Two men discussing IT questions with icons of security, money, server, and alerts around them in a business setting

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

June 09, 2025

Relying on your IT provider only during contract renewals is a missed opportunity.

Technology is an ever-changing landscape, and so are the cyber threats targeting your business. Regular quarterly IT reviews are essential to keep your operations secure, efficient, and ahead of the competition.

Yet, many business owners aren’t sure what key questions to ask.

To help, here’s a practical guide of critical questions your IT provider should address each quarter—clear, jargon-free insights that ensure your business stays on track.

1. Are There Any Immediate Security Risks We Need To Fix?

This goes beyond routine checks. You need to confirm:

● Is our antivirus software fully updated and effective?
● Are any systems left unpatched or vulnerable?
● Have there been any recent warning signs or security incidents?

Being cautious means staying prepared.

2. How Reliable Are Our Backups? Have They Been Tested Recently?

Backups are your safety net. Important questions include:

● When was the last successful full data restore test?
● Are we using the optimal backup strategy—off-site, cloud, or hybrid?
● Are the right data and systems included in backups?
● Is all backup data stored securely?

Many businesses assume they’re protected—until disaster strikes.

3. Are Our Employees Following Security Best Practices?

One careless click can compromise your entire network. Ask:

● Have there been unusual login attempts or suspicious activities?
● Is it time for another phishing awareness training?
● Are all employees using multifactor authentication?

A proactive IT provider will highlight these issues before you do.

4. How Is Our Network Performance? Are There Bottlenecks?

Slow technology means lost time and revenue. Check:

● Are there recurring performance problems?
● Are our current hardware and software keeping pace with growth?
● What optimizations can speed up our systems?

Even minor improvements can significantly boost productivity.

5. Are We Fully Compliant With Industry Regulations?

Regulatory standards evolve, impacting how data must be handled. Confirm:

● Are we meeting all current compliance requirements?
● Have there been any recent changes to regulations?
● Do our policies, software, and training need updates?

Noncompliance fines can be costly—stay ahead to avoid penalties.

6. What Should We Budget For Next Quarter?

Effective IT management is proactive. Discuss:

● Are any software licenses due to expire?
● Is any hardware nearing replacement?
● Are there upcoming projects requiring investment?

Planning ahead prevents unexpected costs and keeps your IT running smoothly.

7. Are We Falling Behind On IT Or Cybersecurity Trends?

Technology and cyber threats evolve rapidly. Ask:

● Are there new tools or best practices we should adopt?
● Are we lagging in security protocols or performance standards?
● What are similar businesses implementing that we aren’t?
● Are there emerging threats we need to watch closely?

Staying current isn’t optional—it’s essential to avoid vulnerabilities and inefficiencies. A strong IT partner keeps you ahead, not catching up.

If These Conversations Aren’t Happening, Consider It A Warning Sign.

If your IT provider can’t clearly answer these questions or doesn’t offer quarterly meetings, you may be missing critical support.

Technology advances quickly, and cyber threats evolve even faster.

You need an IT partner who actively prevents issues, not just reacts when problems arise.

We provide a FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call to help business owners like you evaluate your technology landscape—what’s working, what’s not, and how to fix issues before they escalate.

Click here or call us at (949) 388-1188 to schedule your 15-Minute Discovery Call today!