For businesses in Juneau, technology underpins almost every part of how you operate, from communications and data storage to customer relations and daily workflows. As you enter a new year, taking time to evaluate your tech setup can pay big dividends. Avoiding just a few common mistakes can improve productivity, reduce risks, and set your business up for stable growth.
Here are five tech mistakes many small and medium-sized businesses make and how you can steer clear of them to keep your Juneau business running smoothly.
Mistake #1: Underestimating Cybersecurity Risks
Many small businesses treat cybersecurity as optional until a breach or data loss occurs. That is a dangerous gamble.
Cyber threats such as hacking, phishing, ransomware, and data breaches are real. Small businesses often lack the budgets or dedicated IT staff to defend against them. Neglecting online security can lead to serious consequences: loss of customer trust, legal liability, stolen or corrupted data, and even operational shutdowns.
To safeguard your business:
- Enforce strong password practices and unique credentials per user.
- Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Provide basic cybersecurity training for all staff (especially on phishing and safe email practices).
- Keep security software and firewalls active and maintained.
Even if you believe your business is “too small” to be a target, remember that small enterprises are often viewed by bad actors as easier targets than large, well-protected corporations.
Mistake #2: Failing to Maintain a Robust Backup & Recovery Strategy
Data loss can devastate a business. Failed hard drives, human error, cyberattacks, or natural disasters can lead to loss of critical records, customer information, or financial documents. Yet many businesses lack a proper backup and disaster-recovery system.
Common missteps include:
- Backing up only some files instead of everything
- Storing backups on-site (making them vulnerable to the same risks as primary systems)
- Failing to test backups regularly to ensure they can actually restore data.
For a business in Juneau, remote location and potential natural risks make a strong backup strategy even more valuable. To protect yourself:
- Implement a hybrid backup system: local plus off-site/cloud storage.
- Automate backups on a regular schedule (daily, weekly, or as needed).
- Periodically test restores to verify backups are working.
- Include systems, databases, configurations, and documents — not just obvious files.
A solid backup plan is not optional. It’s essential for business continuity.
Mistake #3: Running Outdated Hardware or Software
Technology evolves rapidly. Software updates, security patches, and hardware upgrades exist for good reasons. But many businesses delay or skip them. That can cause serious problems: security vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, slowed performance, or even system failures when older hardware breaks down.
Using outdated hardware or software also limits your ability to adopt new tools and technologies that could help your business scale or operate more efficiently.
To avoid this mistake:
- Review and inventory your hardware and software every 12–18 months.
- Prioritize updating any systems that are no longer supported with security patches.
- Consider upgrading to business-grade hardware and software that will handle growth and modern business demands.
- Plan for replacement before equipment fails. Don’t wait for a breakdown to force your hand.
Mistake #4: Lacking a Unified IT Strategy and Infrastructure Planning
When businesses grow, or try to adopt new tools, technology decisions are often made reactively. One department picks a new app, another updates a piece of software, hardware upgrades happen inconsistently. Over time, this creates fragmentation, inefficiency, and security blind spots. This lack of structured IT infrastructure management is a common pain point for small businesses.
Without a clear IT strategy aligned to business goals, technology becomes a source of friction instead of a business enabler.
What to do instead:
- Define a tech roadmap for the year: what needs updating, what new tools you plan to adopt, and how it fits your business strategy.
- Document all software, hardware, license, and cloud subscriptions (an IT asset inventory).
- Choose tools and infrastructure that scale with your business.
- If you lack internal IT resources, consider partnering with external providers or Managed-IT Services to ensure stability.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Staff Training & Mismanaging User Practices
Technology is only as secure and effective as the people using it. Even the best tools fail if staff are not properly trained or follow poor practices. Many cyber incidents, including breaches and phishing attacks, start with simple user mistakes.
Risks include:
- Using weak passwords
- Sharing credentials
- Clicking on suspicious links
- Falling for phishing schemes
- Neglecting software updates
Over time these habits create vulnerabilities.
Preventive actions:
- Provide basic training on cybersecurity best practices and safe digital hygiene.
- Adopt clear internal policies for passwords, file sharing, remote access, and device usage.
- Use tools like password managers, multi-factor authentication, and secure cloud services.
- Make sure everyone understands their role in protecting business data and systems.
Why These Mistakes Matter Especially in Juneau
Operating a business in Juneau, like many small Alaskan communities, comes with unique considerations. Bandwidth constraints, remote access challenges, limited access to IT service providers, and potential weather-related disruptions can amplify the impact of tech failures or security incidents.
A single hardware failure or breach could disrupt operations for days; a risk many small businesses cannot afford. By proactively addressing the five mistakes above, Juneau businesses can strengthen resilience, support smoother growth, and avoid unnecessary downtime or data loss.
Begin the Year with Confidence, Clarity & a Plan
Every Juneau business deserves technology that works. Starting the new year by avoiding critical tech missteps can make a lasting difference for your Juneau business. Investing in security, backups, updated infrastructure, strategic planning, and staff training builds a reliable foundation for growth and stability.
If you want expert help protecting your business in the year ahead, explore managed IT services at Computer Headquarters or learn more about business IT support at CHQ Business IT Services. The right technology partner ensures your systems stay secure, efficient, and aligned with your long-term goals.
