For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with limited security resources, a managed IT services provider (MSP) can be an important part of their cybersecurity strategy. An MSP can help monitor threats, manage security tools, and address weaknesses before they become larger problems. Yet, many businesses engage their MSP mainly at contract renewal, rather than using the relationship to regularly assess risks and strengthen their defenses.
That mindset creates serious security blind spots. Modern cyberthreats evolve quickly, demanding continuous monitoring and proactive adjustments. Regular check-ins give you the opportunity to ask the right questions, assess emerging risks, and make informed decisions before a minor vulnerability escalates into a costly incident. Here are some questions worth asking your MSP.
What cybersecurity risks should we address right now?
Your MSP should be able to give you a clear picture of your security posture. Find out whether you have:
- Devices missing critical security updates
- Outdated software still in use
- Known vulnerabilities that require attention
- Suspicious login attempts or other unusual user activities
- Security tools that need to be updated or replaced
A competent IT provider will prioritize these risks and explain which issues need immediate action and which can be addressed later. If the answer is simply “everything is fine,” push back and ask how they reached that conclusion.
Are our systems receiving updates and patches?
Outdated software is a common entry point for cybercriminals. Security patches fix known vulnerabilities, but only if someone actually installs them.
Ask your provider how they manage updates across employee computers, servers, network equipment, and business applications. Find out whether updates are applied automatically and how they are handled on devices used by remote or hybrid employees. The goal is to close known vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Are our backups working, and when were they last tested?
Backups only protect your business if they capture the right information, run consistently, and can be restored when needed. To make sure your backup system meets those requirements, talk to your IT provider about:
- What business information is being backed up
- How often backups run
- Where backups are stored
- How are backups protected from cyberattacks
- When the last successful recovery test was
Testing is important because you don’t want to discover a backup failure after a ransomware attack, system failure, or accidental deletion has already put your data at risk. Your provider should periodically test recovery so you know critical information can actually be restored when you need it.
Are our employees creating unnecessary security risks?
Employees are one of the most common targets for cyberattacks, including phishing emails, fake login pages, and fraudulent payment requests. Rather than relying solely on staff to identify every threat, your IT provider should have proactive measures in place to minimize these risks. Look for protections such as:
- Multifactor authentication
- Email filtering
- Password management
- Security awareness training and phishing simulations
- Access controls based on employee roles
It’s also worth asking whether your provider actively monitors for warning signs, such as unusual account behavior, repeated phishing failures, or employees with excessive system access.
Effective cybersecurity isn’t just about employee awareness; it’s about building layers of protection so that when someone makes a mistake, the damage is contained.
How are we protecting sensitive business data?
Every business holds information it cannot afford to expose: customer records, financial documents, employee data, intellectual property, and confidential communications. Ask your provider where this information is stored, who can access it, and how it is protected when employees send, retrieve, or store it in cloud applications.
This is also a good time to review existing accounts and access permissions. As a rule, employees should be able to access only the information relevant to their role. When someone leaves the company or changes roles, those permissions should be updated without delay.
What happens if we experience a cyberattack?
No security strategy can guarantee that an attack will never occur, which is why your business needs a clear and tested plan for when one does. Your provider should be able to explain what happens when an incident occurs, including:
- Who gets notified?
- How are compromised devices isolated?
- Who determines what data was affected?
- How quickly can backups restore normal operations?
- What happens if staff lose access to email or critical systems?
You should also ask when this plan was last reviewed or tested. Running through the plan periodically can reveal unclear responsibilities, missing steps, or other problems that should be addressed before an actual attack occurs.
What security improvements should we budget for?
A reliable MSP should help you anticipate major technology expenses rather than leaving you with unexpected costs. Ask which upcoming expenses you should be planning for, including hardware replacements, expiring software licenses, and new compliance requirements. It is also worth asking whether emerging threats or industry changes may require additional protection..
Not every recommendation needs to translate into an immediate purchase. A trusted provider will help you prioritize improvements based on risk, business needs, and available budget.
SpectrumWise helps SMBs take a proactive approach to IT and cybersecurity. Reach out to our team to assess your current security posture, identify gaps, and develop an IT strategy that keeps your business protected and prepared for whatever comes next.