failing to assess your IT infrastructure regularly can lead to long-term vulnerabilities, causing inefficiencies.

By proactively monitoring your IT services, you can recognise these vulnerabilities in advance, allowing you to implement the correct measures before they escalate. This minimises downtime and improves the overall performance of your system.

If you’re a small business owner, don’t skip regular IT audits as they can identify potential security gaps early on and help you to avoid unexpected system failures. They also ensure your business remains compliant with industry standards.

Contact Redpalm to Avoid Technology Mistakes

Using the latest technology can be a game-changer for your business. It’s key to not remain fixated on older methods and adapt to technological advances to ensure your business stays ahead of the competition.

Now that you know about the common technology mistakes small businesses often make, you may be looking for expert IT guidance. That’s where Redpalm comes in.

Redpalm is a managed service provider (MSP) and a trusted cyber security partner. We equip your business with advanced IT infrastructure to swiftly identify and neutralise any security risks.

Our wide range of services includes IT audits and health checks, technology procurement, vulnerability assessments, endpoint management, and more.To learn more about our managed IT services, click here or contact us to schedule an appointment today