“Do It Yourself” IT Is Not a Strategy

A client recently asked me, “What mistakes do you see business owners making most often in IT and cybersecurity?”

Unfortunately, there’s no shortage of answers.

After working with businesses for over two decades, the pattern is clear: too many business owners treat IT and cybersecurity as an afterthought. Even with the constant drumbeat of headlines about data breaches and ransomware attacks, there’s a widespread belief that basic antivirus software or a cheap firewall is “good enough.” It’s not.

The truth is, a single cyberattack or major IT failure can bring your operations to a halt, cost you customers, and damage your reputation—possibly beyond repair. Yet time and again, I see companies waiting until something breaks before they prioritize their systems. By that point, the damage is already done—and fixing it costs far more than preventing it would have.

Another common—and risky—mistake is relying on free software or cobbled-together DIY security setups. We get it. As a small business ourselves, we know the pressure to stretch every dollar and avoid unnecessary expenses. But there’s a difference between being smart with your budget and leaving your systems wide open to risk. Free antivirus programs, default home routers, and quick fixes might feel “good enough,” but they weren’t built for the kinds of threats businesses face today. That doesn’t mean you need to spend like a Fortune 500 company—but it does mean investing in reliable, business-grade tools and support. Solid protection is possible without overspending—it just takes the right strategy.

Then there’s downtime. Many business owners assume being offline for a few hours isn’t a big deal. But those hours add up fast—lost productivity, lost sales, frustrated clients, and a team that can’t do its job. The longer it takes to get back online, the harder it is to recover momentum. Resilience needs to be built into your systems from day one—not tacked on as an afterthought.

And perhaps the most dangerous mistake? Failing to plan for what’s next. IT and cybersecurity are constantly evolving. What protected you last year might not protect you today. Hackers are relentless, and the tools they use get more sophisticated by the month. If you’re not actively keeping pace, you’re falling behind—and putting everything you’ve worked for at risk.

Bottom line: protecting your business means treating IT and cybersecurity as mission-critical.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

1. Stop cutting corners. Free and low-cost tools might feel like a smart move, but they often leave major gaps. Invest in business-grade solutions.
2. Think strategically. IT security isn’t a project you check off—it’s an ongoing responsibility that requires regular updates and assessments.
3. Get expert support. You don’t have to figure this out alone—and frankly, you shouldn’t. Lean on professionals who do this every day and can help you stay ahead.

If you’re ready to take a more serious, strategic approach to IT and cybersecurity, let’s talk. Schedule a free 10-minute Security Assessment and make sure your business isn’t one bad day away from disaster.