Question 1

Can you help us if we&#8217;re subject to more than one compliance framework?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and this is one of the biggest advantages of working with an advisory team rather than tackling each framework in isolation. Many frameworks share overlapping controls. For example, an organization that meets NIST SP 800-171 requirements has already satisfied a significant portion of what ISO 27001 and HIPAA require. We map your controls across all applicable frameworks so you build a single, unified compliance program instead of doing redundant work for each standard. A thorough risk analysis of each IT project within your compliance scope ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Question 2

What documentation do we need to have in place before an audit?

Accepted Answer

The specific documentation depends on the framework, but most audits require a System Security Plan (SSP) describing how each required control is implemented, a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) addressing any known gaps, written security policies and procedures, evidence of employee security training and logs demonstrating that your controls are active and monitored. Documentation gaps are among the most common reasons organizations fail audits, and among the easiest to fix with proper preparation.

Question 3

How does a risk assessment affect our cyber insurance?

Accepted Answer

Insurers are increasingly requiring documented risk assessments and evidence of security controls before issuing or renewing policies. A thorough risk assessment can help you meet those requirements, potentially reduce your premiums and ensure your coverage actually applies when you need it. Without one, you may be paying for a policy that excludes the very incidents you're most concerned about.

Question 4

Are IT risk assessment services only for large companies?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Small and mid-sized businesses are frequently targeted by cyberattacks precisely because they tend to have fewer defenses in place. And when it comes to compliance, the requirements don't scale down just because your organization is smaller. A defense subcontractor with 30 employees faces the same 110 CMMC controls as a contractor with 3,000. Our IT risk assessment services are designed to be scalable without the need to hire a full-time chief information security officer.

Question 5

What happens after the risk assessment is complete?

Accepted Answer

You receive a detailed findings report with a prioritized remediation roadmap, a compliance scorecard showing where you stand against your target framework and clear documentation of gaps that need to be addressed. From there, we can help you build documentation such as a System Security Plan (SSP) and a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M). Then, we can assist you in implementing technical controls and preparing for your formal audit with mock assessments and evidence-collection support.

Question 6

We already have an internal IT person. Can&#8217;t they handle this?

Accepted Answer

Your internal IT team plays a critical role in day-to-day operations, which is exactly why they often don't have the bandwidth or specialized expertise to handle a full-scale risk assessment and audit preparation effort. Compliance work requires deep knowledge of specific frameworks, documentation standards and assessor expectations. Our advisors work alongside your team, filling the gap between operational IT and strategic compliance without pulling your staff away from the work that keeps your business running.

Question 7

How long does it take to become audit-ready?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your starting point and the complexity of your technology environment. Organizations that have already implemented some controls may need three to six months of focused work. Those starting from scratch, especially for CMMC Level 2, should plan for six to twelve months. The earlier you begin, the more time you have to address gaps methodically instead of scrambling under deadline pressure.

Question 8

What is the difference between a risk assessment and an audit?

Accepted Answer

A risk assessment is something you initiate proactively. It evaluates your current security posture against a framework, identifies gaps and produces a remediation plan. In contrast, an audit is typically conducted by an external assessor to verify that you meet a specific standard, such as a CMMC Level 2 certification assessment performed by a C3PAO. Think of the risk assessment as the preparation and the audit as the exam. Our job is to make sure you're ready before the examiner shows up.

Question 9

How do I know which compliance framework applies to my business?

Accepted Answer

The framework you need depends on your industry, the type of data you handle and who you do business with. Defense contractors and subcontractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) need to comply with NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC. Healthcare organizations fall under HIPAA. Companies that process credit card transactions must meet PCI DSS requirements. Many organizations are subject to multiple frameworks, and our advisory approach identifies overlapping controls to help you avoid duplicating effort.

Question 10

What do IT risk assessment services actually involve?

Accepted Answer

IT risk assessment services are structured evaluations of each aspect of your technology environment, including your network, cloud infrastructure, endpoints, policies and user practices. The evaluation grades your tech against established security frameworks. We identify vulnerabilities, evaluate their likelihood of exploitation and assess their potential business impact. The result is a prioritized remediation roadmap that tells you exactly what to address first, rather than handing you a generic checklist.

