Saving a few bucks on IT support might feel like a win—until it backfires. And spoiler: it usually does. If you're a small business in the GTA or Simcoe County with 7+ workstations, "bargain IT" could leave your systems wide open.
Book a FREE cybersecurity risk assessment NOW to uncover hidden risks in your current setup before it’s too late.
What Looks Like a Deal Often Comes With Strings Attached
Low monthly fees. A few bundled tools. Maybe even basic antivirus. Sounds good, right? But dig just a little deeper and you’ll find missing protections, sneaky exclusions, and gaps that hackers love.
We've seen small businesses get hit hard—losing files, facing cyber insurance denials, and dealing with surprise fees—because their IT provider cut corners to stay cheap.
If this hits close to home, make sure to check out our breakdown on why investing in cybersecurity is now trending—it’s not hype, it’s survival.
The Most Common “Cheap IT” Red Flags (That You’re Probably Overlooking)
Bargain tech support often means bargain outcomes. Here's how it plays out in the real world.
1. Cybersecurity So Weak, It Might As Well Be Off
Most discount IT providers toss in basic antivirus and call it a day. No 2FA, no endpoint detection, no training, and zero real backup if something gets through.
Cyber insurance carriers are catching on—and they’re denying claims if proper protections aren’t in place. One overlooked setting can cost tens of thousands.
2. Half-Baked Backups That Leave You Exposed
Cloud tools like Microsoft 365 don't come with real backup systems. And cheap IT rarely fills the gap. That means no coverage for CRMs, shared drives, or third-party apps—and that’s a recipe for disaster.
Want the full picture? Read our article on cybersecurity for small businesses to see how critical backup planning really is.
3. Surprise Charges When You Actually Need Help
Many “budget” plans quietly charge extra for after-hours support, emergencies, or on-site visits. So when things break? You either eat the cost—or delay fixing it and lose more. That’s not support—it’s a trap.
4. No Help With Devices or Vendors Outside Their Checklist
Have issues with phones, internet, or printers? Some providers say “not our problem” unless it’s on their narrow list. And yes—they may bill you hourly just to talk to your phone guy. Real support doesn’t stop at a vendor boundary.
5. No Strategy, Just Tickets and Techs
Cheap IT is often run by lone rangers or entry-level techs. No planning, no reviews, no forward thinking. You get reactive service, not proactive protection.
You should expect a roadmap, guidance, and someone to help you plan—not just reset your password.
Stop Chasing Deals That Put You at Risk
Cut-rate IT might save you a few bucks now, but it can cost you everything when things go sideways. Downtime, ransomware, compliance fines—it’s all avoidable if you stop thinking of IT as a line item and start seeing it as insurance.
We’ll show you where your current setup is solid—and where it’s putting you at risk. Book a FREE cybersecurity risk assessment today and get straight answers, no strings.
