If you only talk to your IT provider when it’s time to renew your contract, you’re missing the point. Technology is never “set it and forget it.” It evolves constantly—and so do the threats that come with it. Quarterly IT check-ins aren’t optional if you want to stay protected, productive and ahead of the competition.
Here’s your cheat sheet: these are the questions your IT provider should have crystal-clear answers to every three months—no tech jargon, no vague promises, just the straight talk you need.
1. What Vulnerabilities Do We Need to Fix Right Now?
This is not just ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus software fully up to date?
- Do any servers or workstations still need patches?
- Have we seen any “close calls” or warning signs lately?
You’re not being paranoid—you’re being prepared.
2. How Are Our Backups Holding Up? Have You Tested Them Recently?
Backups are like seat belts: you only notice them when you really need them. Ask:
- When did we last perform and verify a full restore?
- Are we using the right backup mix—on-site, cloud or hybrid?
- Are all critical files and systems included?
- Is our backup data encrypted and stored securely?
You’d be surprised how many businesses think they’re protected…until they aren’t.
3. Are Employees Following Security Best Practices?
One careless click can bring everything down. Ask:
- Have we detected any unusual logins or suspicious behavior?
- Do we need another round of phishing simulations?
- Is multifactor authentication enforced company-wide?
Bonus points if your provider brings this up first—that’s proactive monitoring in action.
4. How’s Our Network Performance? Anything Dragging Us Down?
Slow systems = slow people = lost revenue. Ask:
- Are there recurring bottlenecks or performance complaints?
- Is our hardware or software nearing end-of-life?
- What quick wins can optimize speeds today?
Even small tweaks can deliver big productivity gains.
5. Are We Compliant With [HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, etc.]?
Regulations shift, and penalties aren’t cheap. Ask:
- Are we fully meeting our industry’s security standards?
- Have any rules or requirements changed this quarter?
- Do we need policy updates, software upgrades or fresh training?
Stay ahead of the fines—compliance is an ongoing process.
6. What Should We Budget for Next Quarter?
Good IT is proactive, not reactive. Ask:
- Which software licenses are expiring soon?
- What equipment is due for replacement?
- Which projects should we plan for next quarter?
This keeps surprises off your P&L and helps you plan like a pro.
7. What Emerging IT or Cybersecurity Trends Are We Missing?
Technology never stands still—and neither do attackers. Ask:
- Are there new tools or practices other businesses our size are using?
- Are we lagging behind on any security protocols or performance benchmarks?
- What rising threats should we be ready for?
A top-tier IT partner keeps you ahead of the curve, not playing catch-up.
Red Flag
If your IT provider can’t answer these clearly—or doesn’t even suggest a quarterly review—you’re not getting the support you need. Tech moves fast. Threats move faster.
Ready for a Proactive Approach?
We offer FREE Security Assessments to give you a crystal-clear view of your tech setup—what’s solid, what’s shaky and how to shore it up before it becomes a problem.
Click Here to Book Your FREE Security Assessment and ensure your business is always one step ahead.