Question 11

Why should I hire a managed provider for user access and privileged account management instead of handling it in-house?

Accepted Answer

User access management and privileged account management require specialized tools, consistent discipline and ongoing attention to remain effective. Most small businesses lack the internal capacity to maintain a documented, auditable access control program while keeping up with everything else. A managed provider like G6 gives you a disciplined, compliance-ready program without the overhead of building it yourself. You have the added confidence of a local team that is accountable for results and available when issues arise.

Question 12

How does user access management help with regulatory compliance?

Accepted Answer

Access control is a foundational requirement across virtually every data security regulation. HIPAA requires that access to patient data be limited to those with a legitimate need, and that access be logged and audited. CMMC requires organizations to manage user credentials, implement MFA and document access control policies. The FTC Safeguards Rule requires financial institutions to implement access controls and monitor for unauthorized access. G6 designs your user access management environment to meet these requirements and maintains the documentation needed to demonstrate compliance during an audit.

Question 13

What is single sign-on (SSO)?

Accepted Answer

Single sign-on allows users to authenticate once and access multiple applications without logging in to each one separately. It simplifies user access management by creating a single control point where access can be granted, modified or revoked across all connected applications simultaneously. When combined with MFA and conditional access, SSO provides strong, centralized authentication without creating excessive friction for users. It makes the offboarding process significantly more reliable by ensuring comprehensive access revocation.

Question 14

What are the risks of unmanaged privileged accounts?

Accepted Answer

Unmanaged privileged accounts are one of the most dangerous conditions in any IT environment. They are frequently targeted by attackers through credential theft, phishing, and brute-force attacks because a single successful compromise can provide domain-level access to your entire environment. Common issues include unused administrative accounts that were never disabled, shared admin credentials known to multiple employees, service accounts with excessive permissions and privileged access granted without MFA. G6 audits privileged accounts during onboarding and implements controls to systematically eliminate these risks.

Question 15

How should businesses handle IT access when an employee leaves?

Accepted Answer

User offboarding is one of the most commonly mishandled processes in small business environments. Best practice requires revoking all access on the employee's last day, ideally at the moment of separation. This includes disabling the account, transferring data ownership, revoking MFA devices and removing the user from any shared credentials or privileged accounts. G6 manages this process as part of our user access management service with documented offboarding checklists and same-day execution.

Question 16

What is the principle of least privilege, and how does it apply to user access management?

Accepted Answer

The principle of least privilege holds that every user, and every privileged account, should have access to exactly what they need to do their job, and nothing more. In practice, organizations accumulate over-permissioned accounts as employees change roles, take on temporary projects or are granted broad access for convenience. These excess permissions represent a serious risk: a compromised over-permissioned account gives an attacker far more reach than necessary. G6 implements least privilege as the governing principle of our user access management program and regularly audits compliance.

Question 17

What is conditional access, and how does it strengthen user access management?

Accepted Answer

Conditional access evaluates the context of each login attempt before deciding whether to allow it. It considers the device being used, the user's location, the time of day and the assessed risk level of the request. When combined with MFA, it creates a layered authentication approach in which user access management decisions are made dynamically based on real-world context rather than a simple password check. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access even when credentials have been compromised.

Question 18

What is multi-factor authentication (MFA), and how does it protect my business?

Accepted Answer

Multi-factor authentication requires users to verify their identity through two or more methods. This process typically involves a password plus a code sent to a phone or generated by an authenticator app. Even if an attacker steals a user's password through phishing or a data breach, they cannot access the account without the second factor. MFA is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost security controls available to small businesses, and most regulatory frameworks require it.

Question 19

What is privileged account management, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Privileged account management is the discipline of controlling, monitoring, and auditing accounts with elevated access, such as system administrators, IT staff, executives, and service accounts with broad permissions. These accounts are high-value targets because compromising one can give an attacker deep, broad access to your environment. Best practices include limiting the number of privileged accounts, requiring MFA for all privileged logins, logging all privileged activity and using separate credentials for administrative tasks. G6 implements and manages these controls as part of our user security program.

