Technology Mistakes Small Businesses Make can cost businesses time, money, productivity, and valuable data. Many of these problems are simple to prevent, but they often go unnoticed while business owners focus on customers, employees, and daily operations.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a technology expert to avoid many of the Technology Mistakes Small Businesses Make. Understanding the most common problems can help your business stay secure, productive, and prepared. Common technology mistakes can create security, productivity, and downtime challenges for small businesses.
Passwords are one of the simplest ways to protect business accounts, but they are also one of the most commonly overlooked areas.
Using the same password for multiple accounts creates a major security risk. If one account is compromised, attackers may try that same password on email, cloud storage, financial accounts, or other business systems.
A better approach is to use strong, unique passwords for important accounts and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides additional guidance on creating and protecting strong passwords.
Simple steps to take:
Having a backup is important, but simply having a backup does not automatically mean your business is protected.
One of the biggest Technology Mistakes Small Businesses Make is assuming that a backup will always be available when it is needed. Backups can fail, become outdated, or even be affected by the same security incident that impacts your primary systems.
Businesses should regularly check that backups are completing successfully and understand how quickly important files could be restored. CISA’s backup guidance offers additional recommendations for protecting business data.
Ask yourself:
Ignoring software updates is another common problem. Updates often include security fixes that address vulnerabilities discovered after software was released.
Waiting too long to install updates can leave computers, applications, and other devices exposed to known security issues.
Whenever possible, enable automatic updates for supported software and establish a process for handling updates that require manual attention.
Keeping technology updated is a simple step that can reduce unnecessary security risks.
Not every employee needs access to every file, application, or system.
Another example of Technology Mistakes Small Businesses Make is giving employees more access than they actually need or forgetting to remove access when someone changes roles or leaves the company.
Businesses should periodically review who has access to important systems and information.
Consider reviewing:
Limiting access can help reduce the potential impact of a compromised account.
One of the most expensive technology mistakes can be waiting until something goes wrong before addressing it.
A computer that is becoming unreliable, an aging network device, or software that regularly crashes may eventually cause downtime at the worst possible time.
Regular maintenance and technology reviews can help identify problems before they become emergencies.
Instead of asking, “How do we fix this when it breaks?” businesses can also ask, “What can we do now to prevent it from breaking?”
Technology problems don’t always require complicated solutions. In many cases, small improvements can make a meaningful difference.
Start by reviewing your passwords, backups, software updates, user access, and aging equipment. These areas can give you a good starting point for identifying potential risks.
The goal isn’t to have perfect technology. It’s to understand where problems can occur and take reasonable steps to reduce them.
By recognizing the Technology Mistakes Small Businesses Make before they become bigger problems, small businesses can protect their information, reduce downtime, and keep their teams focused on running the business.
For some small businesses, technology needs go beyond fixing an occasional computer problem. As a business grows, it may need help planning technology investments, managing vendors, upgrading infrastructure, or deciding which technology projects should come first.
That’s where ACAD.US.COM’s Strategic & Advanced Services can help.
IT isn’t just about fixing problems, it’s also about planning ahead. Through Virtual CIO (vCIO) services, consulting, procurement, and vendor management, ACAD.US.COM helps businesses take a more strategic approach to their technology.
Whether you’re planning a major technology project or simply trying to figure out what should come next, having a technology strategy can help you make more informed decisions.
Learn more about ACAD.US.COM’s Strategic & Advanced Services and how we can help your business plan, manage, and execute its technology needs.
Amy Spence is the Office Administrator and Manager at Acad.Us.com LLC, where she has proudly served for the past two years. Known affectionately in the office as the “Director of Stuff” and “Madam Secretary,” Amy wears many hats, seamlessly balancing the responsibilities that keep operations running smoothly. From managing schedules and communications to overseeing critical IT checks and financial workflows, she is the reliable backbone of Acad’s day-to-day operations.
Her official role as Office Manager highlights her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to stay on top of competing priorities. She works closely with Dustin Cucinotta to coordinate client communications, manage records, and ensure accuracy across every system she touches. Amy is also committed to continuous growth, training in tools like QuickBooks and ConnectWise PSA, and adapting quickly to new processes and technology.
Beyond her professional expertise, Amy brings heart and personality to the team. A proud mom, a Pepsi enthusiast, and a car lover, she blends professionalism with a down-to-earth spirit that makes her approachable and easy to work with. Having been a close personal friend of Dustin for more than 14 years, Amy’s loyalty, trustworthiness, and genuine care for people shine through in everything she does.
Her blend of professionalism, adaptability, and personality makes Amy not only an invaluable part of Acad.Us.com LLC, but also a respected colleague and friend.
