Jan 5, 2026

Startup IT Issues

This guide explains the top startup IT issues—from cybersecurity and backups to scalability, hardware, and budgeting—and offers practical fixes to keep teams productive and secure. By planning early and using the right tools or managed services like Sentant, startups can avoid costly disruptions and focus on growth.

Startup IT Issues
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Top 10 Startup IT Issues and How to Fix Them

You save money and time when you fix technical problems before they grow. This guide helps you identify and solve common startup IT issues so your team stays productive. You can focus on growth instead of broken computers. A solid plan keeps your business safe and your customers happy.

Let Sentant help you identify and address these common problems so that you can reach your business goals ahead of schedule. 

1. Cybersecurity Weaknesses

Small companies often ignore digital safety. Hackers target young businesses because they lack strong defenses. You must protect your customer data from the start. Use a password manager for every employee. Set up two-factor authentication on all accounts. This adds a second layer of safety. You should also teach your team about fake emails. 

These phishing attacks steal passwords easily. Buy good antivirus software for every laptop. Keep your software updated to close security holes. A breach can ruin your reputation. It can also cost a lot of money. You protect your future when you lock your digital doors today. Strong security builds trust with your clients.

2. Lack of Scalability

Your tech needs to grow with your sales. Many founders buy cheap tools that only work for a few people. You will face trouble when you hire ten more people. Pick software that offers different tiers. Cloud services let you add more users with one click. You pay for what you use right now. 

Then, you can expand your plan later. Avoid custom code that only one person understands. Use standard platforms that many people know how to fix. This makes it easier to bring in help. A plan for growth keeps your operations smooth. Scalable systems save you from future headaches. You build a better business when your tools handle more work.

3. Missing Data Backups

Hard drives fail, and people delete files by mistake. You lose work if you do not have a backup. This is one of the big startup IT issues that can stop your work. Use cloud storage for all your company documents. Services like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive save versions of your files. 

You can go back in time to find an old version. Set up an automatic backup for your main website. Test your backups once a month. You must make sure they work. Consistent backups give you peace of mind. They protect your hard work from hardware failure. You sleep better when your data is safe and reachable.

4. Poor Remote Work Security

People work from many different places now. You need to make sure their home internet is safe. A virtual private network (VPN) protects your data on public Wi-Fi. It creates a private tunnel for your information. Give your team clear rules for home office tech. They should not use personal computers for work tasks. Personal devices often lack the right security updates. 

You can use mobile device management software to keep track of company laptops. This lets you wipe a lost laptop from a distance. Good remote tools help your team collaborate from anywhere. Modern work requires modern safety tools for every person on your team.

5. Messy Software Choices

Too many apps create a mess. Employees might buy their own software without asking you. This creates a risk for your data. It also wastes money on duplicate tools. You should pick one set of tools for chat and email. Stick to that choice across the whole company. Review your subscriptions every few months. Cancel the tools that nobody uses anymore. Centralize your software buying through one person. 

This keeps your budget under control. It also ensures everyone uses the same version of a file. Clear software rules make daily work much simpler. You save time with better organization. This avoids confusion when you share files.

6. Hardware Neglect

Computers slow down over time. Dust and heat can damage the parts inside a laptop. You need a plan to replace old gear. Most laptops last about three to four years. Save a small amount of money each month for new hardware. This prevents a big surprise bill when a screen breaks. Clean the keyboards and screens regularly. 

Tell your team to keep drinks away from their desks. A spilled coffee can destroy an expensive machine. Good hardware keeps your team fast and happy. Reliable equipment shows your team that you value their time. It makes every task feel easier for them. New gear also supports the newest security updates.

7. Unreliable Networks

Slow internet kills productivity. You cannot run a business on a weak Wi-Fi signal. Invest in a high-quality router for your office. Use wires for the most important computers. Ethernet cables provide a faster and more stable connection. Have a backup internet plan in case your main provider fails. A simple cellular hotspot can keep you online during an outage. 

Check your internet speed often. Call your provider if you do not get the speed you pay for. Fast internet lets your team use cloud tools without lag. It makes video calls clear and professional. You need a strong connection to reach your customers. A bad connection looks unprofessional.