Question 20

What is user access management, and why does my business need it?

Accepted Answer

User access management is the set of policies, processes and technologies used to control who can access which systems, applications and data within your organization. It covers how user accounts are created, what permissions they're assigned, how those permissions change over time and how access is revoked when someone leaves. Without a structured approach, permissions accumulate unchecked, former employees retain access and your attack surface grows silently with every new hire.

Question 21

How does AI governance fit into our technology strategy?

Accepted Answer

As AI becomes a standard business tool, it introduces new risks regarding data privacy and intellectual property. Our AI strategy services help you implement these powerful tools effectively to boost productivity while ensuring your proprietary data remains secure and your workflows stay compliant.

Question 22

What happens if we have a security incident or data loss?

Accepted Answer

Our data backup and recovery and incident response strategies ensure that an emergency doesn't become a catastrophe. We prioritize resilience; meaning we have the processes in place to restore your data quickly and get your team back to work with minimal downtime and reputational damage.

Question 23

Are IT and cybersecurity consulting services only for large corporations?

Accepted Answer

Actually, small and mid-sized businesses are often the primary targets for cyberattacks because they frequently lack robust defenses. And, organizations of every size can benefit from strategic AI implementation. Our services are designed to be scalable, providing enterprise-grade security and fractional IT leadership that gives you the protection and strategy you need without the cost of a full-time executive salary.

Question 24

How do I know if my business is actually at risk?

Accepted Answer

Risk isn't always visible until a breach occurs. Our risk assessment process acts like a comprehensive health check; we scan your network, test your defenses and review your internal policies to find the weak points before a malicious actor does. If you haven't had a professional security audit in the last 12 months, your risk level is likely higher than you realize.

Question 25

We already have an internal IT person. Why would we need advisory services?

Accepted Answer

Internal teams are often excellent at managing daily operations, but they can become overwhelmed by the rapidly shifting landscape of security threats and compliance audits. Advisors like our G6 experts act as knowledgeable reinforcement, providing your team with specialized tools and high-level strategic oversight that allows them to focus on their core tasks without burning out.

Question 26

What is the difference between a managed service provider (MSP) and an IT/cybersecurity advisor?

Accepted Answer

While an MSP typically focuses on the day-to-day maintenance and uptime of your computers and servers, an IT/cybersecurity advisor looks at the high-level strategy and risk. Advisors go beyond just fixing what is broken; they identify hidden vulnerabilities, ensure you meet industry regulations and align technology investments with long-term business goals.

Question 27

Does G6 support organizations in heavily regulated industries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are CJIS compliant and have decades of experience serving government, enterprise, legal and small business customers that operate under strict regulatory requirements. Our 100% U.S.-based team understands the unique demands of regulated environments and builds IT and cybersecurity strategies that help you stay compliant while staying productive.

Question 28

How can G6 help my organization navigate AI tools safely?

Accepted Answer

AI is changing the way businesses operate, but adopting new tools without a plan can create security gaps and wasted effort. We provide strategic guidance to help you evaluate and implement AI tools effectively, so you can take advantage of today's technology without putting your data or your team at risk.

Question 29

What does endpoint security mean, and how does G6 manage it?

Accepted Answer

Endpoints are the devices your team uses every day — laptops, desktops, phones and tablets. We secure, monitor and update every device in your fleet so your people can work from anywhere with confidence. Our approach ensures that each endpoint is protected against threats and kept current, without creating extra work for your team.

Question 30

What is penetration testing and why does my organization need it?

Accepted Answer

Penetration testing is a controlled process where our team safely simulates real-world cyberattacks against your systems to uncover hidden vulnerabilities. Think of it as a stress test for your security. By identifying weaknesses before hackers can exploit them, we help you strengthen your defenses and reduce your risk of a costly breach.

Question 31

How does G6 handle data backup and disaster recovery?

Accepted Answer

We protect your critical information with reliable backup solutions designed for rapid restoration. If something goes wrong — whether it's a hardware failure, ransomware attack or natural disaster — our goal is to get your systems and data back up and running as quickly as possible so your organization can keep moving forward.

