Let me tell you what I learned the hard way...
If you're only hearing from your IT support team when it's time to renew a contract or fix something that's already broken, you're not just behind—you’re exposed.
Technology for small businesses isn’t “set it and forget it.” It’s the invisible thread running through your emails, appointments, payment systems, and compliance requirements. And it needs regular check-ins—just like your patients, clients, or projects do.
Whether you're running a physical therapy clinic in Bourbonnais, a law firm in Bradley, or a small manufacturer in Wilmington, these are the 7 essential questions you need to ask your IT provider every single quarter—no jargon, no fluff, just honest answers that protect your time, your team, and your reputation.
- Are We Vulnerable to Any Cyber Threats Right Now?
If your Wi-Fi has dropped more times than your internet provider answers the phone, you’re already at risk.
Ask:
- Is our antivirus software up-to-date and properly configured?
- Are there any systems or apps we’ve left unpatched?
- Have we had any red flags—like suspicious login attempts or phishing clicks?
In today’s climate, “no news” is not always good news. Your IT partner should be spotting and solving risks before you hear about them.
- When Was the Last Time You Tested Our Backups?
Backups are like fire extinguishers—you better hope they work before you actually need them.
Check in with:
- Have we tested a full restore recently?
- Are we using the right backup method: cloud, on-site, or hybrid?
- Are we backing up all critical data—EMRs, case files, client databases?
Many Kankakee-area businesses think they’re protected... until a ransomware email proves otherwise.
- Are Our Employees Following Cybersecurity Best Practices?
Let’s be honest—Lisa from the front desk is great at scheduling patients, not spotting phishing scams.
Ask:
- Have there been any risky clicks or unauthorized logins?
- Are we due for another round of phishing training?
- Are all users set up with multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
The truth? Most breaches happen from the inside. Training and monitoring are non-negotiables.
- Is Our Network Slowing Us Down?
Slow internet isn’t just annoying—it’s expensive.
Ask:
- Are there ongoing issues dragging down performance?
- Are our systems aging out or maxing out?
- Can we optimize anything to boost speed and reliability?
Even small hardware tweaks or router upgrades can shave hours off your team’s week.
- Are We Still Compliant With Industry Regulations?
Whether it’s HIPAA for clinics or PCI-DSS for retailers, staying compliant is not optional—it’s a necessity.
Check:
- Are our systems and policies meeting the latest standards?
- Have any rules changed that affect how we store or access data?
- Do we need updated documentation or employee training?
Don’t let a compliance audit become your wake-up call.
- What Should We Be Budgeting for Next Quarter?
Surprise tech costs? Not on your watch.
Ask:
- Are there licenses, servers, or laptops nearing end-of-life?
- Any upgrades we should plan for in Q3 or Q4?
- Are there security or cloud migration projects worth considering?
A great IT partner helps you plan, not panic.
- Are We Falling Behind on Cybersecurity or Technology Trends?
The last few years have taught us: tech changes fast, and threats change faster.
Get clear on:
- Are there tools we should be using but aren’t?
- Are we behind on any updates that could leave us vulnerable?
- What are other local businesses doing that we’re not?
Your IT partner should be a step ahead, not playing catch-up with you.
Not Having These Conversations? That’s Your First Red Flag.
If your current IT company isn’t asking these questions—or worse, isn’t even scheduling quarterly reviews—it’s time to rethink who’s watching your digital back.
We work with small businesses across Kankakee, Manteno, Peotone, and surrounding towns to provide flat-fee, locally supported IT services that actually work.
Let’s help you feel safe, smart, and secure again. Book your FREE Security Assessment today and get a clear view of what’s working, what’s vulnerable, and how to fix it before it costs you.
