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 quarterly IT check-ins are non-negotiable 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. These are the questions your IT provider should be ready to answer every single quarter without tech-speak or vague promises. Question 1: What security problems do we need to address? Every business has vulnerabilities. The important question is whether your IT provider is actively identifying and addressing them before they become costly. Ask them: • Are there systems that need security patches? • Have there been any unusual login attempts or suspicious activity? • Are there users, devices or processes creating unnecessary risk? You want specifics, not a generic “you’re protected” response. A good IT provider should be able to explain where your biggest risks are today and what’s being done about them. Question 2: Have you tested our backups recently? A backup is valuable only if it works when you need it. That sounds obvious, but many businesses assume they’re protected simply because backups exist. Then a server fails, ransomware hits, or someone accidentally deletes critical data, and suddenly nobody’s sure how quickly systems can be restored. Ask: • When was the last full recovery test? • How long would restoration realistically take? • Are backups stored securely and separately from our primary systems? • Are cloud applications included in backup coverage? You don’t want guesses during an outage. You want a process that’s already been tested under pressure. Continued on Page 2 ... SMART COMPANIES ASK THEIR IT PROVIDER EVERY QUARTER 6 QUESTIONS AUGUST 2026 In December 2020, Walmart became the first major partner of what technology company to host a “shoppable livestream”? A. Snapchat B. TikTok C. Instagram D. YouTube Answer on Page 2 OUR MISSION: Technology That Works! • 844-KLOUD9IT (556-8394) • 1 This monthly publication provided courtesy of Trent Milliron, CEO of Kloud9 IT. "Do It Right The First Time" 844-KLOUD9IT (556-8394)