“What’s the biggest IT mistake business owners make?”
A client recently asked me this, and honestly—where do I begin?
After decades of working with Metro Atlanta businesses of all sizes, the most common (and costly) mistake I see time and again is this: treating IT and cybersecurity as an afterthought. Despite constant headlines about data breaches, ransomware, and rising cybercrime, too many business owners either underestimate the risk or assume that a basic antivirus and some duct tape security measures are “good enough.”
Let me be clear: they’re not.
A single breach or IT failure can derail your business overnight. Yet far too many companies only address these issues after something goes wrong—and by then, it’s a lot more expensive and disruptive to fix.
Mistake #1: Trusting Free or Consumer-Grade Tools
We get it—when you're watching your bottom line, free antivirus software and consumer-grade routers might seem like a smart way to save money. But here’s the truth:
If you wouldn’t run your business on a free spreadsheet app, why would you trust its security to bargain-bin tools?
What looks like savings now often leads to data breaches, lost productivity, compliance violations, or worse—permanent damage to your brand and client trust.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the Cost of Downtime
Many businesses assume they can survive a few hours of downtime. But those hours add up fast—your team is idle, your customers can’t access your services, and your revenue grinds to a halt.
The real cost? Thousands of dollars per hour, not to mention the ripple effects on reputation and client retention. A solid IT infrastructure isn’t just about defense—it’s about keeping your business running, no matter what.
Mistake #3: Taking a "One-and-Done" Approach
Technology evolves. Threats evolve. Hackers evolve. Yet many businesses implement a basic security plan and never touch it again.
If you're not proactively evaluating and reinforcing your IT and cybersecurity posture, you're already falling behind. Worse, you’re leaving the door open for attacks.
Mistake #4: Going It Alone
IT and cybersecurity are too complex and fast-moving to handle solo. Many business owners try to "figure it out" themselves—or rely on a generalist who’s not equipped to deal with today’s advanced threats.
You don’t have to go it alone. And honestly? You shouldn’t.
The Solution: Smart, Strategic IT for Long-Term Security
If you're a business owner in Metro Atlanta, here's what we recommend at Custom Technologies, Inc.:
- Stop Taking Shortcuts
Invest in professional-grade IT and security—not patchwork solutions that leave gaps. - Think Long-Term
Treat cybersecurity as an ongoing priority, not a check-the-box task. - Partner with Experts
Surround yourself with IT professionals who can keep your systems running smoothly, your data secure, and your business compliant—so you can focus on what you do best.
Ready to Take IT Seriously?
You’ve worked too hard to leave your business vulnerable to one click, one hack, or one mistake.
Let’s fix that—starting with a FREE 10-Minute Security Assessment. We’ll identify hidden risks, assess your current setup, and recommend actionable steps to keep your business secure.
👉 Click here to schedule your FREE Security Assessment now!
Or give us a call at 770-792-6700 to speak with a local IT expert.
