The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting Central Illinois businesses has made one thing clear: cybersecurity is no longer optional. Whether you’re running a manufacturing facility in East Peoria, a medical practice in Bloomington, or an agriculture business in the surrounding counties, choosing the right cybersecurity partner can mean the difference between business continuity and costly downtime.
But with so many IT providers claiming to offer complete security solutions, how do you identify which one truly understands the unique challenges facing businesses in Peoria and Central Illinois?
Why Local Expertise Matters for Central Illinois Businesses
When your business faces a security incident at 2 AM, you need a team that understands your operations, knows your industry, and can respond immediately. National providers may offer competitive pricing, but they rarely deliver the personalized attention and regional expertise that Central Illinois businesses require.
Peoria-area businesses face distinct challenges. From HIPAA compliance for medical practices along Prospect Road to CMMC requirements for defense contractors serving the Rock Island Arsenal, your cybersecurity provider needs to understand the regulatory landscape specific to your industry and location.
Companies like Caterpillar have shaped Central Illinois into a manufacturing hub, which means the region faces increased targeting from cybercriminals looking to disrupt supply chains and steal intellectual property. Your cybersecurity provider should understand these regional threat patterns.
The True Cost of Inadequate Cybersecurity
Before we discuss how to choose the right provider, consider what’s at stake. According to the IBM 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach now exceeds $4.45 million.
For small to mid-sized businesses in Central Illinois, even a fraction of that cost could be devastating. Beyond direct financial losses, consider:
- Downtime: Manufacturing facilities losing production time (National Association of Manufacturers: Cybersecurity in Manufacturing) at $5,000-$20,000 per hour
- Reputation damage: Medical practices losing patient trust after health data breaches
- Compliance penalties: Healthcare organizations facing six-figure HIPAA fines (HHS OCR Breach Portal)
- Recovery costs: Months of remediation work and system rebuilding
11 Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cybersecurity Provider
1. Do You Have Experience Serving Businesses in My Industry?
Your cybersecurity provider should demonstrate proven experience in your specific sector. A medical practice in Peoria has vastly different needs than a manufacturing facility in Metamora.
Ask for specific examples. How many clients do they serve in your industry? Can they reference local businesses similar to yours? Do they understand the compliance requirements for your sector?
At Facet Technologies, we’ve spent over 30 years serving businesses across Central Illinois. Our team works with manufacturing facilities, medical practices, agriculture businesses, and government organizations throughout the Peoria area. This experience means we understand the specific threats and compliance requirements your business faces.
2. Where Is Your Team Located, and How Quickly Can You Respond?
When a security incident occurs, response time matters. A provider with technicians in Chicago or outsourced helpdesks overseas cannot provide the immediate, hands-on support that businesses in Peoria need.
Questions to ask:
- Is your helpdesk in-house or outsourced?
- Where are your technicians physically located?
- Can someone be on-site at my Peoria location within hours if needed?
- Do you offer 24/7/365 support for emergencies?
Facet’s entire team operates from our Peoria headquarters at 3024 W. Lake Avenue. Our in-house helpdesk means you’ll always speak with a knowledgeable technician who understands your systems, not a call center reading from a script. We provide live answer support from 8 AM-5 PM Monday through Friday, with 24/7/365 on-call technicians for emergencies.
3. What Does Your Cybersecurity Stack Actually Include?
Many providers advertise “complete cybersecurity” but provide only basic antivirus protection. Modern threats require multiple layers of defense.
A complete cybersecurity solution should include:
- Next-generation firewall management with threat intelligence
- AI-powered endpoint detection and response (EDR)
- Email security and advanced phishing protection
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all systems
- Dark web monitoring for compromised credentials
- 24/7 network monitoring and threat detection
- Security Operations Center (SOC) or Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services
- Regular security awareness training for employees (Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report)
- Backup isolation to protect against ransomware (NIST Guide to Data Backup and Recovery)
Ask providers to detail exactly what’s included in their base package versus what costs extra. Some providers quote artificially low monthly rates, then add charges for necessary security features.
