The Overburdened IT/Security Team in SMEs: A Double-Edged Sword

In the world of small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs), the IT and security landscape is often a tale of resourcefulness, resilience, and unfortunately, significant risk. It is common to find IT/security teams consisting of just 1 to 3 staff members who are expected to wear multiple hats—system administrators, network engineers, cybersecurity experts, helpdesk support, and occasionally software developers. While this arrangement may seem cost-effective, and flexible on the surface, it comes with a host of security implications, operational risks, and long-term flaws that far outweigh the perceived benefits.

The Reality of SME IT/Security Teams

For SMBs, budget constraints and limited resources often dictate the structure of the IT/security team. A single IT professional or a small team is tasked with managing everything from maintaining servers and troubleshooting software issues to implementing firewalls and responding to security incidents. This "jack-of-all-trades" approach can work in the short term, but it is a precarious balancing act that often leads to burnout, lapses, and vulnerability.

The Security Implications

  1. Lack of Specialisation: Cybersecurity is a highly specialized field that requires deep expertise to effectively combat evolving threats. When a small team is stretched thin across multiple roles, the team may simply not have the time or bandwidth to stay updated on the latest security trends, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies. This lack of specialization leaves the business exposed to risks like phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches.
  2. Inadequate Incident Response: In the event of a security breach, a small team may lack the resources and expertise to respond effectively. Incident response requires a well-coordinated effort, including forensic analysis, containment, and recovery—tasks that are impossible for an overburdened team to handle efficiently. Delayed or inadequate responses can exacerbate the damage and lead to prolonged downtime.Over-
  3. Reliance on Tools: Many SMBs rely heavily on off-the-shelf security tools to compensate for their limited workforce. While these tools can be helpful, they are no substitute for human expertise. **(the question is, can they be a substitute for human expertise?) Misconfigured tools or a lack of proper monitoring can create a false sense of security, leaving critical gaps in the organization’s defense.
  4. Human Error and Burnout: Small IT/security teams are often overworked and under immense pressure to keep everything running smoothly. This increases the likelihood of human error, such as misconfigurations, missed patches, or overlooked vulnerabilities. Burnout further compounds the problem, leading to high turnover rates and a loss of institutional knowledge.

The Operational Risks

Beyond security, the operational risks of relying on a small IT/security team are significant. Downtime caused by system failures or cyberattacks can be devastating for SMBs, which often lack the financial cushion to absorb such losses. Additionally, the lack of proper documentation and standardised processes can make it difficult to onboard new staff or scale operations as the business grows.

The Few Positives (and Why They are Not Enough)

There are a few perceived benefits to having a small, versatile IT/security team. It can foster a sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility. Small teams may also be more agile, able to make quick decisions without the bureaucracy of larger organizations. However, these positives are far outweighed by the risks. Agility means little if the team is too overwhelmed to implement effective security measures, and the camaraderie does not mitigate the damage caused by a preventable breach.

A Call for Change

SMBs must recognise that underinvesting in IT and security is a gamble they cannot afford to take. While budget constraints are a reality, there are steps businesses can take to mitigate risks:
 

  1. Outsource Strategically: Partnering with managed service providers (MSPs) or cybersecurity firms can provide access to specialised expertise without the cost of hiring full-time staff.
  2. Invest in Training: Equip your IT/security team with the training and certifications they need to stay ahead of emerging threats.
  3. Automate Where Possible: Leverage automation tools to handle routine tasks, freeing up your team to focus on higher-priority issues.
  4. Prioritise Security Culture: Foster a culture of security awareness across the organisation. Employees should understand their role in protecting the business from threats.
  5. Plan for Growth: As your business grows, so should your IT/security capabilities. Develop a roadmap for scaling your team and infrastructure to meet future demands.

Conclusion

While the resourcefulness of small IT/security teams in SMBs is commendable, it is not a sustainable or secure model. The risks of understaffing and overburdening these teams far outweigh the few benefits. By acknowledging these challenges and taking proactive steps to address them, SMBs can build a more resilient and secure foundation for their future. After all, in today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is not just an IT issue, it is a business priority.