IT Misconceptions That Could Harm Your Business
Imagine a bustling small business, potentially yours, where the hum of computers and the click of keyboards create a symphony of productivity - all thanks to technology. Lurking in the shadows, there are misconceptions about IT and cybersecurity that can jeopardize the very foundation of this thriving enterprise. Our team of engineers and highly skilled employees have come together to shed light on these misconceptions, sharing their insights and experiences to help businesses navigate the complex world of technology. Through their stories and expertise, we will explore nine common misconceptions, unravel the truth behind them, and provide practical solutions to ensure your business remains secure and efficient.
Misconception 1: "Antivirus software is enough to protect my business."
Ray Hampton, Senior Engineer II of 16 years and counting, expands on a common belief that antivirus software alone cannot safeguard a business. He states, "While antivirus software is an essential component of cybersecurity, it is not sufficient on its own to fully protect your business." This misconception came about because antivirus programs primarily target malware, but they fall short against phishing scams, social engineering attacks, and other non-malware threats. “Relying solely on antivirus software can create a false sense of security, leading to complacency in other critical areas of cybersecurity.” Hampton explains.
To effectively protect a business, a “multi-layered approach is essential” - this includes using antivirus software as part of a broader security suite, implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems, regularly updating and patching software, providing ongoing cybersecurity training for employees, using strong authentication methods, backing up data securely, and maintaining an incident response plan.
Misconception 2: "IT upgrades can wait until something breaks."
Hampton continues further on the flawed notion that IT upgrades can be postponed until a system fails. He states, “Delaying upgrades can lead to network issues and critical system failures.” The adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" does not apply in the technology world. “Older software and systems are more vulnerable to cybersecurity exploits, as seen with outdated operating systems like Windows 7 Pro and the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025.”
Proactive upgrades are essential to avoid security vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with newer technologies. Hampton continues, “Businesses should roadmap upgrades to allow for proper budgeting, prepare for potential software incompatibilities, and maintain regular updates to keep systems secure and efficient.”
Misconception 3: "Our employees are tech-savvy; we do not need IT support."
Josh Orlopp, Apple Systems Administrator and 13 years at River Run, voices the belief that tech-savvy employees cannot eliminate the need for IT support. While employees may be proficient with technology, Orlopp goes on, “Technology is always evolving, a level of ingenuity and willingness to learn as things change will help most employees continue to be productive but there will come times were a specialist is needed to complete higher-level tasks and be available to answer questions to keep your employees focused on their main productivity goals instead of spending critical time researching a fix or new method for something that might not be job-related.”
IT support is crucial for handling higher-level tasks, troubleshooting complex issues, and allowing employees to focus on their primary productivity goals instead of spending time on IT problems.
Misconception 4: "IT support is too expensive for small businesses."
Dave Bullis, Account Executive of 14 years, contests the misconception that IT support is prohibitively expensive for small businesses. In reality, “the cost of not having IT support can be much higher.” Systems that are not regularly updated can perform poorly or be breached, leading to significant financial and operational (time) losses. Investing in IT support ensures that systems run smoothly and securely, ultimately saving money in the long run. “Think of it as another form of insurance for your business and your assets.”
Misconception 5: "A strong password is all the security I need."
Plain and simple, “a strong password alone is insufficient to protect online accounts from cyber threats” asserts Hampton. Even the most complex passwords can be compromised through various methods. Cybercriminals use advanced tools to crack passwords, especially those following predictable patterns. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is crucial as it adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional identification.
“Best practices for password security include using long, unique passwords for each account, enabling password policies with complexity requirements, avoiding password reuse, and using password managers to generate and store complex passwords.”
Misconception 6: "Once implemented, IT systems take care of themselves."
“Like a car or any machinery” Orlopp says “they require regular maintenance, IT systems need ongoing updates and maintenance to function correctly and defend against new threats just like them”. The digital landscape is constantly changing, and regular maintenance helps keep systems secure and efficient.
Misconception 7: "IT compliance is optional."
Terrie Beede proclaims that IT compliance is not optional. “Compliance is a requirement”, whether legal, contractual, or as a prerequisite for contract eligibility. Security compliance frameworks represent best practices and policies to ensure an organization's cyber safety. Adhering to these frameworks reduces risk, fosters a culture of security awareness, and can be crucial for obtaining cyber insurance and maintaining business relationships.
Beede strongly suggests modifying the premise statement to: "If my business is not subject to a formal compliance requirement, then pursuing an IT Security Compliance Framework is optional." This highlights the misconception that businesses without formal requirements can opt out of compliance frameworks. Beede, our resident CIO/CISO, shares some key considerations for IT Compliance.
Key Considerations for IT Compliance:
- Security Compliance Frameworks: These frameworks are based on real-world observations and experiences, representing the industry's best practices. Opting out of these standards increases an organization's risk, which must be factored into their business and security postures.
- Organizational Discipline and Culture: Adherence to a security compliance framework fosters a culture of awareness, responsibility, and discipline regarding IT security. This benefits the organization, its clients, and its employees.
- Cyber Insurance: Obtaining a cyber insurance policy is becoming more stringent, with requirements aligning with major security compliance frameworks. Pursuing a compliance framework aids in eligibility for cyber insurance and securing favorable rates.
- Due Diligence Requirements: As compliance frameworks become stricter, organizations must ensure their vendors and partners meet the same requirements. This is essential for maintaining business relationships and contracts.
- Eligibility for Business: Adherence to a security compliance framework is often a prerequisite for pursuing contracts or business relationships. Regulatory requirements may necessitate compliance with existing contracts.
- Competitive Advantage: Adopting a security compliance framework signals maturity, responsibility, and preparedness in IT. This is attractive to potential partners and clients, enhancing competitive equality and advantage.
- Proactive Approach: Achieving compliance can be a long and costly process, but it is essential. Organizations not currently mandated to comply have the advantage of pursuing a framework on their own terms, preparing for future requirements.
Misconception 8: "IT and cybersecurity are the same thing."
While IT and cybersecurity are closely related, they are not the same. “IT encompasses a broad range of technology-related tasks, while cybersecurity focuses specifically on protecting systems and data from cyber threats.” confirms Orlopp. Specialized knowledge and equipment are needed to stay current in both fields.
Misconception 9: "Backing up data once is enough."
Matthew Moog, Senior Engineer, urges the clarity of this misconception, “With a single backup copy, your organization is left vulnerable to a single event such as a hardware failure with the backup media or location.
A robust back up strategy is the best effort in protecting oneself, Moog encourages “a backup methodology that employs at minimum a 3-2-1 strategy - That is, three copies of the data on two different storage mediums with one copy offsite.”
By addressing these misconceptions, we uncover the critical importance of a comprehensive and proactive approach to IT and cybersecurity. Each misconception, from the belief that antivirus software alone is sufficient to the notion that IT compliance is optional, highlights the need for continuous education, regular updates, and a multi-layered security strategy. Our engineers and skilled employees have provided priceless insights and practical solutions to help businesses navigate these challenges. By embracing these recommendations, businesses can fortify their defenses, ensure operational efficiency, and encourage a culture of security awareness. In an evolving digital landscape, staying informed and proactive is the key to safeguarding your business and achieving long-term success.
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