Technology plays a key role in all businesses today. That’s why I’m sharing a series of articles to discuss the top four technology challenges that businesses face in 2018, and to provide practical solutions for each of them. In the first article, we talked about cybersecurity challenges. In this article, we’ll look at challenge #2: the technology skills shortage.

Across the country, companies are seeing a significant shortage of qualified candidates for key technology roles. The most pressing shortages are for proven, experienced technology leaders in high-demand specialty roles.

To be successful, a business can’t just hire more “techies;” they need tech-savvy business leaders that can quickly assess needs, leverage cloud services and new technology opportunities, chart an optimal course of action, and drive timely results. So how can your company best fill these roles and acquire the top talent?   

In an increasingly interconnected digital world, technology plays a key role in all businesses today. That’s why I’ll be sharing a series of articles that will examine the top four technology challenges that businesses are facing in 2018 and provide practical solutions for each of them. In this first article, let’s take a look at one of the most pressing issues facing business owners today: cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity must be top of mind for every business owner, as well as every member of a Board of Directors. With so much on the line in terms of financial and intellectual property, business leaders can’t afford to ignore this risk or leave it up to chance.

Technology plays a key role in all businesses today. It’s more important than ever for business owners to be technologically literate in order to protect and grow their businesses. In my new series of articles, I will discuss the top four technology challenges that businesses are facing in 2018 and provide practical solutions for each of them.  Those challenges are:

How many passwords do you have?

Personal email? Work email? Amazon? Facebook? Twitter?

Every website wants you to set up another account with yet another username and password. You also have other sensitive information that you must remember and keep secure, such as your social security number, passport number, voter card, credit card numbers, combination locks, prescriptions, serial numbers, and more. The list seems to grow by the day, demanding more and more of your memory.

Technology plays a key role in all businesses today. The right technology can provide a competitive advantage and be a valuable asset for your business. Conversely, the wrong technology and/or an unsuccessful implementation can be devastating. With such high stakes, it’s important to know that your investment in new equipment or software will be useful for the organization. That’s why it may be wise to consider getting help from an experienced consultant before making any expensive purchasing decisions.

But how do you know whose technology guidance you should take? Here are some factors to take into consideration when you’re choosing a new consultant:

Cybersecurity threats have evolved over the years. And for business owners to be prepared, it’s important that your protection and knowledge evolve accordingly. In the past, the right technology safeguards, such as firewalls and anti-virus/malware protection were adequate.

But now, hackers have responded by shifting their target from technical vulnerabilities to PEOPLE vulnerabilities. It’s much easier for a hacker to trick you into unknowingly giving up access to your computer and sensitive information.