8. Bad Onboarding Processes

New hires need their accounts ready on day one. You waste time when they sit around with no access. Create a checklist for every new person. This list includes email and chat access. It also includes folders they need to see. You also need a plan for when someone leaves. Revoke their access to all accounts immediately. Change passwords for any shared logins. 

This prevents former employees from seeing private data. Automated tools can help you manage these permissions. Fast onboarding makes a great first impression. Secure offboarding protects your company secrets. You maintain control over your company data with a strict process for all team changes.

9. IT Budget Surprises

Technology costs more than just the price of a laptop. You have to pay for licenses and support. Many startups forget to plan for these monthly costs. List every software subscription you own. Add up the total cost for the year. Include a buffer for emergency repairs. This helps you avoid cash flow problems. Do not always buy the cheapest option. Cheap tools often break or lack support. 

Buy the best tools your budget allows. High-quality tech lasts longer and works better. These startup IT issues often stem from a lack of funds. A clear budget helps you make smart choices for your business. You feel more confident.

10. Lack of Professional Support

Problems happen, and people need help. You cannot expect your lead developer to fix every printer. This takes them away from their real work. Decide who handles tech questions. You might hire a part-time IT person. These steps keep your data safe and your team fast. 

Hire a Managed Service Provider Today!

Start with one fix today and build from there. Success starts with a clear plan and the right technology.

You could also use a managed service provider like Sentant to fix your tech-related issues. Let us handle the most common startup IT issues. By doing so, you can focus on more important areas of your startup business. Book a demo today

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I start fixing my tech? 

Check your security first. Make sure everyone uses strong passwords. Update your software today. These simple steps protect your company from most online threats right away.

2. Should I buy Macs or PCs? 

Pick the one your team knows best. Both work well for most business tasks. Most cloud software runs on both systems. Focus on the quality of the hardware.

3. Is cloud storage safe? 

Yes, cloud storage is very safe for startups. Large companies spend millions on security. Your data stays encrypted. Use two-factor authentication to keep your login safe from others.

4. When should I hire an IT person? 

Hire help when tech issues slow you down. You can start with a part-time expert. This lets your team focus on their main jobs. It saves money eventually.

5. How often should I update software? 

Update your software as soon as you see a notification. These updates often fix security bugs. They also add new features. Automated updates make this task much easier.

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Will Pizzano, CISM is Founder of Sentant, a managed security and IT services provider that has helped dozens of companies achieve SOC 2 compliance. If you’re interested in help obtaining SOC 2 compliance, contact us.

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Startup IT Issues

This guide explains the top startup IT issues—from cybersecurity and backups to scalability, hardware, and budgeting—and offers practical fixes to keep teams productive and secure. By planning early and using the right tools or managed services like Sentant, startups can avoid costly disruptions and focus on growth.

Costs of DIY IT in Startups

DIY IT often costs startups more than it seems by draining founder time, causing productivity-killing tech delays, and increasing the risk of outages or data breaches. Managed services replace unpredictable emergencies with a steady monthly cost, proactive monitoring, and stronger security, which boosts employee performance and supports smoother scaling. The piece positions Sentant as a partner that takes day-to-day IT off your plate so you can focus on growth and revenue.

Cyber Threats Targeting Startups

Startups face major cyber risks like phishing, ransomware, insider threats, weak access controls, and cloud misconfigurations, which can quickly disrupt growth and damage trust. The content emphasizes proactive defenses—employee training, strong identity controls, backups, monitoring, and secure cloud setup—to stop attacks before they cause harm. Sentant positions itself as a startup-focused partner offering managed tools, security expertise, and vCISO leadership to help companies scale safely without building an in-house security team.

Sentant IT and Security Alignment

Aligning IT and security breaks down silos, embeds protection into every technology decision, and helps organizations reduce risk while moving faster and more efficiently. When both teams share goals, governance, and processes, cybersecurity shifts from a reactive cost center to a business enabler that supports innovation, uptime, and compliance. Sentant emphasizes practical alignment through integrated tools, shared metrics, and a security-first culture that creates a safer, smarter digital environment.

