June 09, 2025
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 set up once and forget. It's always changing, and so are the risks that come with it. That's why having quarterly IT check-ins is essential if you want your business to remain secure, efficient, and competitive.
The problem is, most business owners don't know what questions to ask.
So, here's a cheat sheet. These are the questions your IT provider should be ready to answer every quarter—no technical jargon, no vague answers, just clear information that keeps your business running smoothly.
1. Are There Any Vulnerabilities We Need To Address Right Now?
This isn't about ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus current?
- Are there any systems that haven't been patched?
- Have there been any recent warning signs or close calls?
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 full restore test?
- Are we using the best backup strategy? Off-site, cloud, or hybrid?
- Are we backing up the right data?
- Is everything stored securely?
Many businesses assume they're backed up, until they find out they're not.
3. Are All Employees Following Security Best Practices?
One wrong click from an employee can compromise the whole network. Ask:
- Have there been any unusual logins or risky actions?
- Do we need another round of phishing training?
- Is multifactor authentication in use?
Bonus points if your IT provider brings this up before you do—that shows they're on top of it.
4. How Has Our Network Performance Been? Anything Slowing Us Down?
Slow systems mean slow teams and lost productivity. Ask:
- Are there recurring performance problems?
- Are we outgrowing our hardware or software?
- Can anything be optimized to improve speed?
Even small improvements can make a huge difference.
5. Are We Still Compliant?
Regulations evolve, and so do the rules about data storage and protection. Ask:
- Are we meeting industry standards?
- Have any compliance requirements changed?
- Do we need updates to policies, software, or training?
Noncompliance fines can be costly. Stay ahead of them.
6. What Should We Be Budgeting For Next Quarter?
Good IT is proactive. Ask:
- Are any software licenses about to expire?
- Is any equipment nearing the end of its lifespan?
- Are there upcoming projects we should plan for?
This helps you avoid surprise costs and budget effectively.
7. What Trends In IT Or Cybersecurity Are We Behind On That Are Making Us Slower Or More Vulnerable?
Technology and cyber threats never stop evolving. Ask:
- Are there new tools or best practices we haven't adopted yet?
- Are we falling behind on security protocols or performance standards?
- What are similar businesses doing that we're not?
- Are there new threats we should be aware of?
Falling behind on trends doesn't just slow you down; it puts you at risk. A strong IT partner keeps you ahead, not catching up.
You Aren't Having These Conversations? Red Flag
If your IT provider can't give clear answers to these questions—or worse, if they don't suggest quarterly meetings—you might not be getting the support you need.
Technology evolves quickly. Cyber threats evolve faster.
You need someone who doesn't just fix problems after they happen but actively works to prevent them.
We offer a FREE Consult 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 give us a call at 954-327-1001 to book your Consult today!
