The 6 IT Mistakes That Cost Small Businesses Big—And How to Avoid Them

Small businesses often underestimate the importance of proactive IT management—until it’s too late. At Sixwatch, we’ve seen how recurring technology mistakes lead to downtime, lost data, security breaches, and unnecessary costs. Here are six common yet easily avoidable IT mistakes that could be hurting your business:

Weak or Reused Passwords

Simple or duplicated passwords are a major cybersecurity risk. Implement a password manager and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect all accounts.

Improper or Missing Backups

Relying on local-only or outdated backup solutions leaves your data vulnerable to ransomware or hardware failure. Use automated, offsite, and encrypted backups—and test them regularly.

Skipping Software Updates

Delayed updates leave systems exposed to known vulnerabilities. Automate patching for your operating systems, applications, and security tools.

No Cybersecurity Training

Employees are often the easiest target for phishing attacks. Regular security awareness training helps your team identify and respond to threats effectively.

Treating IT as a One-Time Set up

IT isn’t something you set up and forget. Your tech needs to evolve with your business, and that requires continuous oversight and optimization.

No Dedicated IT Team or Partner

Many small businesses rely on ad hoc tech help, which leads to reactive problem-solving. A strategic IT partner can provide proactive support, planning, and security.

At Sixwatch, we help small businesses avoid these costly missteps. With proactive monitoring, robust cybersecurity, reliable cloud backups, and expert IT planning, we turn your technology into a true asset. Don’t let IT mistakes hold your business back—let Sixwatch help you stay protected and positioned for growth. Schedule a consultation with Sixwatch.