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 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 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 able to answer every quarter—no 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 just about ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus up to date?
- Are there any unpatched systems?
- 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? 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 you tested a full restore?
- Are we using the right backup strategy—off-site, cloud, or hybrid?
- Are we backing up the right data?
- Is everything backed up and stored securely?
You'd be surprised how many businesses think they're backed up until they find out they're not.
3. Are All Employees Following Security Best Practices?
It only takes one employee clicking the wrong link to compromise 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 do. That shows they're paying attention.
4. How Has Our Network Performance Been? Anything Slowing Us Down?
Slow systems mean slow teams, which means lost productivity and money. Ask:
- Are there recurring performance issues?
- Are we outgrowing our 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?
Regulations change, and so do the rules about data storage and protection. Ask:
- Are we meeting industry standards?
- Have any requirements changed?
- Do we need to update 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 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 your planning on track.
7. What IT or Cybersecurity Trends Are We Behind On That Could Be Slowing Us Down Or Making Us Vulnerable?
Technology and cyber threats evolve constantly. Ask your IT provider:
- Are there new tools or best practices we're not using yet?
- Are we behind on any security protocols or performance benchmarks?
- What are other businesses our size doing that we're not?
- Are there any emerging threats we should watch out for?
Falling behind on trends doesn't just slow you down—it leaves you exposed. A great IT partner keeps you ahead, not catching up.
You Aren't Having These Conversations? Red Flag
If your IT provider can't give you clear answers to these questions—or worse, doesn't even suggest quarterly meetings—you might not be getting the support your business needs.
Technology moves fast. Cyber threats move even faster.
You need someone who isn't just fixing problems after they happen but is actively working to prevent them in the first place.
We offer a FREE Call With Our CEO 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 929-523-2921 to book your Call With Our CEO today!
