June 09, 2025
If you only talk to your IT provider when it's time to renew your contract, you're missing the point.
Technology is not something you can set up once and forget about. It's always changing, and so are the risks involved. That's why quarterly IT check-ins are 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 jargon, no vague promises, just clear answers to keep your business running smoothly.
1. Are There Any Vulnerabilities We Need To Address Right Now?
This goes beyond ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus software current?
- Are there any systems that haven't been patched?
- Have we experienced any close calls or warning signs recently?
Being cautious here isn't paranoia; it's preparation.
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 believe they're backed up until they find out they're not.
3. Are All Employees Following Security Best Practices?
One wrong click can compromise your entire network. Ask:
- Have there been any unusual logins or risky activities?
- Do we need another round of phishing training?
- Are employees using multifactor authentication?
If your IT provider brings this up before you do, it's a good sign they're vigilant.
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 problems?
- Are we outgrowing our current hardware or software?
- Are there optimizations that could speed things up?
Even small improvements can have a big impact.
5. Are We Still Compliant?
Regulations evolve, and so do data protection rules. 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 planning 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 prepare for?
This helps you avoid surprise costs and plan 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 stand still. 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're not?
- Are there 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 chasing after the latest threats.
You Aren't Having These Conversations? Red Flag
If your IT provider can't clearly answer these questions—or worse, doesn't offer to meet quarterly—you might not be getting the support you need.
Technology changes fast. Cyber threats move even faster.
You need a partner who doesn't just fix problems after they happen but works proactively to prevent them.
We offer 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 gives us a call at 630-895-8208 to book your Consult today!