What Is Required for SOC 2 Compliance

SOC 2 compliance means scoping the systems and processes that handle customer data, implementing controls aligned to the AICPA Trust Services Criteria (Security is mandatory, others optional), and consistently collecting evidence that those controls work in practice. Type I checks control design at a point in time, while Type II verifies they operate effectively over months, which most enterprise buyers prefer. Sentant positions itself as helping teams right-size scope, implement controls, and stay audit-ready without chaos.

Cybersecurity for Startups

Startups are frequent targets for cyberattacks despite limited resources, so having a solid, budget-friendly cybersecurity strategy is essential to protect business and customer data. Key steps include basics like firewalls, MFA, patching, backups, strong passwords, employee training, and continuous monitoring, plus having a clear response and recovery plan. The guide also frames partnering with specialists like Sentant as a way to automate security and compliance while scaling safely.

The Beginner's Guide to IT Managed Services for Start ups

Managed IT services help startups outsource tech needs for a predictable monthly cost, getting 24/7 support, proactive monitoring, and stronger cybersecurity without building a full in-house team. This brings lower costs, faster issue resolution, and scalable IT systems, typically covering network and cloud management, backups, disaster recovery, and automatic updates plus expert guidance. Overall, an MSP lets founders stay focused on growing the business, with providers like Sentant highlighting startup-friendly, scalable support and strategic IT planning.

How Do You Handle Cybersecurity for a Startup

Startups can’t afford to neglect cybersecurity—one breach can devastate finances, reputation, and investor confidence. By establishing early security measures such as access control, encryption, employee training, and response plans, startups can protect data while staying agile. Sentant helps startups design scalable, cost-effective cybersecurity strategies that safeguard growth, ensure compliance, and prevent costly incidents.

What are SOC 2 Compliance Requirements

SOC 2 compliance is a security framework that verifies a company’s ability to protect customer data through five Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, confidentiality, processing integrity, and privacy. It requires independent audits to assess an organization’s controls, with Type 1 evaluating them at a single point and Type 2 measuring their effectiveness over time. Sentant simplifies this process through automation—streamlining evidence collection, integrations, and audits to help businesses achieve compliance faster and strengthen trust with customers.

What Is a vCISO

A vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer) is a part-time or on-demand security expert who helps startups build and manage their cybersecurity strategies without the high cost of a full-time CISO. They strengthen data protection, ensure compliance, and build investor and customer trust while aligning security with business growth. For startups handling sensitive data or seeking funding, a vCISO provides scalable, expert guidance that enables safe and confident expansion.

Essential IT Services for Small Business

IT services are vital for small businesses to stay productive, secure, and cost-efficient without needing an in-house IT team. Managed service providers offer proactive maintenance, remote support, and strong cybersecurity to prevent downtime and data breaches. Outsourcing IT enables small businesses to scale affordably while leveraging advanced technology and expert support.

IT Companies in Southern California

Sentant is a top IT company in Southern California that provides cybersecurity-first managed IT, cloud, and compliance solutions. They stand out for their fast, transparent, and locally informed support that prioritizes prevention, protection, and partnership. With scalable, tailored services, Sentant helps businesses across industries stay secure, compliant, and efficient while enabling growth.

Sentant Combine IT, Security, and Compliance for Startups

Denver’s growing tech scene has led to rising cyber risks, making it crucial for businesses to partner with a trusted cybersecurity provider. Sentant stands out by offering proactive monitoring, tailored solutions, compliance support, and 24/7 protection, all while leveraging local knowledge of Colorado’s regulatory environment. With decades of expertise and a reputation for reliability, Sentant provides long-term strategies that scale with businesses, positioning itself as a trusted cybersecurity partner for startups, mid-sized firms, and enterprises in Denver.

