June 09, 2025
If your only interaction with your IT provider happens during contract renewal, it's time to rethink your approach.
Technology is never static; it evolves constantly, along with the cyber threats targeting your business. That's why scheduling quarterly IT reviews is essential to keep your operations secure, efficient, and ahead of the competition.
Yet, many business owners aren’t sure what questions to ask their IT team.
To help you out, here’s a straightforward checklist of the key questions your IT provider should answer every quarter—no jargon, just clear insights to ensure your business stays on track.
1. Are There Any Current Security Vulnerabilities We Must Address?
This goes beyond routine checks. You need to know:
● Is our antivirus software fully updated and effective?
● Are there any systems that haven’t been patched or updated?
● Have there been any recent security alerts or near breaches?
Being cautious now means preventing costly problems later.
2. How Reliable Are Our Backups? Have They Been Tested Recently?
Backups are your safety net—often overlooked until disaster strikes. Ask:
● When did we last perform a full data restore test?
● Does our backup strategy include off-site, cloud, or hybrid solutions?
● Are all critical files and systems being backed up?
● Is the backup data stored securely and protected from unauthorized access?
Many businesses mistakenly believe they’re backed up—until it’s too late.
3. Are Our Employees Following Security Best Practices?
One careless click can compromise your entire network. Check:
● Have there been any suspicious login attempts or risky activities?
● Should we schedule additional phishing awareness training?
● Is multifactor authentication enabled across all user accounts?
Bonus: If your IT provider proactively addresses these points, it shows they’re truly vigilant.
4. How Is Our Network Performing? Are There Any Bottlenecks?
Slow technology hinders productivity and profits. Ask:
● Are recurring performance issues affecting our workflow?
● Is our current hardware or software keeping pace with our business needs?
● What optimizations can we implement to boost speed and efficiency?
Even minor improvements can deliver significant gains.
5. Are We Fully Compliant With [HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, etc.]?
Regulations evolve, and so must your compliance efforts. Verify:
● Are we meeting all industry-specific standards?
● Have there been any recent changes to compliance requirements?
● Do we need to update policies, software, or employee training?
Noncompliance fines can be severe—stay proactive to avoid them.
6. What Should We Budget For In The Upcoming Quarter?
Effective IT management is forward-thinking. Ask:
● Are any software licenses expiring soon?
● Is any hardware nearing the end of its lifespan?
● Are there upcoming projects or upgrades we should plan for?
Planning ahead helps you avoid unexpected costs and keeps your tech running smoothly.
7. What IT or Cybersecurity Trends Are We Missing That Could Impact Us?
Technology and cyber threats evolve rapidly. Discuss:
● Are there new tools or best practices we should adopt?
● Are we falling behind in security measures or performance standards?
● What strategies are similar-sized businesses using that we aren’t?
● Are there emerging threats we need to be extra cautious about?
Falling behind isn’t just inconvenient—it leaves you vulnerable. A top-tier IT partner keeps you ahead, not catching up.
Not Having These Discussions? Consider It a Warning Sign.
If your IT provider can’t confidently answer these questions—or doesn’t suggest quarterly meetings—you may be missing vital support.
Technology advances fast, and cyber threats move even faster.
You deserve an IT partner who proactively prevents issues before they arise—not just fixes problems after they occur.
We offer a FREE Business Technology Alignment Assessment designed to give business owners a clear, honest assessment of their technology—what’s working, what’s not, and how to fix it before it becomes a problem.
Click here or call us at (646) 989-9900 to schedule your Business Technology Alignment Assessment now!
