Ignoring IT consulting advice can leave your business exposed to avoidable risks and inefficiencies. IT consultants and virtual Chief Information Officers (vCIOs) provide guidance based on experience and best practices tailored to your company's technology needs. When their recommendations are overlooked, your IT environment may become vulnerable to downtime, security breaches, or compliance issues, all of which can disrupt operations and harm your reputation.
Why this matters for Canadian SMBs
Small and mid-sized businesses in Canada often operate with limited IT resources. Without expert input, critical areas like network security, data backup, and software updates can fall behind. This increases the risk of cyberattacks, such as ransomware, which have been rising in Canada and can cause costly downtime and data loss. Additionally, failure to follow IT advice can lead to non-compliance with privacy standards like PIPEDA, potentially resulting in fines and loss of customer trust.
A real-world example
Consider a 50-employee Canadian manufacturing firm that delayed implementing a recommended multi-factor authentication (MFA) system. When a phishing attack compromised employee credentials, hackers accessed sensitive financial data. The company faced weeks of downtime and expensive remediation efforts. Had they followed their IT consultant's advice on MFA and staff training, the breach might have been prevented or mitigated.
Practical steps to take now
- Ask your IT provider: What are the top risks facing our business, and what specific steps do you recommend to address them?
- Review service agreements: Ensure your IT provider includes proactive monitoring, regular patching, and security updates in their scope.
- Check internal controls: Verify who has access to critical systems and data; limit permissions to only those who need them.
- Assess backup procedures: Confirm backups are performed regularly, stored securely offsite or in the cloud, and tested for recovery.
- Evaluate password policies: Ensure employees use strong, unique passwords and change them periodically.
- Schedule regular IT reviews: Meet with your IT consultant or vCIO quarterly to discuss evolving risks and technology needs.
Next steps
Technology is a key enabler of business success but also a potential source of risk if not managed carefully. If you have concerns about your current IT strategy or are unsure whether your business is following sound advice, consider engaging a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor. They can help you identify gaps, prioritize improvements, and align your IT investments with your business goals—without pressure or jargon.