June 09, 2025
If you only reach out to your IT provider during contract renewals, you're missing out on crucial support.
Technology is never static—it evolves continuously, 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.
However, most business owners aren’t sure what questions to ask.
To help, here’s a practical guide: these are the key questions your IT partner should answer every quarter—clear, jargon-free, and focused on keeping your business running flawlessly.
1. Are There Any Immediate Security Vulnerabilities?
This goes beyond routine checks. You need detailed insights like:
● Is our antivirus software fully updated?
● Are any systems missing critical patches?
● Have we experienced any recent security warnings or near breaches?
Being proactive isn’t paranoia—it’s smart preparation.
2. What’s the Current Status of Our Backups? Have They Been Tested Recently?
Backups are your safety net—you only realize their value when disaster strikes. Ask:
● When was the last successful full data restore test?
● Are we using the most effective backup method—off-site, cloud, or hybrid?
● Are all critical data and systems included in the backups?
● Is all backup data stored securely and protected?
Many businesses mistakenly believe they’re backed up—until it’s too late.
3. Are Our Employees Following Security Best Practices?
It only takes one employee clicking a malicious link to compromise your entire network. Check:
● Have there been any suspicious login attempts or risky activities?
● Is it time for another round of phishing awareness training?
● Are all employees using multifactor authentication?
Bonus points if your IT provider brings these issues up before you do—it means they’re truly vigilant.
4. How Is Our Network Performance? Any Bottlenecks?
Slow technology equals lost productivity and revenue. Ask:
● Are there recurring performance problems?
● Is our current hardware or software insufficient for our needs?
● What optimizations can improve speed and efficiency?
Even minor adjustments can significantly boost your team's output.
5. Are We Fully Compliant with Industry Regulations?
Compliance standards and data protection laws evolve constantly. Confirm:
● Are we meeting all current regulatory requirements?
● Have any compliance rules changed recently?
● Do we need to update policies, software, or employee training?
Noncompliance fines can be costly—staying ahead saves money and reputation.
6. What Should We Budget for Next Quarter?
Effective IT management is proactive budgeting. Ask:
● Are any software licenses due to expire?
● Is any hardware approaching end-of-life?
● Are there upcoming projects requiring investment?
Planning ahead helps you avoid unexpected costs and maintain smooth operations.
7. Which IT or Cybersecurity Trends Are We Missing That Could Impact Us?
Technology and cyber threats constantly evolve. Ask your IT partner:
● Are there new tools or best practices we should adopt?
● Are we falling behind in security protocols or performance standards?
● What strategies are similar businesses using that we aren’t?
● Are there emerging threats we need to be more vigilant about?
Failing to keep up not only slows you down but also exposes you to unnecessary risks. A reliable IT partner keeps you ahead, not chasing after the latest threats.
If You’re Not Having These Conversations, Consider It a Warning Sign.
If your IT provider can’t clearly answer these questions—or doesn’t suggest regular quarterly meetings—you might not be receiving the proactive support your business needs.
Technology evolves rapidly, and cyber threats evolve even faster.
You need a partner who doesn’t just react to problems but actively prevents them.
We offer a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call to help business owners like you gain a clear understanding of your technology setup—what’s working, what isn’t, and how to fix issues before they escalate.
Click here or call us at (805) 295-8883 to schedule your 10-Minute Discovery Call today!
