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7 Questions You Should Be Asking Your IT Provider Every Quarter (But Probably Aren’t)

June 06, 2025

If you only talk to your IT provider when renewing 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 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 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 there been 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 right backup approach? Off-site, cloud, hybrid?

- Are we backing up all the critical data?

- Is everything stored securely?

Many businesses believe 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 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 ask. That means they're paying attention.

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?

Even small improvements can have a big impact.

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 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 end-of-life?

- Are there upcoming projects we should plan for?

This helps avoid surprise expenses 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 aren't using yet?

- Are we falling behind on security protocols or performance standards?

- What are other businesses our size doing that we're not?

- Are there any emerging threats we should be aware of?

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 give clear answers to these questions—or worse, doesn't suggest quarterly meetings—you might not be getting the support you need.

Technology moves fast. Cyberthreats move faster.

You need someone who's not just fixing problems after they happen but actively working to prevent them.

We offer a FREE Initial Consultation 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 702-605-9998 To Book Your FREE Initial Consultation to book your today!