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 can just set up and forget. 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 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 about ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus current?
- Are there any unpatched systems?
- Have we had any recent near misses or warning signs?
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 best 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?
One wrong click can compromise the entire 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 means they're on top of it.
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?
- Can anything be optimized to speed things up?
Small improvements can make a big difference.
5. Are We Still Compliant?
Regulations and data protection rules change. Ask:
- Are we meeting current industry standards?
- Have any requirements changed recently?
- Do we need to update policies, software, or training?
Noncompliance fines aren't cheap. Stay ahead of them.
6. What Should We Be Budgeting For Next Quarter?
Good IT is proactive. Ask:
- Are any software licenses expiring soon?
- Is any equipment nearing the end of its life?
- Are there upcoming projects we should plan for?
This helps avoid surprise costs and keeps your budget on track.
7. What Trends In IT Or Cybersecurity Are We Behind On That Are Making Us Slower Or More Vulnerable?
Technology and cyber threats keep evolving. Ask:
- Are there new tools or best practices we're not using yet?
- Are we falling behind in security protocols or performance standards?
- What are similar businesses doing that we aren't?
- Are there emerging threats we should be aware of?
Falling behind 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 clear answers to these questions—or worse, doesn't even offer quarterly meetings—you might not be getting the support you need.
Technology moves fast. Cyber threats move faster.
You need someone who's not just fixing problems after 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 (951) 405-6873 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call today!