Question 32

How does G6 ensure disciplined and dedicated IT support?

Accepted Answer

Our managed IT and cybersecurity services are built on a commitment to long-term partnerships, going above and beyond expectations. We support government, enterprise, legal and small businesses customers, ensuring that they have “always on” support, as well as strategic guidance in effectively using today’s tools, such as AI.

Question 33

What sets G6 apart in managed IT and cybersecurity services?

Accepted Answer

In addition to our deep, executive-level experience, our commitment to putting others first drives our services. With a 98%+ customer satisfaction score, 90%+ customer retention and 19+ years of experience as a local veteran-owned business, we go above and beyond to ensure your success.

Question 34

Why should I consider managed IT and cybersecurity services?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to make your IT systems run smoothly and securely, providing processes you can rely on. Whether you need support for your internal IT team or want to take IT and cybersecurity off your plate completely, we can help you work smarter, not harder.

Question 35

What is the difference between fully managed and co-managed IT services?

Accepted Answer

Fully managed IT services mean we handle all your technology needs, taking the hassle off your plate. Co-managed IT services involve our experts collaborating with your team to crush your IT goals together.

Question 36

How does G6 support businesses with diverse IT needs?

Accepted Answer

G6's virtual CIO services assist in optimizing applications and identifying improvement areas. Whether you require remote or on-site support, our comprehensive services cover computer hardware, software, and related equipment, ensuring worry-free IT management.

Question 37

What sets G6&#8217;s Remote Tech Support apart?

Accepted Answer

Our remote tech support goes beyond business hours, offering 24/7 assistance, monitoring, and support. With incredibly fast response times, we handle everything from operating system maintenance to seamless cloud migrations for your critical data.

Question 38

How does G6 handle recurring IT issues?

Accepted Answer

If you're dealing with the same IT issues repeatedly, G6 provides expert support to break the cycle. Our proactive monitoring and issue prevention strategies ensure a swift resolution, minimizing frustration and keeping your operations running smoothly.

Question 39

Why choose G6 for IT support?

Accepted Answer

With G6, resolve tech issues quickly and minimize downtime with our round-the-clock support. We boast a 98%+ customer satisfaction score, 90%+ retention after contract expiration, and 17+ years of experience as a local veteran-owned business.

Question 40

What types of IT support services does G6 offer?

Accepted Answer

G6 provides comprehensive IT support services, including remote tech support for 24/7 assistance, on-site tech support with proactive monitoring, and virtual CIO services to optimize applications and identify areas for improvement.

Question 41

Are my cameras and security data vulnerable to being hacked?

Accepted Answer

Only if they aren't properly managed. We use end-to-end encryption, secure VPNs and regular firmware updates to harden your physical security network. We treat your security data with the same level of protection as your financial data.

Question 42

Is security as a service (SECaaS) better than buying the equipment outright?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your capital strategy. SECaaS allows you to avoid a large upfront cost by paying a monthly subscription that covers the equipment, installation, monitoring and — most importantly — maintenance and upgrades. This ensures your technology never becomes obsolete.

Question 43

What happens to my security if the power or internet goes out?

Accepted Answer

Professional physical security systems are built with fail-safes. This includes battery backups that keep sensors and cameras running for several hours during a blackout, and cellular LTE backups that ensure your alarm signal reaches the monitoring station even if your primary internet line is cut.

Question 44

How does video verification reduce false alarms?

Accepted Answer

False alarms are a major headache for police departments and can lead to fines for your business. Video verification allows our monitoring team to look at your live feed the second an alarm is triggered. If they see an actual intruder, they report a crime in progress, which typically results in a much faster police response time than a standard unverified alarm.

Question 45

Can I monitor my facility remotely, or do I need an on-site guard?

Accepted Answer

Modern technology allows for virtual guarding. Using AI-enabled cameras, we can monitor your "hot zones" 24/7 from a central command center. If a person is detected after hours, a remote operator can voice-down (speak through a speaker) to warn the intruder or call the police immediately, providing the protection of a guard at a fraction of the cost.

