Businesses in Jacksonville know that to succeed, they need efficient and reliable IT support. During our consultations with prospective clients, BrightLink Technology always asks a series of critical questions to help them assess their company’s IT needs. Our goal is to provide valuable insights about their IT strengths and weaknesses, so that the business owner can determine how a professional IT company can best service their most critical needs.

While this is not a completely comprehensive list of all the topics that we might consider, here are 17 questions that our team commonly asks our during an IT consultation:

1. How Old Are Your Server and Workstations?

Older hardware can significantly slow down your operations and could even become a potential security risk if they lack the support for the latest hardware, software updates, or security patches.

4 Signs Your Business Needs a Software Upgrade!

2. Are You Using Backup Batteries for Each Device?

Battery backups should be installed for all critical devices. This prevents sudden loss of data in the event of a power outage and ensures the continuity of your operations when it occurs.

3. Is Your Software Cloud-Based or Local?

Depending on your company’s specific needs, some software types may work better for your business than others. Cloud-based software, for example, offers benefits like easy access from any location and automatic updates. However, local software might be more suitable for businesses dealing with sensitive information or looking for more control over their software.

4. How Do You Manage Mobile Devices?

In today’s hyper-connected world, mobile devices are pivotal to most businesses. How you manage these devices—especially if they hold sensitive company information—can significantly impact your company’s security. Consider employing professional IT solutions to establish appropriate protocols and guard against potential security breaches.

5. Do You Have a Firewall in Place?

Firewalls are an important element of Information Security as the first line of defense against cyber threats. They monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. They help you protect sensitive information, manage your network more effectively, and even improve your business’s overall operational efficiency. If you do not have a firewall, it may be time to contact a Jacksonville IT company.

6. Do You Have Remote Users and Do They Have Access to Your Internal Network Remotely?

With the current trend of remote working, businesses need to make sure remote employees can securely access their internal network. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are a great way to offer secure access to remote users.

7. Do You Have a Password Policy in Place?

Password policies keep a company’s data safe. Consider implementing rules concerning password complexity, change frequency, reuse, and storage. For an even more advanced access control, consider zero trust security measures. Engaging with a professional IT company would be a proactive step toward securing your company’s data.

8. How Do You Manage Mobile Devices?

Mobile device management has a significant impact on the security of your company’s information. Create protocols for managing mobile devices in your business.

9. Who Is Your Email Provider?

Choose an email provider that takes strong security measures, specifically around encrypting emails, and is scalable as your business grows.

10. Where Do You Store Your Data?

The location of your data storage and the method you use for backing it up can significantly influence the security and integrity of your data. Hybrid solutions involving both onsite and cloud storage provide optimal flexibility and security.

11. Do You Have a Disaster Recovery Plan in Place?

A disaster recovery plan is fundamental for businesses of all types and sizes. It ensures business continuity by minimizing the impact of catastrophic events like data breaches, natural disasters, and hardware failures.

12. Are You Required to Follow HIPAA or PCI Compliance?

If your business needs to comply with regulations, including HIPAA or PCI, your Jacksonville IT provider should offer secure data storage and transmission solutions that meet these requirements.

13. Are You Using Antivirus Protection?

Antivirus software is a crucial component in protecting your systems from malicious software. Make sure you have comprehensive and updated antivirus protection on all your devices.

14. Are You Using Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring two types of identification before login. It’s a simple yet effective way to guard against unauthorized access to your business accounts.

15. Are All Employees Trained to Watch for and Handle Suspicious Emails?

Educating your employees about phishing scams and ransomware attacks can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches. Schedule regular training sessions to ensure your team is prepared to handle potential threats.

16. Are You Concerned About a Data Breach or Ransomware?

Every company should be concerned about potential data breaches and ransomware attacks. If you are, immediate action should be taken to fortify your information security measures.

17. Are You Using Encryption for Sensitive Emails?

Encrypting sensitive emails is a standard practice for many businesses. If you’re not yet doing this, it’s time to start. Encryption ensures the privacy and security of your sensitive information to prevent data breaches.

Tailoring IT Solutions With BrightLink Technology

BrightLink Technology provides professional IT support for businesses in Jacksonville and the surrounding Northeast Florida area.  Contact BrightLink today to for all your business IT, cloud backup, and network solutions.