When a new client joins us at Start Tech, one of the first things we do is a comprehensive IT health check and cyber security audit. It’s an essential step in ensuring we understand the current state of their systems before we begin managing and evolving them.
Over the years, we’ve noticed recurring issues during this onboarding process. These are issues that put businesses at risk, reduce efficiency, and increase long-term costs.
Here are the six most common issues we spot during the onboarding process, which businesses should be looking out for:
Weak Security Settings
We often find that businesses underestimate the importance of layered security. Some common missteps include:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) not being enabled or enforced — even on administrator accounts.
- No policies in place to limit access based on location, device health, or job role.
- Default passwords are still in use on critical devices like routers and switches.
These gaps make it far too easy for attackers to gain access. In 2025, when cyberattacks are more frequent than ever, not having these basic protections is like leaving your office door unlocked.
Poor Network Setup
A business’s network is its backbone, but too often we find setups that are messy, outdated, or simply neglected:
- Lacking proper management of the equipment that connects your devices, with limited control or monitoring
- Broken or misconfigured Wi-Fi network, or worse, flat networks with no segmentation, meaning one compromised device can affect the entire environment.
Structured, segmented networks not only improve performance but also contain threats and make troubleshooting far easier.
Firewall Misconfiguration
Surprisingly, many businesses do invest in powerful firewalls but then neutralise them with poor configuration.
One of the most common mistakes we see is the use of “any-any” rules, allowing unrestricted traffic in and out of the network.
A misconfigured firewall is as dangerous as not having one at all. Proper configuration and ongoing rule management are critical.
Device Mismanagement
Device management is another area where things regularly fall short:
- Devices running Windows Home instead of Pro or Enterprise, which lack key business features and advanced security policies.
- No antivirus or endpoint protection, or outdated systems with expired licenses.
- Inconsistent setups can lead to support headaches and security loopholes.
Without centralised control and monitoring, devices become liabilities instead of productive assets.
Outdated Systems
One of the most alarming things we encounter is unpatched systems – where small fixes and even critical updates haven’t been made in years.
- Workstations and servers alike often run with outdated software, making them vulnerable to known exploits.
- In some cases, unsupported operating systems are still in use, posing serious compliance risks.
Keeping systems updated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect against threats.
Resistance to Change
Not every issue is technical. In many cases, the biggest obstacle is mindset.
- Resistance to change, whether from leadership or staff, leads to stagnation.
- Outdated practices stay in place because “that’s how we’ve always done it.”
This aversion to change not only limits business growth but also increases risk and reduces efficiency. We always encourage clients to view IT as a driver of improvement, not just a necessary evil.
These issues are surprisingly common, but they’re also avoidable. At Start Tech, our goal isn’t just to fix problems; it’s to build IT environments that help businesses thrive.
If any of the issues above sound familiar, or if you’re unsure whether your systems are secure and up to date, get in touch.
At Start Tech we’re here to secure your infrastructure, support your team, and evolve your business.
