Information technology (IT) is a critical factor that can aid the growth of a startup. Most small businesses need IT support services to scale their operations and utilize their employees maximally. Conversely, if you don’t have IT support in place, your business processes will not only suffer, your business growth will be stunted, and this will take a toll on your business objectives.
As a small business owner, it is pertinent to know and understand the IT channels that you are likely to face. This knowledge will enable you to prepare ahead before even facing the challenges. Technology is dynamic, even when you have the latest or newest technology to drive your business processes, the next minute a newer technology will hit the market.
To help you understand these IT challenges, we have put together the top 6 IT problems that small businesses face.
Let’s get started.
Top 6 IT Problems For Small Businesses
#1. Poor (or nonexistent) Network Security
One of the most critical areas that keep a business safe is network security. If you get it right with your network security, then you are a step away from gaining traction. Whether you have 5 employees or more, having a secure network is important for the growth of a business.
Cyber attackers or hackers can attack your employee data or business files if you don’t secure your network. Cyber attackers do not discriminate when attacking poor networks. They even prefer to attack small businesses because they know most small businesses do not have robust security to protect their network.
To overcome this challenge, ensure you train your employees in regard to network security. Ensure to enable your company’s firewall and so back up your business data. Lastly, endeavor to regularly change your passwords.
#2. Lack of Professional or Qualified Experience
This is another problem that most small businesses face as they strive to grow their businesses. Lack of qualified manpower to handle your IT network or IT Infrastructure can slow down your business growth. If you have the financial resources to hire professionals, then go ahead because the professionals will help you monitor your email and web hosting, server, data storage, and network maintenance.
If you don’t have the resources to hire experienced IT staff, you can outsource that department for reduced fees. Outsourcing your IT department will enable you to concentrate on other important aspects of your business. It will also help you develop new ideas and initiatives to better run your business.
#3. The Downfall of Old Technology
Nothing draws a business backward like having failed and slow-working IT systems, and not having the money to fix the problem. One way to resolve the challenge of using old technology is to purchase new IT Infrastructure, install them, and get them into operations. The newer your IT systems are the better for your business and its growth.
#4. No Data Backup / Backup Issues
Imagine you get to the office on a Monday morning and you immediately discover that all your business data are gone. This will not only devastate you as the business owner, but it will also impede your business growth. Backup issues for small businesses may be a result of overloaded routers.
So, how do you get your business working again? If you already have a solid backup plan without implementation, chances are you will quickly get back to business, but if you do not have any plans on the ground, it will take you longer to get back to business.
Unfortunately, the latter is where most small businesses are. We mentioned earlier that regardless of the size of your business, you need to put in place robust IT security and effective data plan backup. Failing to back up your data can cost your business a huge loss.
#5. No Mobile Device Action Plan
Lack of mobile device action plans can create significant security problems if they can access your business network. With a little budget to run your small business, an effective mobile device plan is important when solving common IT challenges.
Ensure you have a policy in place that will mandate your employees to password-protect their devices, install security apps, and encrypt their data. This will help to prevent fraudsters from stealing your business information when mobile devices are connected to public networks. Importantly, set reporting procedures for stolen or lost devices, and communicate the procedures to your staff.
#6. Hardware or Software Issues
Small businesses are also likely to face hardware and software issues. Unfortunately, when this challenge happens, a simple reboot of your laptop will not solve this problem. More so, if your small business doesn’t have the right tools and resources, this problem won’t go away anytime soon, and it will cause a significant loss to your business.
No matter how advanced, technology devices may appear, they all have a lifespan. The best thing to do is to learn the lifecycle of all your IT devices and know when to replace them to avoid a total breakdown.
Conclusion
More than ever before, cyber attackers are now more sophisticated and concentrating their efforts towards bringing down small businesses. Think of your business secrets, customer information, confidential information, and HR information you have on your computers. If this data falls into the wrong hands, how will it impact your business? Though there are cost-effective ways of resolving this challenge, you shouldn’t lose your guide.
Understanding the IT challenges that small businesses are facing or likely to face in the future is a critical step to grow and scale your business into a reputable brand. If you don’t have the financial muscles to hire and maintain an IT department, you can outsource that department to independent contractors or engage in IT support services. These will not only save cost, it will also save office space. In the long run, you should look at running your business by outsourcing critical department and maintenance remote teams.
And one more thing..
Regularly train your employees or teams on data or IT security protection. Failure to train them will make them vulnerable to cyber attackers or hackers.
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