If You’re Only Talking to Your IT Provider When You Renew Your Contract, You’re Doing It Wrong

Technology isn’t a “set it and forget it” part of your business.  It’s constantly evolving, and so are the threats that come with it.  That’s why regularly scheduled IT check-ins are nonnegotiable if you want your business to stay protected, productive, and competitive.

But here’s the thing… most business owners don’t know what to ask.

So here’s a cheat sheet.  These are the questions your IT provider should be ready to answer—no tech-speak, no vague promises, just straight answers that keep your business running smoothly.

1. Are There Any Vulnerabilities We Need to Address Right Now?
This isn’t just about checking boxes.  You need to know:

  • Is our antivirus up to date?
  • Are there unpatched systems?
  • Have we had any near misses or red flags lately?


You’re not being paranoid—you’re being prepared.

2. What’s The Status of Our Backups and Have You Tested Them Lately?
Backups are like seatbelts:  You don’t think about them until you really, really need them.  Ask:

  • When was the last time you tested a full restore?
  • Are we using the right backup strategy? Off-site?  Cloud?  Hybrid?
  • Are we backing up the right things?
  • Is everything being backed up and stored securely?


You’d be shocked how many businesses think  they’re backed up…until they’re not.

3. Are We Compliant With HIPAA and Other State Privacy Acts?
Regulations change.  So do the rules about how you store and protect data.  Ask:

  • Are we meeting the standards for our industry?
  • Have any requirements changed?
  • Do we need to update policies, software, or training?


Fines for noncompliance aren’t cheap.  Stay ahead of them.

4. What Should We Be Budgeting for Next Year?
Good IT is proactive.  Ask:

  • Are there any software licenses expiring?
  • Any equipment nearing the end of its life?
  • Any upcoming projects we should be planning for?


This helps you avoid surprise expenses and plan like a pro.

5. What Trends in IT Or Cybersecurity Are We Behind On That Are Making Us Slower Or More Vulnerable?
Technology doesn’t stand still—and neither do cybercriminals.  Ask your IT provider:

  • Are there new tools or best practices we’re not using yet?
  • Are we lagging in any security protocols or performance benchmarks?
  • What are other businesses our size doing that we’re not?
  • Are there any rising threats that we need to be more cautious of?


Falling behind on emerging trends doesn’t just slow you down—it leaves you exposed.  A great IT partner will keep you ahead of the curve, not playing catch-up.

You AREN’T having these conversations?  That’s a BIG Red Flag!

If your IT provider doesn’t have clear answers to these questions—or worse, if they aren’t offering to meet with you regularly in the first place—you might not be getting the support you need.

Technology changes fast… cyberthreats move faster!

You need someone who is not just reacting when something breaks but actively working to prevent the break in the first place.  That’s where IT Radix comes in!  Contact us today!  We’re here to work with you proactively to make your IT work for you!

First published in our December 2025 IT Radix Resource newsletter