The National Cancer Institute in Maryland recently took a deep dive into data from three major health studies across the country. What they found was surprising: people who took daily multivitamins had a 4% higher mortality rate than those who didn’t. It’s a bit like that character in Grumpy Old Men who, despite his unhealthy habits and lack of exercise, outlived many who strictly followed health regimens. This discovery underscores an important lesson: sometimes, taking shortcuts to reach difficult goals can lead to unintended consequences.
We see this principle play out in many areas of life, including how we approach our health and diet. We know that “easy” solutions often come with a catch. For instance, products labeled as “fat-free” or “sugar-free” might seem like a healthier choice, but they can lead to overconsumption, which defeats the purpose. The Atkins diet, which promised quick weight loss by cutting out carbs, ended up causing health issues for many because it was too restrictive. Similarly, weight-loss drugs like Ozempic have shown that quick fixes can lead to serious health risks, much like Fen-Phen did in the 1990’s.
This same mindset applies to the world of IT. Many businesses, especially smaller ones, try to meet compliance requirements or protect themselves from data breaches by choosing the quickest and cheapest options. They might rely on free antivirus or firewall software found through a quick online search, underestimating the risks involved. It’s a common misconception that small businesses are too insignificant to be targeted, but in reality, cybercriminals often see them as easy prey because they are less likely to have strong defenses.
Another mistake we see is entrusting IT management to someone with only basic tech knowledge, like a friend or a relative, instead of hiring a professional. While their intentions may be good, they often lack the expertise needed to properly secure and manage a business’s IT infrastructure. When companies upgrade to professional IT services, they often discover a host of inefficiencies and vulnerabilities that were previously overlooked. The problem isn’t with the effort, but with the lack of the right skills and resources, which can put a business at significant risk.
However, not all shortcuts are harmful. Partnering with an experienced managed services provider can be the best “easy button” you can press. By working with professionals who understand your industry and its specific needs, you can achieve compliance, security, and operational efficiency without the associated stress.
Choosing the right IT provider is critical. History has shown us that even experts can be wrong, as evidenced by outdated medical practices like lobotomies or financial scandals like Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly vet any potential IT partner, ask the right questions, and seek out testimonials from other clients.
When selecting an IT provider to manage your network, take the process seriously. While you don’t need to know every technical detail, it is your responsibility to ask questions, request references, and ensure you’re hiring someone trustworthy. Your company’s security, reputation, and future may depend on making the right choice. That’s why we’ve created a FREE guide that outlines 21 crucial questions to ask before allowing anyone to work on your network. It’s a valuable resource for any business owner.
If you’re ready to entrust your IT needs to a reliable team, our experts are here to help. We’ll manage your network, allowing you to focus on growing your business while we focus on keeping it secure. (And be sure to check our website for real client reviews!)
To get started and find out what you need, give us a call at 843-418-4792 or click here: https://www.spartantec.com/secureguard360/ to book your FREE Cyber Security Risk Assessment now.
