After supporting hundreds of Perth businesses, we see the same IT mistakes over and over. Most are easy to fix - but they're costly to ignore. Here are the ten most common ones.
No offsite or cloud backup
The problem
An external hard drive in the same office as your computer isn't a backup strategy - it's a false sense of security. Fires, floods, theft, and ransomware can wipe out local backups alongside your main data. Cloud backup is non-negotiable.
The fix
Set up automated cloud backup. Test a restore every quarter. Takes less than a day to implement.
Reusing passwords across accounts
The problem
If one service gets breached and your password is leaked, every other account using that password is now compromised. It's one of the most common ways Perth businesses get hacked.
The fix
Use a password manager (Bitwarden is free) and enable MFA on every business account.
Ignoring software updates
The problem
"I'll do it later" turns into weeks or months of running vulnerable software. Ransomware gangs specifically target known vulnerabilities in unpatched systems.
The fix
Enable automatic updates for Windows, Office, and your antivirus. Set a monthly calendar reminder to check firmware on routers and switches.
Using personal email for business
The problem
It looks unprofessional, mixes business and personal data, and means your business data lives in an account you might lose access to. It also creates compliance and data ownership risks.
The fix
Microsoft 365 Business Basic starts from $8.80/user/month and includes professional email, Teams, and OneDrive.
No written IT documentation
The problem
When the person who "knows how everything works" leaves, businesses often grind to a halt. Passwords, software licences, network diagrams - if it's all in one person's head, it's a liability.
The fix
Document your key systems, passwords (in a password manager), and IT processes. Update it when things change.
Buying the cheapest possible hardware
The problem
A $400 laptop might seem fine - until it dies 18 months later and takes a day of productivity with it. Business-grade hardware costs more but lasts longer, has better warranties, and is faster to replace.
The fix
Budget $1,200–$1,800 for a business laptop. Expect 4–5 years of reliable life vs 2 years from a consumer device.
No staff IT security training
The problem
Your team is your biggest security risk - not because they're malicious, but because phishing emails are sophisticated and easy to fall for without training.
The fix
Run a 1-hour phishing awareness session once a year. We can run this for your Perth team remotely or on-site.
Letting ex-employees keep access
The problem
When a staff member leaves, their accounts need to be disabled immediately - email, cloud storage, business apps, everything. This is often overlooked and creates a serious security gap.
The fix
Create an offboarding IT checklist. Microsoft 365 makes it easy to disable accounts and transfer emails.
Running end-of-life software
The problem
Windows 10 reached end-of-life in October 2025. Running unsupported software means no security patches - it's the equivalent of leaving a window open in your office 24/7.
The fix
Audit your software versions. If anything is end-of-life, prioritise upgrading it this quarter.
Treating IT as a cost, not an investment
The problem
Businesses that invest in solid IT infrastructure, security, and support spend less on recovering from incidents, downtime, and data loss than those who cut every IT corner.
The fix
Calculate what an hour of downtime actually costs your business. Then decide if proactive IT management is expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these IT mistakes causes the most damage if left unfixed?
No offsite or cloud backup tends to be the costliest, because when it goes wrong (ransomware, fire, a failed local drive) it goes wrong all at once, and there's often no way back. Reused passwords and end-of-life software are close behind, since both are common entry points attackers actively look for.
How long does it actually take to fix most of these?
Several of them are quicker than business owners expect, setting up automated cloud backup or enabling MFA across accounts can often be done in under a day. The bigger items, like documenting IT systems properly or auditing software versions, take longer but are usually worth scheduling as a project rather than putting off indefinitely.
Do we really need business-grade hardware instead of cheaper consumer laptops?
For anything used daily in the business, generally yes. A cheaper laptop can seem like the sensible choice upfront, but business-grade hardware tends to last noticeably longer and comes with better warranty support, which usually works out cheaper over its lifespan once you account for the productivity lost when a budget device fails early.
What's the easiest first step if several of these apply to us?
Start with whichever mistake would hurt the most if it went wrong tomorrow, for most businesses that's backup and password reuse, since both are quick to fix and carry serious downside if ignored. A short IT health check is a practical way to see which of the ten actually apply to your setup rather than guessing.
Backups, patching, documentation, and offboarding are all handled proactively under our managed IT service plans.
Managed IT Services →Not sure how many of these apply to your business?
Our free IT health check covers all of these and more - and gives you a practical action plan with no obligation.
Book a Free IT Health CheckFor related reading, see our guides to IT Support for Small Business in Perth and How Much Does Managed IT Cost in Perth?.