Your business can’t afford technology that breaks, lags, or risks security. Whether you’re a startup or a growing enterprise, reliable IT support is no longer optional—it’s the backbone of keeping your operation running smoothly.
But what exactly should IT support cover?
Many businesses don’t know what to expect until something goes wrong. That’s why we’ve put together this complete 10 point IT support checklist. It can help you identifywhat a strong, modern IT setup should look like and what your support team (in-house or outsourced) should be handling regularly.
Let’s break it down.
1. Device & Hardware Management
Your team’s laptops, desktops, tablets, printers, and even phones need consistent support. IT teams should:
- Set up and configure all new devices properly
- Ensure systems are running licensed software
- Monitor device performance and health
- Handle repairs, replacements, and upgrades
- Enforce device security (passwords, encryption, remote lockout)
Why it matters: A single slow laptop can stall productivity. Proactive management prevents tech headaches before they disrupt your workday.
2. Helpdesk & End-User Support
Your employees will always need help—from email issues to broken apps to forgotten passwords.
A responsive IT helpdesk should provide:
- Quick resolution of day-to-day tech issues
- Remote and on-site support (depending on your business requirements)
- Clear expectations regarding response times and how support tickets are processed
- Easy ways to raise and track support tickets
Tip: If you’re outsourcing, ask your provider what support options are available based on your employee’s business hours.
3. Cybersecurity Essentials
Security is non-negotiable in 2025. Your IT support team should proactively defend your systems against cyber threats by:
- Installing and updating antivirus and anti-malware tools
- Configuring firewalls and secure VPNs
- Putting strong password policies in place and using MFA (multi-factor authentication)
- Monitoring for unusual behavior or login attempts
- Regularly patching vulnerabilities and updating software
Bonus: Security awareness training for employees helps avoid phishing and social engineering attacks.
4. Cloud Services Setup & Support
Whether you’re using Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or other SaaS tools—your cloud setup needs proper support. IT should help with:
- Setting up accounts with secure access controls
- Managing cloud storage, sharing permissions, and backups
- Migrating files and data to the cloud safely
- Troubleshooting sync issues or app errors
- Monitoring for data leaks or unauthorized access
Note: Cloud tech can simplify business—only if it’s configured securely and maintained properly.
5. Data Backup & Recovery Planning
Accidents happen. Systems crash. Files get deleted. But that shouldn’t mean business stops.
A reliable IT team ensures:
- Daily or weekly automated data backups (locally and in the cloud)
- Version control, so old file versions can be recovered
- Disaster recovery plans in case of major failures or breaches
- Regular testing of backups to ensure they restore correctly
Tip: Think of backups like a safety net—rarely used, but absolutely essential.
6. Network Setup & Monitoring
A strong IT foundation begins with a stable, secure network. That includes:
- Setting up routers, switches, and access points
- Separating internal and guest Wi-Fi networks
- Managing bandwidth so your team doesn’t deal with lag
- Monitoring for unauthorized devices or unusual traffic
- Ensuring business-critical apps get priority over streaming or personal use
Remember: If your network isn’t properly managed, your entire business can slow down.
7. Software Licensing & Updates
Your business likely uses 10–20 different software tools. Your IT support should help:
- Track all software licenses and renewals
- Ensure every tool was procured legally and is using the most current version
- Install software updates and patches as soon as they’re released
- Prevent outdated tools from becoming security vulnerabilities
Tip: This includes not just your main business tools but also plugins, CRMs, accounting software, and antivirus.
8. New Employee Onboarding & Offboarding
Every time you hire or let someone go, your IT support should be involved to:
- Create or disable email accounts, logins, and software access
- Set up company devices and user profiles
- Ensure new employees receive security guidelines
- Reclaim and reset hardware from exiting employees
- Remove former employees from all systems immediately
Tip: Proper onboarding saves hours. Proper offboarding protects your data.
9. IT Reporting & System Audits
Your IT support team should have transparency and open communication with you. A good IT Services provider will regularly share:
- Monthly or quarterly reports on system health
- Logs of security threats blocked
- Uptime and downtime stats
- Insights on what tools are being used or wasted
- Suggestions to improve performance or reduce cost
Note: These reports can help you make smarter business decisions.
10. Compliance & Data Privacy Support
If you’re in a regulated industry or handle customer data, IT support should help you stay compliant with:
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
Region: United States
Focus: Protection of personal health information (PHI)
In simple terms:
HIPAA is a U.S. law that protects patient health information. If your business deals with medical records, health insurance, or any kind of healthcare data—even as a third party—you must store, share, and manage that data very securely.
Applies to:
- Hospitals, clinics, insurance providers
- IT companies working with healthcare clients
- Any software or cloud provider that handles medical data
Why it matters:
A HIPAA violation could cost a business thousands to millions in fines. It also ensures sensitive health data is not leaked or misused.
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2)
Region: U.S.-based standard, but globally recognized
Focus: Secure handling of customer data by service providers
In simple terms:
SOC 2 is not a law but a certification. It’s often required when you’re a B2B company that stores or processes customer data on behalf of others—like SaaS platforms, cloud storage, or financial services.
It checks if your organization has controls in place for:
- Security
- Availability
- Processing integrity
- Confidentiality
- Privacy
Why it matters:
SOC 2 is a trust signal. It tells clients you take data security seriously, and it often helps win large enterprise deals.
ISO 27001
Region: International (ISO = International Organization for Standardization)
Focus: Information security management systems (ISMS)
In simple terms:
ISO 27001 is a global standard that shows your business has a system in place to manage and protect sensitive data—both internal and customer-facing.
It’s like a blueprint for securing people, processes, and technology across your organization.
What it covers:
- Risk assessments
- Access controls
- Data handling procedures
- Regular audits and improvement
Why it matters:
It’s globally recognized, especially useful if you serve clients across multiple countries or in highly regulated industries.
PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
Region: Global
Focus: Security for processing card payments
In simple terms:
If your business handles card payments, PCI-DSS compliance isn’t optional—it’s a required framework to protect sensitive financial data. This includes ecommerce sites, retail POS systems, and payment processors.
Basic requirements include:
- Encrypting cardholder data
- Using secure networks
- Restricting access to card information
- Regularly monitoring and testing your systems
Why it matters:
Not following PCI-DSS puts your business at risk of a data breach, fines, and loss of payment processing privileges. It’s essential for any business that takes card payments—online or offline.
They’ll help enforce data protection policies, document processes, and prepare you for audits if needed.
Compliance isn’t just about rules—it’s about trust.
Scalable Solutions for Growth
Remember, your IT support system should be flexible enough to grow with your business. Following these 10 points gives you the ability to:
- Add users and devices quickly
- Set up new branches or remote teams
- Consider better tools or cloud solutions as you scale
- Plan ahead for future tech needs so you’re never caught off guard
Your tech should be able to grow as fast as your team does.
A Checklist Is Only as Good as the Team Behind It
Having the right IT support isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about choosing a team or provider that keeps your business running, protected, and ready for whatever comes next.
Here’s a short version of the checklist you can keep handy as a quick recap. Use this 10-point task checklist as a baseline to measure your current setup.
If you have gaps in any of these areas, it might be time to consider a Managed IT Services Provider who can provide support or handle it all for you.
