If you only talk to your IT provider when it's time to renew your contract, you're missing the mark.
Technology isn't something you can set up once and forget about. It's always changing, and so are the risks that come with it. That's why quarterly IT check-ins are essential if you want your business to stay safe, efficient, and competitive.
But here's the problem: Most business owners don't know what to ask.
So today, here's a cheat sheet. These are the questions your IT provider should be ready to answer every quarter—no jargon, no vague promises, just clear answers that keep your business running well.
1. Are There Any Vulnerabilities We Need To Address Right Now?
It's not about ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus up to date?
- Are there any systems that haven't been patched?
- Have we had any near misses or warning signs recently?
You're not being paranoid—you're being prepared.
2. What's The Status Of Our Backups? And Have You Tested Them Lately?
Backups are like seat belts: you don't think about them until you really need them. Ask:
- When was the last time a full restore was tested?
- Are we using the right backup strategy? Off-site, cloud, or hybrid?
- Are we backing up everything important?
- Is everything backed up and stored securely?
You'd be surprised how many businesses think they're backed up until they're not.
3. Are All Employees Following Security Best Practices?
It only takes one person clicking the wrong link to bring down the whole network. Ask:
- Have there been any unusual logins or risky behavior?
- Do we need another round of phishing training?
- Are employees using multifactor authentication?
Bonus points if your IT provider brings this up before you ask. That shows they're paying attention.
4. How Has Our Network Performance Been? Anything Slowing Us Down?
Slow systems mean slow teams and lost productivity (and money). Ask:
- Are there recurring performance issues?
- Are we outgrowing our current hardware or software?
- Is there anything we can optimize to speed things up?
Even small improvements can make a big difference.
5. Are We Still Compliant With [HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, etc.]?
Regulations change, and so do the rules about storing and protecting data. Ask:
- Are we meeting industry standards?
- Have any requirements changed?
- Do we need to update policies, software, or training?
Fines for noncompliance are expensive. Stay ahead of them.
6. What Should We Be Budgeting For Next Quarter?
Good IT is proactive. Ask:
- Are any software licenses expiring?
- Is any equipment nearing the end of its life?
- Are there upcoming projects we should plan for?
This helps avoid surprise expenses and keeps planning smooth.
7. What Trends In IT Or Cybersecurity Are We Behind On That Are Making Us Slower Or More Vulnerable?
Technology and cyber threats keep evolving. Ask:
- Are there new tools or best practices we haven't adopted yet?
- Are we falling behind in security protocols or performance standards?
- What are similar businesses doing that we aren't?
- Are there new threats we need to be more cautious about?
Falling behind on trends not only slows you down but leaves you exposed. A great IT partner keeps you ahead, not playing catch-up.
You Aren't Having These Conversations? Red Flag
If your IT provider can't give clear answers to these questions—or worse, doesn't offer to meet with you quarterly—then you might not be getting the support your business needs.
Technology changes fast. Cyber threats move even faster.
You need someone who's not just reacting when something breaks but actively working to prevent the break in the first place.
We offer FREE Security Assessments to help business owners like you get a clear view of their tech setup - what's working, what's not and how to fix it before it turns into a problem.
Click here or call us at 419-678-2083 to book your 10-Minute Discovery Call