If you’re only talking to your IT provider when requesting support or renewing your contract, you’re missing the big picture.

Technology isn’t a “set it and forget it” asset—it evolves rapidly, and so do the threats that come with it. That’s why quarterly IT check-ins are nonnegotiable if you want your business to stay protected, productive, and competitive.

At Entech, we believe “We’re in IT together.” Here are seven questions that should be on the table every quarter [at Least Annually!]. (And if your IT partner doesn’t offer Technology Business Review meetings, that’s a red flag.)

1. Are There Any Vulnerabilities We Need to Address Right Now?

This goes beyond routine checklists. You need clear, actionable updates:

• EDR – Endpoint Detection and Response status: Is it current across all devices?
• Unpatched systems: Have any software updates or critical fixes been delayed?
• Near misses or red flags: Were there any malware attempts or suspicious logins that almost slipped through?

Being proactive isn’t paranoia; it’s just good business sense.

2. What’s the Status of Our Backups? Have You Tested Them Lately?

Backups are like seat belts: You only realize their importance when everything goes wrong. Ask:

• Tested Restores: Can we test the restore and review the status together; did it succeed without errors?
• Backup Strategy: Are you using off-site, cloud, or hybrid solutions—and do they align with your business continuity plan?
• Secure Storage: Are backups encrypted and stored safely (and redundantly)?

You’d be surprised how many businesses discover their backups don’t work when it’s already too late.

3. Are All Employees Following Security Best Practices?

It only takes one careless click to compromise an entire network. Inquire about:

• Unusual Logins or Behavior: Were there any suspicious access attempts from employees’ accounts?
• Training Needs: Do employees need refresher courses on phishing or safe browsing?
• Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Is it enforced for email, cloud apps, and remote logins?

4. How Has Our Network Performance Been? Anything Slowing Us Down?

Slow systems lead to frustrated teams and lost revenue. Ask:

• Recurring Performance Issues: Are certain devices or applications repeatedly causing bottlenecks?
• Hardware/Software Capacity: Are you outgrowing your current setup?
• Optimization Opportunities: What tweaks or upgrades could speed things up or streamline processes?

Minor improvements can yield major boosts in productivity.

5. Are We Still Compliant With [HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, etc.]?

Regulatory requirements evolve, and your business can’t afford to fall behind:

• Current Standards: Are your processes, storage methods, and security measures up to date?
• Recent Changes: Have industry or governmental guidelines shifted?
• Policy Adjustments: Do internal protocols, software, or training modules need updating?

Compliance violations come with heavy penalties. Staying ahead saves you headaches and costs.

6. What Should We Be Budgeting for Next Quarter?

Good IT strategy looks ahead:

• Upcoming Renewals: Any software licenses or warranties expiring soon?
• Hardware End-of-Life: Is any equipment due for replacement?
• Project Forecast: Do you plan to adopt new technologies or expand offices?

Budgeting proactively means no surprises—just smooth, strategic growth.

7. What Emerging IT Trends or Threats Are We Behind On?

Cybercriminals never sit still, and technology doesn’t wait:

• Newest Tools & Practices: Are you missing out on solutions that could boost security or efficiency?
• Security Protocols: Are your firewalls, antivirus solutions, and monitoring tools keeping pace with modern threats?
• Competitive Edge: How do your IT operations stack up against similar businesses?

A great IT partner won’t let you lag behind. They’ll ensure that IT WORKS for you so you’re always ahead of the curve.

Q&A

Q: What are the most important questions to ask your IT provider every quarter?
A: Focus on areas like cybersecurity vulnerabilities, backup testing, employee training, network performance, regulatory compliance, budget forecasting, and emerging IT trends. These topics help you stay proactive, protect data, and plan future investments without unexpected surprises.

You Aren’t Having These Conversations? That’s a Red Flag

If your provider can’t give you straight answers—or if they don’t proactively schedule quarterly reviews—you might not be getting the support you need. Technology evolves fast. Cyberthreats move even faster.

You deserve a partner who’s not just reacting to problems but preventing them before they appear.

At Entech, we have an entire team dedicated to Aligning technology with your business goals. We offer a FREE Security Assessment so you can see exactly what’s working, what’s not, and how to fix issues before they turn into disasters.

Click here to schedule your FREE Security Assessment and talk to a real, friendly Entech expert. No pressure, just clarity.