4. How Do You Handle Compliance Requirements?
If your business operates in healthcare, finance, government contracting, or other regulated industries, compliance isn’t optional. The wrong provider can leave you vulnerable to both cyberattacks and regulatory penalties.
For healthcare organizations, HIPAA compliance requires specific technical safeguards, documentation, and regular risk assessments. Learn about HIPAA requirements at HHS.gov.
Defense contractors serving organizations like the Rock Island Arsenal need CMMC certification. See the Department of Defense’s CMMC page for current framework requirements.
Our compliance consulting services help Central Illinois businesses meet requirements for HIPAA, PCI DSS, CMMC, and FedRAMP. We guide you through the entire process, from initial gap assessments to ongoing compliance maintenance.
5. What Is Your Approach to Backup and Business Continuity?
Ransomware remains one of the top threats facing Central Illinois businesses. When attackers encrypt your files and demand payment, your backup strategy determines whether you lose days of productivity or continue operations with minimal disruption.
Critical questions include:
- How frequently are backups performed?
- Are backups isolated from the network to prevent ransomware encryption?
- What is your Recovery Time Objective (RTO)?
- Can you perform instant recovery for critical systems?
- Do you test backup restoration regularly?
Our backup solutions include instant recovery capabilities, meaning critical systems can be operational within minutes rather than days. We implement backup isolation strategies specifically designed to protect against ransomware, aligning with NIST’s backup guidance.
6. Do You Provide Proactive Monitoring or Just Break-Fix Support?
Some IT providers only respond when something breaks. This reactive approach means problems impact your business before anyone takes action.
Effective cybersecurity requires continuous monitoring to detect and respond to threats before they cause damage. Look for providers offering:
- Real-time network monitoring
- Automated threat detection and response
- Proactive system maintenance and patching
- Regular security assessments and reporting
Facet provides 24/7/365 network monitoring using advanced multi-layered monitoring technologies. Our approach combines automated threat detection with human expertise, allowing us to identify and resolve issues before they impact your operations. When threats are detected, our team resolves them within an average of nine minutes.
7. Can You Provide References from Local Businesses?
Any provider can make claims about their services. References from businesses in your area provide actual proof of their capabilities and customer service.
When checking references, ask:
- How long have you worked with this provider?
- How responsive are they when issues arise?
- Have they helped you navigate compliance requirements?
- Do they provide strategic guidance, or just break-fix support?
- Would you recommend them to another Peoria-area business?
We’re proud of our long-term relationships with Central Illinois businesses. We encourage prospective clients to speak with our existing customers about their experiences and can provide references upon request.
8. How Do You Handle Managed Firewall Services?
Firewalls represent your first line of defense against cyber threats, but many businesses make critical mistakes with firewall management:
- Using outdated hardware that can’t detect modern threats
- Failing to update firmware and security definitions
- Not replacing aging firewalls until they fail
- Improper configuration that leaves security gaps
Ask whether managed firewall services are included in quoted prices, or if they cost extra. Some providers require you to purchase expensive hardware upfront, then charge separately for management and eventual replacement.
Facet offers Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) for managed firewalls. We maintain your firewall, handle all updates and configurations, and proactively replace it every two years with the latest models. This ensures you always have modern protection without unexpected capital expenses.
9. What Employee Training Do You Provide?
Human error remains the leading cause of security breaches. Phishing emails, weak passwords, and social engineering attacks succeed because employees lack cybersecurity awareness.
Your provider should offer:
- Regular security awareness training (Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report)
- Simulated phishing campaigns to test employee vigilance
- Educational materials and resources
- Incident response training for your team
Studies show that regular training can reduce successful phishing attacks from 60% to 10% within twelve months (Verizon DBIR). We conduct ongoing phishing simulations and provide training materials for all managed services clients. Our bi-weekly Cyber Treats newsletter provides accessible cybersecurity education that your entire team can understand and apply.
