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# 6 Common Technology Problems Small Business Owners Face
6 Common Technology Problems Small Business Owners Face
Heather New
February 26, 2024
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Technology can provide a strategic advantage for companies in every industry when properly utilized. However, one of the biggest issues small business owners face is overcoming some of the common tech obstacles that hinder productivity. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to serious threats that can permanently shut down a business.
In today’s blog, we’ve outlined 6 of the most common technology problems small business owners deal with regularly and how you can either avoid or resolve them.
### **1. Failing To Meet Industry-Specific Compliance Requirements**
Many industries have specific regulatory compliance requirements that define how companies must organize and protect data. Common examples you might be familiar with include HIPAA, which regulates electronic medical data in the healthcare industry; FFIEC, GLB, and SEC in the financial services industry; and CMMC for companies that work directly or indirectly with the Department of Defense.
For a small business owner wearing many hats, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest compliance requirements, especially if you don’t have an IT or cyber security employee on staff. Missing a requirement cannot only lead to hefty fines and legal issues but it can also incidentally leave you vulnerable to a cyber-attack.
The best thing you can do is work with a managed services provider (MSP) that has experience in compliance for your specific industry. While compliance is not the same as cyber security, the two overlap, and an experienced provider will be able to help you bridge the gap, so you’re protected and meet any mandatory requirements.
 to get a FREE Network Assessment so you’ll know if you’re currently missing any mandatory compliance requirements for your organization.
### **2. Lack Of Strategic IT Planning**
One of the biggest issues we see is a disjointed relationship between the business leaders in the organization and the IT team. In this digital age, technology is an integral part of how a business operates. When business leaders, who tend to see the larger picture, loop in IT professionals, they can make informed decisions about what technology to deploy to make long-term growth and scalability easier and more efficient.
**Several areas in which your IT team should act as a strategic advisor are:**
* Optimizing business operations to streamline processes and improve productivity
* Selecting the best line of business software
* Upgrading old or outdated hardware and software
* Implementing cyber security best practices
* Deploying cost-effective and scalable cloud solutions
* Creating a predictable IT budget that doesn’t rely on break-fix solutions
### **3. Inadequate Cyber Security Protection**
Cyber security risks become more advanced every year. Decisions about cyber security should not be solely left to the IT department. These are business decisions that need to be made with the buy-in of the leadership team because failing to have a robust cybersecurity system and becoming the victim of a cyber-attack can be detrimental to a business. There are trade secrets, confidential communications, customer data, and employee records that are stored on your company’s devices that you can’t afford to have fall into the wrong hands.
**Work with your IT team to deploy a three-pronged approach that includes:**
**Prevention Strategies:** Do you have the right software and solutions in place, such as antivirus, firewalls, MFA, etc., to protect your organization from an attack? Are you regularly training employees on the latest threats and how to identify them?
**Detection Mechanisms:** This is a key piece that most small businesses neglect, which leaves them vulnerable. Do you have a process in place for detecting a breach, or would it go unnoticed until it’s a bigger problem? You should be conducting regular scans and monitoring, as well as employing endpoint detection and response tools.
**Response And Recovery Action Steps:** Do you have a plan in place if something goes wrong? Would your employees know what to do? You need to have an IT team supporting you that can identify and mitigate any issues quickly before the damage can’t be undone. Leaders in the organization should take this seriously.
### **4.** **Poor User Support**
If your employees are struggling with their technology all day, productivity will decrease. Using slow, outdated devices and software can be frustrating for employees, leaving them feeling less motivated and hindering their output. It’s even worse when you have unreliable technical support following the “get to it when we get to it” approach.
With the right IT team, whether that’s in-house staff, outsourced support or, more commonly, a combination of both, you can trust that an experienced technician with the tools and knowledge to quickly assist employees and solve problems will always be available to help.
### **5.** **Poor** **User Asset Management**
Managing access to various levels of data for each employee can be tedious and overwhelming in larger organizations. IT professionals can take on the role of managing and monitoring user access so that no one has access to data they don’t need, security policies are enforced, and accounts are constantly monitored for anomalies.
They can also assign new users, make changes to existing accounts, delete accounts, add remote users, set permissions on how employees can access the network, and more. This is particularly important when it comes to offboarding employees. Whether the employee is leaving on good terms or not, removing data access from someone who has access to sensitive information can be risky and needs to be handled with care.
### **6. Lack Of Training**
As mentioned, making sure your employees know how to use technology efficiently is paramount to productivity, but it’s also important for security reasons. All employees should regularly go through cyber security training to ensure they understand and are following best practices.
This is typically not the role of the business leaders in the company. Most often, they need refresher courses too. When you work with a reliable IT team, they’ll be able to regularly inform team members of new threats and what to look out for, run phishing simulations to test employees on whether or not they know what to do, and more. One training session is NOT enough! To build a cyber security–focused culture, you need to talk about it often.
