The Biggest Cybersecurity Mistakes Business Owners Make in IT

Robbie Garner

President/CEO

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A client recently asked me, “What mistakes do you see business owners making the most when it comes to IT and cybersecurity?”

Oh, where to begin…

After years of working with businesses of all sizes, the biggest cybersecurity mistakes I see repeatedly is treating IT and cybersecurity as an afterthought. It doesn’t matter how many data breaches are in the news; business owners continually underestimate the real risks of cyber threats or assume that basic protections are sufficient. Let me break it to you: it’s not enough. A single breach, ransomware attack, or IT failure can cripple your business overnight. Yet, too many companies take a reactive approach—prioritizing security only after something goes wrong, which is more exhausting and expensive.

Another common cybersecurity mistake is believing free software is “good enough.” I understand; free antivirus programs, consumer-grade routers, and DIY security setups seem like an easy way to save money, especially for small businesses grappling with inflation. But those “savings” quickly disappear when your business suffers a data breach, faces compliance fines, or loses critical client trust. If you wouldn’t run your business on a free spreadsheet app, why trust your entire security infrastructure to subpar software?

There’s also the critical cybersecurity mistake of underestimating downtime costs. Many businesses assume they can afford a few hours offline. However, when your network goes down, your team can’t work, customers can’t access your services, and you start hemorrhaging money. A robust IT strategy isn’t just about security—it’s about ensuring operational continuity. When disaster strikes (and it inevitably will), you don’t have to scramble.

Lastly, the most overlooked cybersecurity mistake is failing to plan long-term. IT and cybersecurity aren’t set-it-and-forget-it investments. Threats evolve, technology changes, and hackers grow more sophisticated daily. Without proactively assessing, updating, and reinforcing your security, you’re already falling behind.

You must protect what you’ve built.

So, what’s the solution to these cybersecurity mistakes?

Avoid Shortcuts: Invest in professional-grade IT and security solutions, not temporary fixes.
Think Long-Term: A solid cybersecurity plan is an ongoing commitment.
Get Expert Guidance: Don’t navigate IT security alone. Work with knowledgeable professionals who can help you stay ahead.

Ready to get serious about IT and cybersecurity? Let’s talk. Click here to book your free 10-minute Security Assessment and ensure your business isn’t one click away from disaster.