If you're only engaging your IT support when it's time to renew your contract, you're missing out on a proactive approach. Technology isn't a "set it and forget it" element of your business; it evolves constantly, along with the threats it faces. To remain protected, productive, and competitive, quarterly check-ins with your managed IT services provider are a must.
However, many business owners are unsure of the right questions to ask. Here’s your cheat sheet for ensuring you're getting the most from your IT consulting. No tech jargon, no vague promises—just clear answers to keep your business running smoothly.
1. Are There Any Vulnerabilities We Need to Address Right Now?
This is more than ticking boxes; it's crucial for your security:
- Is our antivirus up-to-date?
- Are there unpatched systems?
- Have we encountered any near misses or red flags lately?
Proactively addressing these helps you stay prepared, not paranoid.
2. What's The Status of Our Backups? And Have You Tested Them Lately?
Think of backups as your safety net—unseen but essential until urgently needed:
- When was the last full restore test performed?
- Are we using the optimal backup strategy? Off-site, cloud, hybrid?
- Are the right assets being securely backed up?
Many businesses believe they have adequate backups…until they don’t.
3. Are All Employees Following Security Best Practices?
It takes just one person clicking the wrong link for chaos to ensue:
- Have there been any unusual logins or risky user behavior?
- Is it time for another round of phishing training?
- Are employees utilizing multifactor authentication?
Your IT company should be proactive, raising these points unprompted if they’re truly watching your back.
4. How Has Our Network Performance Been? Anything Slowing Us Down?
A sluggish network equates to sluggish business operations:
- Are there recurring performance issues?
- Are we outgrowing our current IT infrastructure?
- What can be optimized to speed up processes?
Even minor adjustments can yield significant performance boosts.
5. Are We Still Compliant With [HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, etc.]?
Compliance standards evolve, as do data protection regulations:
- Are we meeting the necessary industry standards?
- Have any compliance requirements changed recently?
- Do policies, software, or training need updates?
The fines for noncompliance are steep, so staying informed is imperative.
6. What Should We Be Budgeting for Next Quarter?
Good IT support in Missouri is always strategic:
- Are there expiring software licenses to consider?
- Is any equipment nearing its end-of-life?
- Should we start planning for upcoming projects?
Anticipating expenses helps you avoid unexpected costs and enables better planning.
7. What Trends in IT Or Cybersecurity Are We Behind On?
As technology advances, so too do cyber threats. Your IT consulting in St. Louis should help you stay ahead:
- Are we missing out on new tools or best practices?
- Are there gaps in our security protocols?
- What are our peers doing that we're not?
- Are new threats looming on the horizon?
Falling behind doesn't just affect speed; it increases exposure to risks. A top-notch IT company in Missouri will keep you ahead, not lagging behind.
You Aren't Having These Discussions? Red Flag
If your IT provider lacks clear answers to these critical questions— or worse, if they’re not offering quarterly meetings—it's time to reconsider the support you're receiving. The landscape of technology and cyber threats shifts rapidly, and having a partner who only reacts to problems post-failure isn't enough.
We offer FREE Security Assessments to give business owners like you a comprehensive view of your IT setup, pinpointing what's working, what's not, and how to prevent issues before they arise.
Click here to book your assessment today and ensure your IT services in St. Louis are proactive and robust.
