If the only time you talk to your IT provider is during contract renewal, you could be putting your business at risk.
Technology isn’t something you set up once and forget about—it’s a constantly moving target. With new cyber threats, software updates, and compliance regulations emerging all the time, regular check-ins with your IT support partner are essential. For businesses in the Greater Houston area, staying competitive and secure means being proactive—not reactive.
But let’s be honest: Most business owners don’t know where to start when it comes to asking the right questions.
That’s why we’ve created this IT check-in cheat sheet. These are the questions you should be asking your IT provider to make sure your systems are secure, your operations are efficient, and your business is future proofed.
1. Are There Any Security Concerns We Need to Fix Immediately?
Cyber threats don’t take vacations—and neither should your security protocols.
Ask your provider:
- Are antivirus and endpoint protections current?
- Are there any critical patches we haven’t installed?
- Have there been any recent red flags or near misses?
This isn’t about paranoia—it’s about preparation. Especially in a major market like Houston, where businesses are often targeted simply due to size and industry, identifying vulnerabilities before they’re exploited is critical.
2. Can We Trust Our Backups in a Real Emergency?
Backups are like insurance: you don’t think about them until it’s too late.
Important questions to ask:
- When was the last successful test restore?
- Are we using the right backup method (cloud, hybrid, off-site)?
- Is everything mission-critical being backed up?
We’ve seen too many Houston businesses believe they were protected—until a flood, fire, or ransomware attack proved otherwise.
3. Are All Employees Doing Their Part to Stay Secure?
It only takes one click on a phishing email to bring your network to its knees.
Get clarity on:
- Any recent suspicious login attempts?
- Do employees need refresher training on phishing?
- Is multifactor authentication turned on across all accounts?
A strong IT partner should monitor employee activity patterns and alert you to any risky behavior before it becomes a breach.
4. How’s Our Network Performing? Is Anything Slowing Us Down?
Slow systems don’t just frustrate your staff—they cost you money in lost productivity.
Ask:
- Are there recurring issues dragging down performance?
- Are we due for any hardware or software upgrades?
- Can we optimize anything to make day-to-day work smoother?
In fast-moving industries across Houston, even minor lags can add up to major losses.
5. Are We Still Compliant with Industry Regulations?
Whether you’re in healthcare, finance, retail, or engineering, compliance requirements can shift without notice.
Your IT provider should be able to answer:
- Are we still aligned with HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or other relevant standards?
- Have there been regulatory changes we need to address?
- Do we need to update any internal policies or staff training?
Houston’s business environment is diverse—and so are its compliance risks. Don't let outdated practices lead to costly penalties.
6. What Should We Budget for Next Quarter?
Staying ahead requires planning—not surprise invoices.
Ask your IT provider:
- Are any licenses, warranties, or subscriptions coming up for renewal?
- Is any equipment reaching end-of-life?
- Are there tech upgrades or projects we should be preparing for?
With proper planning, you can manage your IT budget like a CFO—not a firefighter.
7. Are We Falling Behind on Any Tech or Cybersecurity Trends?
Houston’s business community is competitive—and the bad actors know it.
Ask:
- Are there modern tools or security protocols we should be using?
- Are we lagging behind in terms of performance or protection?
- What are similar-sized businesses in our space doing that we’re not?
- Are there emerging threats that we need to prepare for now?
Technology doesn’t wait. And neither do cybercriminals. Your IT provider should be helping you stay ahead—not just catching up.
Not Having These IT Conversations? You’re Risking More Than You Think.
If your IT partner isn’t scheduling regular reviews—or struggles to provide clear answers to the questions above—it may be time to reconsider your support.
Houston businesses don’t have the luxury of falling behind. You need a proactive IT partner who’s working around the clock to keep your systems safe, fast, and future-ready.
Wondering If Your IT Can Keep Up? Let’s Find Out.
We offer FREE Security Assessments to help Houston business owners identify risks, optimize systems, and strengthen their cybersecurity posture before disaster strikes.
👉Click here or call (281) 646-1200 to book your FREE Security Assessment today!