Cyber Security Companies in Denver

Denver’s growing tech scene has led to rising cyber risks, making it crucial for businesses to partner with a trusted cybersecurity provider. Sentant stands out by offering proactive monitoring, tailored solutions, compliance support, and 24/7 protection, all while leveraging local knowledge of Colorado’s regulatory environment. With decades of expertise and a reputation for reliability, Sentant provides long-term strategies that scale with businesses, positioning itself as a trusted cybersecurity partner for startups, mid-sized firms, and enterprises in Denver.

vCISO Service

A vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer) service offers companies executive-level cybersecurity leadership at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time CISO, making it especially valuable for startups and mid-sized businesses. While large enterprises or highly regulated industries may still require a dedicated in-house CISO, vCISOs provide scalable expertise, compliance guidance, risk management, and strategic oversight tailored to business needs. Ultimately, the choice depends on organizational size and complexity, but for many companies, a vCISO delivers equal or greater value by combining flexibility, breadth of knowledge, and cost efficiency.

SOC 2 Compliance for Startups

SOC 2 compliance is becoming essential for startups by 2025 as it builds customer trust, protects sensitive data, and demonstrates a company’s commitment to strong security practices. Achieving compliance requires rigorous preparation, including gap analysis, implementing security controls, gathering evidence, and working with accredited auditors, but it provides lasting benefits like resilience against cyber threats, easier scaling, and investor confidence. With expert guidance, such as from Sentant, startups can streamline the process and maintain continuous compliance to stay secure, competitive, and ready for growth.

Remote IT Support

Remote IT support helps startups stay productive by offering 24/7 availability, quick responses, proactive monitoring, and scalable low-cost solutions that eliminate the need for in-house IT teams. It strengthens cybersecurity with constant threat monitoring, regular updates, and employee training while also improving collaboration and remote work efficiency through optimized tools and integrated communication platforms. By outsourcing IT tasks, startups can focus on core business growth and innovation, gaining a competitive edge without being burdened by technical issues.

Managed IT Services

Managed IT services allow startups to scale faster by offloading IT tasks like device management, security, compliance, and onboarding to a specialized provider, freeing founders to focus on growth. They offer predictable costs, elastic capacity, and proactive monitoring to reduce outages while providing built-in security and compliance support from the start. This flexible model ensures smooth onboarding, standardized systems, and stronger resilience—helping startups stay productive and secure without building a full IT department too early.

Six Reasons Every SMB Needs A vCISO

A Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) gives SMBs affordable, on-demand access to cybersecurity leadership and expertise without the high cost of hiring a full-time CISO. Unlike traditional CISOs, vCISOs provide flexible strategic guidance, regulatory compliance support, and access to specialist teams, helping businesses manage evolving cyber risks quickly and effectively. With benefits like lower costs, faster implementation, industry expertise, and alignment with security frameworks, vCISOs have become essential for SMBs seeking strong cybersecurity and compliance while focusing on core operations.

How to Prepare for a SOC 2 Audit

A SOC 2 audit evaluates how well a company safeguards customer data across five key areas—security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy—using real-world practices instead of a rigid checklist. Preparing involves narrowing the audit scope, running a gap analysis, updating policies, training staff, and conducting mock audits to avoid surprises and ensure smoother compliance. Being SOC 2 audit-ready builds trust with clients, speeds up business deals, and sets a foundation for future certifications like HIPAA or ISO 27001.

Proactive Cybersecurity Strategy for Your Organization

Cybersecurity is no longer optional, urging businesses of all sizes to adopt a proactive strategy instead of reacting after an incident. It provides a practical roadmap that includes identifying assets, addressing vulnerabilities, setting clear policies, training staff, and applying layered defenses guided by principles like zero trust and least privilege. Sentant supports organizations by simplifying policies, monitoring risks, ensuring compliance, and evolving strategies to strengthen security and client trust.

Outsourced IT Services

Outsourced IT services let growing companies access expert tech support without the cost or delays of hiring a full internal team. Sentant integrates directly into your workflow, providing 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity, compliance readiness, and flexible scaling so your team can focus on growth. With fast, embedded support and transparent pricing, Sentant helps businesses run smoothly, innovate faster, and stay secure.

What Is SOC 2 Compliance and Why Does Your Business Need It?

SOC 2 Compliance is a crucial framework for businesses that handle customer data, especially in tech and cloud services, as it builds client trust and helps unlock larger deals. While not legally required, many clients demand it, making it a strategic necessity rather than a luxury. Sentant simplifies the complex compliance process by tailoring it to your business and supporting you every step of the way, ensuring you're not just compliant—but credible.