Eric Lottes is a seasoned technology solutions architect with more than a decade of experience delivering tailored IT support, infrastructure projects, and strategic consulting. Known for his dependable, human-centric approach, Eric seamlessly integrates as a trusted on-site resource—whether you need hands-on tech repairs, guidance through migrations, or expert advice to align IT systems with business goals. At DelVal Techs, he has built a reputation for minimizing downtime, securing operations, and empowering businesses to run smarter.
With over 14 years of deep, hands-on IT experience, Eric Lottes brings a wealth of technical proficiency and a peoplefirst approach that transforms technology into a seamless and reliable asset for businesses. As the driving force behind DelVal Techs, he has built his career on delivering tailored, responsive technology solutions that empower operations across the Philadelphia region, New Jersey, Delaware, and Michiana (delvaltechs.com).
Eric’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of essential IT services—including network design and infrastructure deployment, Windows and Linux server maintenance, desktop support, VOIP systems, and cybersecurity strategies—delivered with proactive monitoring and attention to detail (delvaltechs.com). He also brings robust IT strategy and consulting capabilities, functioning as a virtual CIO, aligning vendor relationships, orchestrating project planning, and guiding businesses through system migrations and upgrades (delvaltechs.com).
At DelVal Techs, Eric’s philosophy centers on building lasting partnerships and offering human-first service—whether providing endtoend IT infrastructure or stepping in as a seamless extension of an internal team when technical challenges arise (delvaltechs.com). He has delivered dependable on-site support and troubleshooting, ensuring swift resolution of issues and minimizing downtime when it matters most.
Brandan Guy is a highly skilled IT professional and our Level 3 Technician, specializing in advanced troubleshooting, cloud technologies, and enterprise infrastructure management. With experience spanning help desk, system administration, and network operations, Brandan brings both technical depth and hands-on problem-solving to the team.
Before joining us, Brandan served as an IT Administrator at ITg, where he optimized IT operations, migrated Active Directory and Azure environments, and built detailed network documentation to ensure reliable operations. He also worked as a Junior IT Technician & Analyst at AE Graphix, supporting specialized printing and design systems, and as a Tier 1 Help Desk Technician at Advanced Imaging Solutions, where he developed his strong customer support and troubleshooting foundation.
Brandan holds a Bachelor of Science in Cloud Technologies from Full Sail University. During his studies, he deployed multi-tier cloud networks on AWS, automated Linux server deployments with Ansible, and implemented system monitoring with industry-standard tools like Zabbix and SolarWinds.
Merla Rubio Angeles is the Marketing Coordinator at ACAD, where she drives lead generation and client engagement initiatives. She is dedicated to building strong relationships, enhancing brand visibility, and helping clients see the value of ACAD’s services.
Merla is a family-centered person who loves spending time with her loved ones and finding joy in everyday moments. She is passionate about marketing because it allows her to connect with people, share ideas, and build lasting relationships. Combining creativity with communication are two things she truly enjoys. Outside of work, Merla loves reading, cooking, and traveling with friends and family.
Adrian Abergido is the IT Manager at Acad.Us.com, providing support and management for clients across multiple industries. He brings strong experience in IT operations, system administration, and cloud technologies, with a focus on Microsoft 365 and cybersecurity. Adrian ensures that client environments are secure, efficient, and aligned with business needs. He works closely with teams to streamline onboarding, offboarding, and technical support processes, keeping systems running smoothly and reliably. He is certified in ITIL v4 and as a Service Desk Analyst, and he plans to pursue Microsoft and Azure certifications to continue strengthening his expertise.
Adrian enjoys spending time with his family and close friends and believes in keeping strong personal connections outside of work. He loves music, plays the piano, and often uses it as a way to relax and recharge. At home, he enjoys being with his three dogs, who keep life busy and fun. Adrian also enjoys exploring new technology, trying different foods, and spending time outdoors. He values balance in life, making time for both personal growth and simple, everyday moments with the people and pets that matter most.
Dustin, a Pennsauken native, is actively involved with the neighbors in the betterment of Moorestown. Dustin serves on the board of the Moorestown Business Association he is a member of the Southern New Jersey Development Council (SNJDC), “Just Referrals” Networking, Camden\Gloucester County Technical Schools Advisory Comity and Moorestown Rotary Association. With his wife Kathleen who is on board of many schools in PA and in NJ she is on the board at Moorestown Improvement Association and Community House, they host the wine tent at “Autumn in Moorestown” and the “Strawbridge Lake Paddle Board and Kayak Race”. We select the wines and staff the tent; all the profits go to the organization hosting the event. He loves to display my Jeep Wrangler at events. He takes the doors\top off and lets all the kids jump in and take pictures. He gives out rubber ducks to all the kids walking by, “It is a Jeep Thing”. Dustin’s daughter Angela is active in Moorestown High School theater, student council, and the Madrigals. She has also performed with several local community theaters (as has Dustin!). Dustin’s company, Acad.Us.com, has proudly sponsored several of Angela’s Theater productions. They have been featured in Moorestown Living Family magazine.
