When a fast-growing tech startup signed with a budget-friendly IT provider, they thought they were being savvy, keeping costs low so they could invest more into product development.
For months, everything seemed fine until a ransomware attack locked them out of their systems the day before a critical investor pitch.
That’s when they discovered the truth:
- Their “backups” only covered part of their data, and not their cloud apps.
- Their cyber insurance claim was denied because they lacked MFA and proper endpoint protection.
- Their MSP charged thousands in extra “emergency” fees just to start remediation.
What looked like a smart financial move ended up costing them investors, reputation, and tens of thousands of dollars in recovery.
If they’d partnered with a security-focused, strategic MSP from the start, the attack would likely have been stopped, or at least recoverable without major losses.
- Are you unknowingly paying for IT support that leaves your business exposed?
- Does your “affordable” IT provider actually protect your data, or just put a band-aid on it?
- How many hidden fees, gaps, and risks are buried in your current IT contract?
You’ve heard it before: You get what you pay for. And nowhere is that more true than when it comes to your business IT.
At first glance, a low-cost managed IT services agreement might feel like a win: a smaller monthly bill, basic support, and maybe even a few “security tools” thrown in. However, what we’ve seen time and again with small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the Bay Area is that those budget-friendly contracts often come with hidden risks, sneaky exclusions, and significant gaps that can leave your business vulnerable.
After reviewing numerous contracts over the years, our team at TruAdvantage, an award-winning, security-focused MSP in the Bay Area, has identified five common ways cut-rate providers cut corners. Here’s how these shortcuts can turn into major headaches (and expenses) for business owners like you:
Weak (Or Nonexistent) Cybersecurity
Basic antivirus is not a security strategy.
Many budget providers install a consumer-grade antivirus and stop there. They skip critical protections like:
✔ Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
✔ Advanced endpoint detection & response
✔ Staff cybersecurity awareness training
✔ Immutable backups for ransomware defense
Why does this matter? Insurance carriers increasingly require advanced cybersecurity measures before they’ll even approve your policy, and we’ve seen SMBs denied claims after an attack because their IT provider didn’t set these up.
That’s not just poor IT support — it’s negligence.
Incomplete or Missing Backups
Many SMBs assume tools like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace are already backing up their data. Unfortunately, they’re not.
While these platforms offer basic recovery, they’re not designed for disaster recovery or long-term retention. Low-cost IT providers often skip backing up cloud apps, CRMs, and other platforms, and rarely implement the immutable backups now required by many cyber insurance policies.
If you’re unsure what your backups cover, ask your provider. You might not like the answer.
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Hidden Fees and “Gotchas”
One of the most common tactics we see? Quoting a low monthly rate, then tacking on fees for every on-site visit, after-hours call, or emergency response.
At TruAdvantage, our managed IT support for small businesses in the Bay Area is predictable and transparent — no surprises. If you’re hesitant to call your provider because you’re worried about being nickel-and-dimed, that’s a sign it’s time for a change.
“Not Our Problem” Vendor Support
Phones, Internet, printers, security cameras — anything that connects to your network can impact your business. But many budget IT companies refuse to help with anything outside their limited scope, or charge you hourly just to talk to your vendors.
At TruAdvantage, we act as your full-service IT partner — coordinating with all your technology vendors to get issues resolved quickly. Because IT isn’t siloed, and neither are we.
No Strategy, No Guidance
One of the biggest red flags is working with a one-man shop or a team of entry-level technicians without an experienced strategist to guide your technology decisions.
Cheap MSPs might fix things when they break, but they don’t help you plan.
What you should get from your IT partner:
- A dedicated account manager & trusted advisor
- A strategic technology roadmap
- Regular reviews of your security, compliance & backups
- Forecasting for upgrades & budget planning
- Proactive support — not just reactive ticketing
Bottom Line: When IT Seems Too Cheap, It Usually Is
We see it every week: SMBs in the Bay Area who thought they were saving money — until they got hit with ransomware, failed a compliance audit, or lost months of data.
By then, it’s too late.
If you’re not 100% confident your IT provider is protecting your business, don’t wait to find out the hard way. At TruAdvantage, we help SMBs like yours uncover the hidden gaps in their current IT and fix them before they become problems.
- We’re security-focused, with advanced protection built in.
- We offer predictable, fixed-cost pricing — no nickel-and-diming.
- We’re people-first, giving you a dedicated engineer and a trusted advisor, not just a help desk.
Let us show you what your IT contract is missing.
We offer IT and Security Health Check to help business owners like you review your current environment, explain what’s working (and what’s not), and help you close the gaps
Book Your Free Consultation Now
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