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, and so are the risks. That's why quarterly IT check-ins are essential if you want your business to stay safe, efficient, and competitive.
Here's the problem: 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 isn't about ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus current?
- Are there any unpatched systems?
- Have we had any close calls 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 Recently?
Backups are like seat belts—you don't think about them until you need them badly. Ask:
- When was the last full restore test?
- Are we using the best backup strategy—off-site, cloud, 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?
One wrong click can bring down the entire network. Ask:
- Have there been unusual logins or risky behavior?
- Do we need more phishing training?
- Is multifactor authentication in use?
If your IT provider brings this up first, 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. 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 make a big difference.
5. Are We Still Compliant?
Regulations and data protection rules change. 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 avoid surprise costs and keeps your budget on track.
7. What IT or Cybersecurity Trends Are We Behind On That Could Make Us Slower Or More Vulnerable?
Technology and cyber threats evolve constantly. Ask:
- Are there new tools or best practices we're not using?
- Are we falling behind in security protocols or performance?
- What are similar businesses doing that we're not?
- Are there new 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 clearly answer these questions—or worse, doesn't even suggest quarterly meetings—you might not be getting the support you need.
Technology moves fast. Cyberthreats move faster.
You need someone who doesn't just fix problems after they happen but works to prevent them before they occur.
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 610-433-1000 to book your Consult today!
