Did you know that the average cost of a cyber attack in the United States is $8.6 million? There are more data breaches in the United States than in any other country, which is why you need to take steps to protect your business.
The most common security threats include phishing, malware, weak passwords, and ransomware. Cyber attacks can ruin your business’s reputation, waste time, and result in fines.
To protect your business, you should invest in technology, educate your employees, and hire managed IT services. What are some of the benefits of hiring managed IT services? Keep reading to learn why you should consider outsourcing IT services.
1. You Want to Grow Your Business
One of the biggest signs that you need to hire an IT service agency is if you want to grow your business. If you try to grow your business without updated technology, you are likely to suffer downtime, crashes, and delays.
You should explain your goals to your IT provider and determine a plan to reach those goals. As you hit new targets, you may need to invest in new platforms, have more customizable options, and need more support.
When looking for MSP in my area, choose one that is willing to grow with your business. They should meet your current needs and offer the support you need as your business expands.
2. The Business Has Outdated Technology
Does your business have outdated technology? If so, you should consider hiring managed IT services. Outdated technology can make your business more susceptible to online attacks, it can cause annoying downtime, and it can waste time.
Technology is always changing, so you need to update it every couple of years. This includes employee laptops, mobile devices, and software. If you are struggling to update your technology often, hiring IT services can help.
They can update your devices and software, and most of the time, the updates are included in the fee you are already paying. This means there is never an excuse to have outdated technology again.
3. Your Business Model Is Changing
Another sign that you need to hire IT support is if your business model is changing. More people are choosing to work from home because they can save time, have more flexibility, and be in a comfortable environment.
The amount of people that are working from home has tripled from 2019 to 2021. If your company is ready to start remote work, you will need the technology to support it.
Your employees will need reliable laptops, anti-virus software, and routine maintenance. An IT company can monitor data leaks and encourage employees to update their computers regularly.
Hiring IT services will also allow your remote employees to connect with IT. Anytime they have a problem or question, they can call, email, or chat with IT for a quick answer.
4. There Are Performance Issues
If you run a small business, you may not have tons of time and money to invest in information technology. This can lead to software that is slow, crashes often, or isn’t user-friendly.
One of the best ways to tell if your software isn’t performing is employee feedback. If employees are always complaining about the software, it’s time to upgrade.
IT services can provide technology and software that works for your business so you can reduce performance problems.
5. You Want Better Security
Did you know that most small businesses spend less than $500 a year on cybersecurity? Not investing in cyber security can risk your customer’s information, reduce trust, and cost money.
The consequences of a cyber attack can be so large that you could have to close your business down. If you are ready to invest in cyber security but don’t know where to start, managed IT services can help.
They can set up two-factor authentication for employees, install anti-virus software, and update hardware and software. They also can educate your employees on cyber attacks and how to prevent them.
6. You Don’t Have a Dedicated IT Department
If you are running a small business, the odds are good that you don’t have in-house IT support. Small businesses have to save money, so hiring an IT professional may not be the best move.
If you aren’t ready to hire IT staff, outsourcing your IT is a good option. Even if you do have IT, you may not have enough to support the size of your growing business.
Your IT staff can be responsible for certain tasks, such as training, setting up new computers, and updating devices. You can use IT services for anti-virus protection, data backup, and monitoring.
7. You Want to Save Money
Another benefit of hiring IT services is that it gives you the chance to save money. Without IT professionals, you will have to buy your equipment and software, which can cost thousands of dollars.
IT professionals can help you find everything you need to run your business successfully. Outsourcing IT can also save you money because you won’t have to hire IT.
The average IT support employee makes around $52,000 per year. You also have to pay for recruiting fees, benefits, and taxes.
As your business grows, you will have to hire more IT staff to support the company. With IT services, you don’t have to worry about the extra costs involved in hiring and staffing IT employees.
Most IT companies can work with your budget, so you can ensure your services will fit your needs. As your business grows, you can invest more cash to reach your goals.
8. Your Insurance Requires Compliance
Did you know that some business insurance companies have strict requirements around cyber security? Depending on your insurance and the type of business you have, you may need high levels of cyber protection.