Question 46

What is managed access control and why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Access control replaces traditional keys with digital credentials (fobs, mobile apps or biometrics). It allows you to track exactly who enters your building and when. More importantly, it gives you the power to instantly revoke access for a former employee or contractor without the time and expense of re-keying your entire facility.

Question 47

Does a security system actually stop a break-in, or just record it?

Accepted Answer

A standalone surveillance system typically just records the event for later review. A comprehensive security system is designed to intervene. By integrating motion sensors, glass-break detectors and monitored alarms, the system can trigger immediate deterrents (sirens/lights) and dispatch emergency services the moment a perimeter is breached.

Question 48

What is the difference between a security system and a surveillance system?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a security system and a surveillance system can be found in each of their individual purposes. While a security system is designed to protect digital assets from security threats, a surveillance system focuses on monitoring activities within a specific area using recording software. In summary, security systems aim to prevent security threats, while surveillance systems are primarily focused on monitoring and recording activities for later viewing.

Question 49

How often should you perform penetration testing?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, penetration testing should be done every year at least. This regular cadence is necessary to maintain consistent IT and network security. Remember, the testing will expose newly discovered threats that could be exploited by malicious hackers, so it’s important to run tests at least annually.

Some regulations require tests to be performed under specific circumstances, including when:

Introducing new network infrastructure or applications.

Implementing significant upgrades or modifications to existing infrastructure or applications.

Establishing new office locations.

Applying security patches.

Modifying end-user policies.

Question 50

How does penetration testing work?

Accepted Answer

Pen testers stay updated on cutting-edge technology and its possible weaknesses. They mimic cyber criminals by adopting their methods, infiltrating the network or system and ultimately uncovering IT vulnerabilities. To complete their work, pen testers may use automated penetration testing tools to expose weaknesses in various areas such as core attack vectors, operating systems, network devices and application software. Alternatively, penetration testers may choose to use a more hands-on, manual approach.

Question 51

What is penetration testing?

Accepted Answer

Penetration testing, also known as pen testing, is a security assessment that is conducted by experts in cybersecurity (sometimes called “white hat hackers”). The goal of pen testing is to discover and exploit vulnerabilities within a computer system, network or application. This simulated attack aims to uncover weaknesses in the system's defenses that malicious actors could exploit.

Question 52

Does Microsoft still provide support if we use a partner?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but we become your first line of defense. Instead of waiting in a global queue for an anonymous agent, you call us. Because we are a certified partner, we have an "express lane" to Microsoft’s advanced engineering teams. If a problem is on Microsoft's end, we manage the escalation so you don't have to spend your day on hold.

Question 53

Can I monitor my facility remotely, or do I need an on-site guard?

Accepted Answer

How does your team help with Microsoft Azure cost management?Azure billing can be notoriously complex. We use advanced monitoring tools to track your consumption in real-time, identifying orphaned resources or underutilized virtual machines. We help you implement Reserved Instances or Azure Savings Plans, which can reduce your cloud spend compared to standard pay-as-you-go pricing.

Question 54

Can we keep our current Microsoft 365 data if we switch to your management?

Accepted Answer

Can we keep our current Microsoft 365 data if we switch to your management?Yes, absolutely. Switching to a partner is a behind-the-scenes administrative change. There is zero downtime and no data migration required. Your emails, files in SharePoint and Teams chats remain exactly where they are; we simply take over the licensing and support to give you better service and more competitive insights.

Question 55

Is it more expensive to buy through a partner than directly from Microsoft?

Accepted Answer

No. In most cases, the cost of the licenses is the same as the Microsoft list price. The value comes from the cost optimization we provide. Most businesses that buy direct end up paying for "zombie" licenses or expensive tiers they don't actually need. We perform regular audits to prune waste, often saving you more money than the cost of our advisory services.

Question 56

What is a Microsoft cloud solution provider (CSP) and why should we use one?

Accepted Answer

A CSP is an authorized partner that manages your Microsoft 365 and Azure licenses on your behalf. While you can buy direct from Microsoft, a CSP adds a layer of personalized support and strategic oversight. We don't just sell you a license; we ensure it is configured correctly, identify where you are overpaying for unused features and provide a direct human contact when you need help, rather than a generic support ticket.

