In today’s digital age, businesses need effective cybersecurity measures in place to protect their data and keep operations running smoothly. Pittsburgh small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) businesses often struggle with outdated software, weak email security, and inconsistent backups – issues that managed IT services can easily prevent. Here are five common IT mistakes Pittsburgh SMBs make and how Sierra Experts, your veteran-owned IT crew, can help fix them with our co-management services.
1. Running Outdated Software
Using software older than a Roberto Clemente rookie card is a recipe for disaster.
Why It’s a Problem
Outdated systems are one of the biggest open doors for cybercriminals. When your business skips software updates or ignores patch alerts, you’re leaving known vulnerabilities exposed. According to the 2025 Ponemon Institute report, nearly 60% of data breaches occur because of unpatched software. Hackers actively exploit these security gaps to access sensitive data, disrupt operations, or hold systems hostage with ransomware. Even a single outdated program—such as an old operating system or accounting tool—can compromise your entire network.
How to Fix It: Managed Patch Updates
Keeping up with updates across multiple devices, apps, and servers can feel overwhelming—but that’s where managed patch updates come in. Sierra Experts’ patch management services ensure every piece of your IT environment stays current. Updates are deployed automatically, minimizing downtime and eliminating human error. This proactive approach not only strengthens your defenses but also enhances performance and compatibility across your systems, ensuring you stay secure and efficient without interruption.
2. Weak Email Security
If your email security is weak, phishing scams can sneak in and steal sensitive data.
Why It’s a Problem
Email remains the most common way cybercriminals infiltrate small businesses. In fact, 94% of cyberattacks start with a malicious email, according to Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Report. Attackers disguise phishing emails as legitimate business messages to trick employees into sharing sensitive information, such as passwords, or clicking on malicious links.
Once inside, malware can spread quickly, locking up files, stealing data, and damaging your reputation. For small businesses without a dedicated IT staff, a successful phishing attempt can cause significant financial loss and downtime.
How to Fix It: Email Filters & Employee Training
Modern email defense requires a layered approach. Start with advanced spam and phishing filters that automatically block suspicious emails before they reach inboxes. Then, reinforce that technology with ongoing employee training. Sierra Experts’ real-time threat detection and security awareness programs teach your staff how to spot red flags—like spoofed addresses or urgent “action required” requests. With both smart tools and smart people working together, your inbox becomes one of your strongest first lines of defense.
3. Skipping Backups (or Not Testing Them)
No backups? That’s like heading to a Penguins game without a coat in January.
Why It’s a Problem
Data is the lifeblood of your business—client information, invoices, project files, and more. If a server crashes, a ransomware attack encrypts your data, or an employee accidentally deletes key files, your operations can grind to a halt. Many businesses believe they have backups in place but rarely test them—only to discover too late that the files are incomplete or corrupted. The result? Costly downtime, lost revenue, and damaged customer trust.
How to Fix It: The 3-2-1 Rule
Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule. This is a rule that requires you to keep three copies of company data, stored on two different types of media, and one copy stored offsite or in the cloud. Additionally, test your backups regularly to ensure they restore correctly. Sierra Experts’ managed backup solutions handle all this automatically, providing local and offsite storage for extra redundancy. That means even if disaster strikes, your data can be recovered quickly, keeping your business moving forward no matter what.
4. Ignoring Employee Cybersecurity Training
Your team might be great at their jobs, but without training, your data is vulnerable to cyberattacks that can cause costly damage.
Why It’s a Problem
Even the best security systems can’t protect you from human error. Employees are often the first target in a cyberattack—phishing emails, fake login pages, or malicious attachments are designed to trick busy workers. According to multiple cybersecurity studies, human error is responsible for over 80% of data breaches. Without consistent training, your team may unintentionally click harmful links, share credentials, or fall victim to social engineering schemes.
How to Fix It: Co-Management Services
Cybersecurity training doesn’t have to be complicated. With co-managed IT services from Sierra Experts, you get both expert oversight and hands-on support for your team. We offer tailored training sessions that teach employees how to recognize suspicious behavior, create strong passwords, and report potential threats before they spread. This proactive approach transforms your staff from potential weak spots into your first line of cyber defense—helping to protect your company like a solid defensive line at Acrisure Stadium.
5. Not Monitoring Your Network 24/7
Running a network without constant monitoring leaves it vulnerable to malicious threats and intrusions.
Why It’s a Problem
Cyber threats don’t keep business hours—and neither should your protection. Without 24/7 monitoring, it’s easy for unauthorized users or hidden malware to slip into your system undetected. By the time you notice something’s wrong, like slow performance or strange network activity, the damage is already done. Small and medium-sized businesses are more vulnerable, since they rarely have in-house staff dedicated to around-the-clock vigilance.
How to Fix It: Real-Time Network Monitoring
With real-time network monitoring and threat detection, Sierra Experts keeps a constant eye on your systems, 24/7. Our advanced tools identify unusual behavior instantly—whether it’s a malware infection, a login attempt from an unfamiliar location, or a failing device on your network. When an issue arises, our team responds immediately to contain and resolve it before it escalates. It’s like having an IT watchdog that never sleeps—protecting your systems, data, and peace of mind 24/7.
Quick IT Health Checklist for Pittsburgh SMBs
Use this checklist to help keep your business IT security on track:
∙ Keep all software updated monthly with managed patch updates
∙ Schedule quarterly employee training
∙ Test backups biannually
With regular employee training and our 24/7 monitoring and threat detection, you can keep your business safe and secure.
Why Sierra Experts?
As Pittsburgh’s veteran-owned IT pros, Sierra Experts knows how to keep SMBs running smoothly. Our co-management services—like patch management, threat detection, and backups—fix these mistakes before they cost you. Whether you’re in Oakland or the South Side, we’ve got the local know-how and tech expertise to keep your business humming.
Don’t Let IT Mistakes Fumble Your Business
Ready to tackle these IT pitfalls? Contact Sierra Experts for a free consultation and let’s build a game plan to keep your business cyber-safe. Visit www.sierraexperts.com or call us today to learn more about managed IT services for your Pittsburgh business.
