Cybersecurity has become one of the biggest concerns for small and mid-sized businesses. While many SMBs work with IT providers for daily tech support, it’s just as important to understand what’s being done to protect company data and systems from attacks. It should be part of regular discussions—not just an afterthought when something goes wrong.
Here are seven important cybersecurity questions business owners should raise with their IT providers to better understand the level of protection in place.
What Type of System Monitoring Is in Place?
Your provider should be actively monitoring your network and devices for unusual activity. This includes real-time alerts, system health checks, and threat detection tools. Relying on a break-fix model can delay response to threats. It’s worth finding out how often monitoring is done and what tools are used to detect suspicious behavior.
Is There a Clear Incident Response Plan in Place?
When a breach occurs, every second counts. A good provider will have a detailed plan to manage cyber incidents. This should include who handles what, how quickly they respond, and how they communicate with your team during an event. Knowing the exact steps they’ll take in a crisis builds confidence in their ability to contain threats.
How Frequently Is Data Backed Up?
Data loss can happen for many reasons, such as ransomware, accidental deletion, or hardware failure. It’s important to know how often your data is backed up, how long backups are stored, and how fast the data can be restored. Backups should be tested regularly to confirm they work when needed.
What Network Protections Are Being Used?
Cybersecurity involves more than installing antivirus software. A layered approach is more effective. This includes firewalls, secure access rules, endpoint controls, and regular vulnerability scans. Understanding what safeguards are in place will give insight into how well your network is protected from different types of threats.
Do Employees Receive Cybersecurity Training?
Most cyber incidents happen because of user mistakes. If employees don’t know how to recognize a phishing email or use secure passwords, they could unknowingly open the door to an attack. Your provider should be offering regular training sessions or resources that teach staff how to avoid common risks.
How Is Remote Access Managed?
With more employees working remotely, secure remote access is critical. You should know what tools are being used, whether multi-factor authentication is in place, and how data is protected when accessed off-site. Weak remote access controls can leave your systems exposed to cyber threats.
How Do They Stay Updated on New Threats?
Cyber risks are constantly changing. An IT provider should follow industry developments and update the systems accordingly. Find out how they track new threats, what sources they use for updates, and how they apply changes to your environment. A forward-looking provider is better equipped to guard against future attacks.
Knowing the right questions to bring up during IT discussions can help you spot gaps before they lead to trouble. It also gives you a better sense of whether your provider is proactive or reactive when it comes to protecting your business. When cybersecurity becomes a shared priority, your business stays safer, smarter, and better prepared.
Protect your business with trusted IT support! At CMIT North Oakland & Walnut Creek, we help small and mid-sized businesses strengthen their cybersecurity, reduce downtime, and stay ahead of threats. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward smarter, safer technology.