If you work in the healthcare, payment processing, or banking industry, you will need cybersecurity insurance. You may also need it if you have a large business, store sensitive data online, or have valuable assets.
If you want to make sure you are following these requirements, outsourcing your IT is a good idea. Failing to comply can result in fines, cause problems with your insurance, and make it impossible to run your business.
9. Someone Hacked Your Business
If your business has been hacked in the past, it’s important to start protecting it. When your business gets hacked, it can have serious financial consequences, result in downtime, and impact your reputation.
Hackers could target your business anytime, so it’s always a good idea to have a strong line of defense and be prepared. To protect your business from hackers, make sure you train your employees, change passwords often, limit employee access, and update your software.
One of the best ways to protect your business from hacking is by working with IT professionals. They will have the tools, knowledge, and experience to train your employees, scan for attacks, and keep your technology updated.
10. IT Can Be Stressful
Running a small business can be hard work, and having technology that you don’t understand can make it even harder. As a small business owner, you are responsible for marketing, finances, management, and information technology.
You may have to set up laptops for new employees, install anti-security software, train your employees, and watch for attacks. More than likely, you would rather spend your time on business strategy and finances.
Even if you choose to hire someone for IT, you have to post the job, interview, and go through the hiring process. The least stressful way to take care of your business IT needs is to outsource.
By hiring a company to manage your IT, you can reduce stress. It can allow you to stop worrying about money, security, and completing IT tasks.
11. You Want to Reduce Downtime
If your business is experiencing a ton of downtime, it is time to hire IT support. Downtime happens when your equipment fails, and you are unable to work.
Downtime can happen if your laptop stops working, a hacker breaks into your computer, your software freezes, or your network quits working.
You are more likely to have problems with downtime if you have understaffed IT, old technology, and cheap software. Not only will downtime be frustrating for employees, but it also will lose your business money.
While you can’t prevent downtime, there are some steps you can take to reduce it. You can use high-quality equipment, make sure your network is stable, and switch to cloud-based computing.
When you do have downtime, having support from IT specialists can minimize it. They can get your software running again, help fix computers, and work on network problems.
12. You Want Help Desk Support
Another benefit of paying for IT services is access to a help desk. Having help desk support can reduce your downtown, make employees happier, and boost productivity.
Plenty of help desks are open 24 hours a day, so you can get help whenever you need it. If you only rely on your IT team, they may only be available during office hours.
13. You Lack Hardware or Software
Hiring IT support specialists is a good option if your small business lacks hardware or software. When you start a business, you may not have enough cash to buy what you need.
You will need computers, a website, CRM software, accounting software, financial software, and inventory management software. Once you add up everything you need, you may find that it’s cheaper and easier to hire IT services.
Also, most IT services use high-quality software and hardware, meaning it will be better than the cheap stuff you have to buy if you are on a tight budget.
14. Your Business Is in a High-Risk Area
Is your business located in a high-crime area? Does your business deal with a ton of sensitive information? If so, you may want to hire IT services to protect you from theft.
If someone breaks into your office and steals laptops, they could gain access to critical information. They could find customers’ social security numbers, change passwords, and steal business banking information.
If you have a strong IT team, they can disable any stolen laptops remotely. In addition to getting rid of the data on the computers, they also can make it so that the thief can never use the laptop. This protects your customers, reputation, and finances.
15. You Want Help Migrating
Hiring managed IT services could be a good option when migrating to new software. Upgrading your software can allow you to better control your inventory, supply chain, finances, and logistics.
While there are many benefits to upgrading your software, the process can be stressful. It may be impossible to ship items, pay your employees, or understand your inventory.
If you hire IT to help with the migration, you can mitigate some of that risk. To reduce the risk, IT professionals will examine your old and new software, then determine a plan to make the change.
They will be available during the migration to fix any problems. They also may be willing to train employees on how to use the new software and answer any questions they have.
Are You Ready to Hire Managed IT Services?
Hiring managed IT services is a good option if you want to protect your business from cybersecurity threats, change your business model, and reduce downtime.
If you are ready to have a more secure business, keep these benefits of managed IT services in mind. Was this article on how to streamline IT services helpful? If so, check out our blog for more helpful tips.
