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 isn't something you can just set up and forget. It's always changing, along with the threats that come with it. That's why quarterly IT check-ins are essential if you want your business to stay secure, efficient, and competitive.
Here's the problem: most business owners don't know what 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 goes beyond ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus up-to-date?
- Are there any unpatched systems?
- Have there been any near misses or warning signs lately?
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 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 person clicking the wrong link to compromise the whole network. Ask:
- Have there been any unusual logins or risky behaviors?
- 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, which means lost productivity and money. Ask:
- Are there recurring performance issues?
- Are we outgrowing our hardware or software?
- Can anything be optimized to speed things up?
Even small improvements can have a big impact.
5. Are We Still Compliant?
Regulations change, and so do the rules for 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 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 end-of-life?
- Are there upcoming projects we should plan for?
This helps you avoid surprise expenses and budget wisely.
7. What Trends In IT Or Cybersecurity Are We Behind On That Are Making Us Slower Or More Vulnerable?
Technology and cyber threats evolve constantly. Ask:
- Are there new tools or best practices we're not using yet?
- Are we behind in any security protocols or performance benchmarks?
- What are similar businesses doing that we're not?
- Are there emerging threats we should be cautious about?
Falling behind on trends doesn't just slow you down; it 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 quarterly meetings—you may not be getting the support you need.
Technology changes fast. Cyber threats move faster.
You need someone who's not just fixing problems when they happen but actively working to prevent them.
We offer a FREE 15-Minute 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 703-879-2070 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call today!
