Technology can help small businesses to thrive online, but it can also present a number of challenges to overcome. From trying to manage remote workers to the increasing threat of cybercrime and the risk of a data breach, here are the top 6 small business challenges you’ll face when it comes to technology.
Cybercrime Has Never Been So Complex
As technology becomes more advanced, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals to access lucrative and sensitive data. In fact, small businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cyber attacks due to the fact that they often have weaker security measures in place.
It’s important for small businesses to invest in robust cybersecurity and regularly update their software and passwords to protect against potential attacks. Failing to protect your business from the threat of cybercrime means rolling the dice with your company’s success, finances, and reputation. Not to mention potentially facing legal action in the event of a data leak.
The Risk Of A Data Breach
Speaking of online crime, data breaches are a major technology challenge that small businesses need to be fully prepared for. A data breach occurs when sensitive information, such as customer financial details or personal information, is stolen or accessed without permission.
Not only can this result in financial losses and damage to your reputation, but it could also lead to hefty fines if you fail to comply with data protection regulations. It’s important to have measures in place to prevent a data breach and know how to handle one if it does occur.
Software To Manage Remote Workers
Another small business challenge many companies are facing in this post-pandemic era is choosing and using the right software to allow employees to continue to work from home.
A vast number of small businesses are now embracing remote working and either allowing employees to work from home or employing a distributed team across different locations, which can result in a boost in productivity and overall satisfaction for employees. But it can also present technology challenges when it comes to managing a dispersed workforce.
Investing in project management software and communication tools, such as video calling and instant messaging, can help to keep remote teams organized and connected.
Secure Communication Channels
With technology driving the way we communicate, it’s important for small businesses to prioritize secure communication channels. This means ensuring that any electronic communication, such as emails and instant messaging, is encrypted to protect sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.
It also involves properly training employees on how to communicate securely online, including using strong passwords and being wary of phishing scams.
CMS & Limited IT Experience
If you don’t have an in-house IT team or web developer, managing technology for your small business can be a daunting task. This includes choosing the right technology solutions and knowing how to use them effectively.
Using a CMS (content management system) can make it easier to maintain and update your website, but it’s important to choose one that is user-friendly and meets the needs of your business. It can also be helpful to invest in training or hire outside specialists for any technology tasks that you’re not confident in handling on your own.
Unfortunately, with limited IT experience, should you encounter a major problem or happen to break your website theme, for instance, this can lead to a lot of unwanted downtimes and potential loss of revenue.
Adopting New Technology
Technology is constantly evolving, meaning small businesses need to stay on top of updates in order to remain competitive. This can be one of the most overwhelming technology challenges a small business can face as new software, systems, apps, and plugins continue to advance.
It’s essential to research and carefully consider new technology before adopting it, ensuring that it will bring tangible benefits to your business and is worth the cost. It can also be helpful to regularly review current technology solutions and make updates or replacements as necessary.
Final Thoughts
From managing remote workers to protecting against data breaches, technology presents a range of challenges for small businesses. It’s important to stay informed and proactive in addressing these technical challenges in order to ensure the success and security of your business.
For help and support when it comes to cybersecurity, IT support, and implementing new technology or SaaS, feel free to contact our team at Shartega IT. Based in Illinois, we specialize in helping our clients feel empowered when using technology to optimize and digitalize tasks.
