June 09, 2025
If you only talk to your IT provider when renewing your contract, you're missing the point.
Technology isn't a "set it and forget it" part of your business. It's always changing, and so are the threats that come with it. That's why quarterly IT check-ins are essential if you want your business to stay protected, productive, 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 that keep 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? 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 the right data?
- Is everything backed up and stored securely?
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?
If your IT provider brings this up before you ask, that's a good sign they're on top of things.
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 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 storing and protecting data. Ask:
- Are we meeting industry standards?
- Have any requirements changed?
- Do we need to update policies, software, or training?
Noncompliance fines can be 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 you avoid surprise expenses and plan effectively.
7. What Trends In IT Or Cybersecurity Are We Behind On That Are Making Us Slower Or More Vulnerable?
Technology and cybercriminal tactics keep evolving. Ask:
- 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 need to watch out for?
Falling behind on trends doesn't just slow you down—it leaves you exposed. 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 offer to meet quarterly—you might not be getting the support you need.
Technology changes fast. Cyberthreats move faster.
You need someone who doesn't just fix problems when they happen but actively works to prevent them in the first place.
We offer a FREE Discovery Call 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 907-865-3100 to book your Discovery Call today!