Is it time to solve your IT problems once and for all?
We have your back. To get started, book a FREE, no-obligation Network Assessment. We’ll review your systems using our 9-Point Optimization Checklist to let you know how and where your organization can better utilize technology to grow.
To Schedule Your FREE Assessment, Please Visit  Or Call Our Office 877.407.7778.
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# 2025 Cybersecurity Predictions: What To Expect And How To Prepare
2025 Cybersecurity Predictions: What To Expect And How To Prepare !!
Cyberthreats have evolved so quickly that what once seemed like science fiction is now reality. From AI-driven cyber-attacks to the power of quantum computing, the cybersecurity challenges of 2025 are shaping up to be both innovative and unnerving. Here’s a look at some of the biggest threats on the horizon and what small and medium-sized businesses can do now to prepare.
## 1. AI-Driven Attacks: Smarter, Faster And Harder To Detect
Artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword in cybersecurity. While it powers sophisticated defenses, it’s also supercharging cybercrime. In 2025, expect to see AI do the heavy lifting for hackers, creating highly targeted phishing scams, developing malware that adapts in real time and automating attacks that evolve faster than traditional security defenses.
**How To Prepare:** Invest in advanced detection tools that use machine learning to spot these smarter attacks. Educate your team on recognizing AI-enhanced phishing e-mails that are eerily personalized and authentic. Staying one step ahead of AI requires your own tech arsenal, combined with human vigilance.
## 2. Quantum Computing: The End Of Encryption As We Know It?
Quantum computing, once just a theory, is progressing fast, and it has the potential to break many of today’s encryption standards. Unlike traditional computers, which process data in bits (ones and zeroes), quantum computers use qubits that can represent multiple states at once, allowing them to solve complex calculations far faster. This isn’t happening tomorrow, but by 2025, quantum advancements could already be chipping away at our data-protection defenses. Imagine hackers suddenly having the tools to crack even the most robust encryptions – it’s a game-changer.
**How To Prepare:** If you haven’t already, start researching quantum-resistant encryption. This might seem early, but early adopters will be better positioned as quantum tech accelerates. Make this part of your long-term cybersecurity strategy to avoid being left scrambling when the time comes.
## 3. Social Media Exploitation And Deepfakes: The Misinformation Machines
Social media is an incredibly powerful tool – for good and for bad. In 2025, we’re looking at an escalation in the use of social media to spread misinformation and carry out sophisticated social-engineering attacks. And let’s not forget about deepfakes, the realistic yet fake audio and video content that can be used to impersonate executives, customers or anyone else you trust.
**How To Prepare:** Build and promote a culture of verification within your business. Encourage employees to be cautious with unexpected requests – even those that look or sound legitimate. Training and awareness are your best defenses here, helping your team recognize the signs of manipulated content and social media scams before they fall for them.
## 4. The Evolution Of Ransomware: It’s Getting More Personal
Ransomware attacks are no longer just about encrypting your data – they’re also about leaking it. In 2025, double extortion is the new normal: cybercriminals not only lock down your systems but also threaten to publish sensitive information if you don’t pay up. And they’re targeting new sectors – think critical infrastructure, health care and supply chains, where the impact of a breach could be catastrophic.
**How To Prepare:** Double down on incident-response planning and invest in backup solutions that allow you to recover quickly without paying a ransom. Regularly test your backups and keep them off-network when possible to prevent attackers from compromising them too. Ransomware may be unavoidable, but being prepared will keep it from taking your business down with it.
## 5. Regulatory Changes And Compliance Headaches: It’s Time To Step Up
With cyberthreats mounting, governments around the world are tightening data protection and cybersecurity regulations. By 2025, businesses will likely be facing stricter requirements for data handling, privacy and incident response. Navigating these regulations won’t be easy, especially for businesses operating internationally, where compliance demands can vary widely.
**How To Prepare:** Stay on top of regulatory developments in your industry and region. Designate a team member or hire a consultant to track these changes and ensure your business remains compliant. Integrating compliance into your cybersecurity strategy not only helps avoid legal issues but also strengthens your overall security posture.
## Conclusion: Get Ready For The Future Of Cybersecurity
Cyberthreats aren’t slowing down – they’re advancing, adapting and becoming more sophisticated by the day. The best way to prepare? Start now. Equip your business with AI-driven defenses, explore quantum-resistant encryption, train your team on deepfake detection, fortify your ransomware response plan and ensure your compliance efforts are up-to-date.
If these predictions have you rethinking your cybersecurity strategy, now’s the time to act. Reach out for a **FREE Network Assessment**, and we’ll help ensure your business is ready to face the future of cybersecurity head-on.
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