Question 57

What happens during a Microsoft 365 migration, and how long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Properly managing Microsoft 365 and Azure requires specialized knowledge that evolves constantly; Microsoft releases hundreds of updates and configuration changes every year. Self-managed environments consistently show higher rates of security misconfiguration, compliance gaps and licensing waste than professionally managed environments. A local partner like G6 gives you the added advantage of understanding your regional business environment, availability for in-person strategy sessions and emergency response, and a long-term relationship where your technology partner knows your business inside and out.

Question 58

Can Microsoft 365 help my business meet CMMC compliance requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it requires the right licensing and careful configuration. CMMC compliance for defense contractors typically requires Microsoft 365 Government GCC or GCC High plans, which are hosted in FedRAMP-authorized cloud environments separate from standard commercial tenants. Standard Microsoft 365 plans do not meet CMMC requirements on their own. G6 has experience supporting government and defense-adjacent clients and can assess your CMMC level requirements, recommend the appropriate licensing, and configure your environment accordingly.

Question 59

What is the difference between Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard and Premium?

Accepted Answer

Business Basic includes web and mobile versions of Office apps plus 1 TB of OneDrive storage, but no desktop applications. Business Standard adds full desktop app installations and more advanced collaboration features. Business Premium adds everything in Standard plus advanced security, including device management, threat protection and information protection — making it the minimum recommended plan for businesses with compliance requirements or sensitive data. Matching the right license to each user role is a core part of our optimization work.

Question 60

How much does managed Microsoft 365 and Azure support cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is typically structured per user per month or as a flat monthly fee, depending on the scope of management and the size of your organization. Cost varies based on user count, environment complexity, compliance requirements and whether you need Azure management in addition to Microsoft 365. The best way to get an accurate picture is to schedule a cloud strategy session to assess your specific needs. Many businesses find that the cost of professional management is more than offset by savings from license optimization alone.

Question 61

What are the biggest Microsoft 365 security risks for small businesses?

Accepted Answer

The risks we see most consistently for small businesses are accounts without multi-factor authentication enabled, overly broad file-sharing permissions that give employees and AI tools like Copilot access to data they should not see, a lack of conditional access policies allowing logins from unauthorized devices, no data loss prevention rules to stop sensitive information from leaving the organization, and disabled audit logging that makes incident investigation impossible. Every one of these risks is fixable with proper configuration and ongoing governance.

Question 62

Is Microsoft 365 HIPAA compliant out of the box?

Accepted Answer

No. Certain Microsoft 365 plans are HIPAA-capable, meaning they include the features required for compliance, but those features must be properly configured. Microsoft also requires a signed business associate agreement before any HIPAA obligations apply. Out of the box, audit logging may not be enabled, data loss prevention policies may not be configured and retention settings may not be aligned with HIPAA requirements. G6 configures your environment for HIPAA compliance, documents the controls for audits and monitors them on an ongoing basis.

Question 63

How do I know if I’m overpaying for Microsoft 365 licenses?

Accepted Answer

If no one has audited your licenses in the past 12 months, you almost certainly are. The most common sources of waste include orphaned accounts still assigned expensive licenses, users on premium plans who only need basic features, duplicate tools across overlapping subscriptions, and unused add-ons that were never canceled after a trial. Industry data shows the average organization wastes 25 to 40 percent of its Microsoft licensing spend. G6 runs a thorough license audit during our initial assessment and repeats it quarterly to keep costs optimized as your team changes.

Question 64

Does Microsoft 365 automatically back up my data?

Accepted Answer

No, and this is one of the most common and costly misconceptions. Microsoft operates on a shared-responsibility model: they keep the service running and protect the infrastructure, but safeguarding your data is your responsibility. Default retention for deleted items is only 14 to 30 days, and Microsoft explicitly recommends third-party backup. G6 implements enterprise-grade backup and retention policies so your data is protected even if files are accidentally deleted, an account is compromised or ransomware encrypts your environment.

FAQs

Can you help us if we’re subject to more than one compliance framework?