The Role of IT in Creating a Great Remote Work Culture

Remote work thrives on more than flexibility—it relies on a strong IT backbone. From secure infrastructure to seamless communication and tech support, IT ensures remote teams stay productive, connected, and protected. Sentant helps businesses build smarter, safer IT systems that make remote work smooth and stress-free.

Managed IT Services vs. In-House IT: Which Is Right for You?

Managed IT services offer cost savings, 24/7 support, and access to specialists, making them ideal for businesses looking to scale quickly without hiring a full tech team. In contrast, in-house IT teams provide more control, faster on-site response, and tailored solutions, but often come with higher costs and hiring challenges. Choosing between the two depends on your business size, goals, and technical needs—with some companies benefiting most from a hybrid approach.

5 Signs Your Business Needs a Professional IT Services Provider

If your business is experiencing recurring IT issues, unpredictable tech costs, or lacks strategic tech guidance, it may be time to bring in expert support. Sentant offers managed IT services tailored for fast-growing teams—covering helpdesk support, cybersecurity, compliance, and long-term planning. With flat-rate pricing and human-first service, they help small businesses stay secure, scale smoothly, and focus on growth without the tech headaches.

What Does SOC 2 Compliance Mean?

SOC 2 compliance is a cybersecurity framework that helps businesses—especially in tech and SaaS—demonstrate strong data protection practices through five Trust Service Principles: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It boosts customer trust, strengthens internal security, and supports other regulatory standards like GDPR and HIPAA. By choosing between SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2, companies can prove they not only have strong policies in place but also follow them consistently to safeguard sensitive information.

Qualities of Top IT Companies in California

When choosing an IT company in California, it's essential to find a provider that offers customized support, proactive solutions, and strong client relationships. Top IT firms prioritize transparency, continuous learning, and efficient service delivery while maintaining a strong reputation and community involvement. Sentant exemplifies these qualities, making it a standout choice for businesses seeking dependable and forward-thinking IT support.

What Is Cybersecurity as a Service

Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CSaaS) is a cloud-based solution that allows businesses to outsource their cybersecurity needs to expert providers, offering around-the-clock protection without the cost of building an in-house security team. It includes essential components like network, data, and endpoint security, along with managed detection and response (MDR). CSaaS is a cost-effective, scalable alternative to traditional cybersecurity, especially for small and mid-sized businesses that lack the resources to maintain full-time security operations.

Top 10 Cybersecurity Threats Facing Small Businesses in 2025

The Hidden Costs of a Cyberattack And How to Prevent Them

Cyberattacks can cripple small businesses not just through immediate damage, but through long-term consequences like lost trust, reduced revenue, and increased costs. Hidden impacts—such as downtime, regulatory penalties, and team morale—often hit harder than the attack itself. Sentant helps prevent these outcomes with tailored, human-first cybersecurity solutions that protect without disrupting your day-to-day operations.

How Long Does It Take to Get SOC 2 Compliance?

Achieving SOC 2 compliance can take anywhere from 2 to 12+ months depending on your organization's security maturity and the type of report — Type 1 (faster) or Type 2 (more comprehensive). Type 1 typically takes 2–4 months, while Type 2, which requires a longer observation window, can take 6–12 months or more. With the right preparation, documentation, and expert support like Sentant’s, businesses can streamline the process and build trust with customers more efficiently.

Home WiFi Devices Roundup

In a perfectly connected world, the network should be fast, reliable and everywhere it’s needed. More now than ever, this means your home network needs some love and attention if it’s not up-to-snuff. Let’s look at the considerations that influence the way Sentant deploys networks in residences and at some of the best systems to deploy

5 Ways to Secure Zoom for Business

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been asked by a customer or business partner for your company to become SOC2-compliant. Along the way, you’ve probably heard about the differences between Type I and II, or wondered what Trust Principles you’ll need, and how much it’ll all cost. This article hopes to quickly answer all of those questions.

What’s the difference between SOC 2 Type I and II?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been asked by a customer or business partner for your company to become SOC2-compliant. Along the way, you’ve probably heard about the differences between Type I and II, or wondered what Trust Principles you’ll need, and how much it’ll all cost. This article hopes to quickly answer all of those questions.