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December 2, 2022 | By stephen
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Why IT Support Is Not The Same As IT Security

Are IT security and IT support really two different things?

Ask yourself: Is there a single person in charge of everything in your business, or does everyone pitch in to make ends meet? Is taking on the responsibilities typically held by several professionals at once a good idea?

Probably not, yet many businesses label their small business IT support as “security,” even though these two professionals have very distinct skill sets and roles within an organization. Read on to learn more about the differences between these roles.

IT Support vs. IT Security

As we’ve established, there are a lot of misconceptions that IT support and IT security are the same things. So, for example, many companies think that if they have an IT person on staff, they don’t need additional staff for security. But it’s not that simple.

Security is a broad term, but it generally focuses on risk management. It’s about protecting your company from potential threats, such as hackers, that could negatively impact your business. It also involves creating policies and procedures for employees to follow so that they don’t put your business at risk by exposing sensitive information online or sending confidential information to the wrong person by mistake.

On the other hand, IT support professionals focus on troubleshooting problems with existing technology, setting up new workstations, and other day-to-day tasks. In addition, businesses call on IT support services to provide assistance with any issues that arise with technology, such as fixing broken equipment. IT support professionals also help users learn how to use software and hardware effectively.

The Many Layers Of Security

Historically, business security mainly involved installing firewalls and antivirus software. But as technology advances, so does the IT security landscape. As a result, IT security has evolved into a multi-faceted topic with several layers. Security is not just about firewalls and antivirus software, but they are essential aspects of IT security. It includes risk assessment, data loss protection, security training, and physical access control.

If you are relying on one person for IT support and IT security, then ask yourself these questions:

  • Is this person up to speed on best practices and the latest technology in security?
  • Is this person making efforts to protect your company proactively?
  • Can this person drop everything and jump in immediately in the case of a security incident?
  • Does this person have the breadth of a team to monitor and protect your business?

It’s pretty unlikely that a single individual can effectively manage your company’s IT needs, especially given the complexity of IT security and the many responsibilities of IT support services.

An IT Team Is Essential

Don’t assume your IT support person is addressing your security needs. It would be difficult for even the most competent individual to keep up with the ever-expanding landscape of IT security. The best and most proactive way to safeguard your business from potential security breaches is to have a team of IT security professionals who focus solely on protecting your organization.


LeadingIT offers 24/7, all-inclusive, fast and friendly technology and cybersecurity support for nonprofits, manufacturers, schools, accounting firms, religious organizations, government, and law offices with 20-200 employees across the Chicagoland area

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