10. Do You Offer Both Managed and Co-Managed Services?
Some businesses need a full outsourced IT department, while others have internal IT staff who need specialized support or additional resources. The right provider should offer flexible engagement models.
Managed IT Services work best when you:
- Lack internal IT staff
- Want predictable monthly costs
- Need complete support for all technology needs
- Prefer to focus entirely on core business operations
Co-Managed IT Services fit businesses that:
- Have internal IT staff needing specialized expertise
- Require 24/7 coverage beyond what internal teams can provide
- Need advanced cybersecurity capabilities
- Want strategic guidance and additional technical resources
For general small business cybersecurity best practices and roles, see NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Corner.
We offer both managed and co-managed models, allowing us to support businesses at every stage of growth throughout Central Illinois.
11. How Transparent Are Your Pricing and Contracts?
Hidden fees and surprise charges plague the IT services industry. Some providers quote artificially low monthly rates, then add costs for necessary services during onboarding.
Request detailed pricing that includes:
- All included services and features
- Costs for projects identified during initial assessment
- On-site visit charges or trip fees
- Hardware replacement policies
- Contract terms and cancellation policies
When reviewing agreements, compare to CISA’s Cybersecurity SLA Recommendations for best industry practices.
At Facet, we believe in transparent pricing and honest communication. During our initial consultation, we conduct thorough assessments and provide detailed proposals that outline all anticipated costs. Our clients appreciate knowing exactly what to expect, allowing for better budgeting and planning. Download our free guide “Finding the True Bottom Line: 11 Questions You Must Ask Before Hiring a Managed IT Service Provider” for more detailed information about pricing considerations.
The Facet Advantage: Why Central Illinois Businesses Trust Our Team
For over 30 years, we’ve protected businesses throughout Peoria and Central Illinois. Our approach combines technical expertise with genuine commitment to our clients’ success.
Local Presence, Personal Service
Our entire team operates from our Peoria headquarters. When you call, you speak with technicians who know your systems and understand your business. We’re not a call center or overseas helpdesk—we’re your neighbors, invested in the success of Central Illinois businesses.
Industry Expertise Across Multiple Sectors
We understand the unique requirements of:
- Manufacturing: Protecting production environments and operational technology
- Healthcare: Navigating HIPAA compliance and protecting patient data
- Agriculture: Securing farm management systems and financial data
- Government & Municipalities: Meeting compliance requirements and protecting citizen information
- Food & Beverage Production: Ensuring food safety system integrity and supply chain security
Complete Service Offerings
Beyond cybersecurity, we provide:
- Cloud servers and virtual desktops
- IT project management
- Computer repair services
- Custom software development
- Hosted PBX phone systems
- Digital transformation consulting
Proven Process for Success
Our approach ensures smooth onboarding and ongoing success:
- Qualify Partnership: Determine if we’re the right fit for your needs
- Enter Master Services Agreement: Establish clear terms and expectations
- Perform Assessment: Thoroughly evaluate your environment and identify concerns
- Create Strategy: Develop customized security, remediation, and support plans
- Present Options: Review strategy recommendations aligned with your budget
- Obtain Approval: Finalize Statement of Work with transparent pricing
- Complete Onboarding: Implement solutions with minimal business disruption
- Post-Onboarding Review: Ensure everything meets expectations
- Provide Ongoing Support: Deliver consistent, proactive IT management
- Quarterly Reviews: Maintain alignment with evolving business needs
Red Flags: Warning Signs of Inadequate Providers
As you evaluate cybersecurity providers in Central Illinois, watch for these warning signs:
- They won’t perform on-site assessments. Quality security requires understanding your physical infrastructure, not just remote scanning.
- They can’t provide local references. Providers without satisfied clients in your area may lack the regional expertise you need.
- Their pricing seems too good to be true. Artificially low rates often indicate missing services or hidden fees that appear later.
- They use scare tactics rather than education. Ethical providers explain risks clearly without resorting to fear-based sales techniques.
- They discourage questions or provide vague answers. Your provider should welcome detailed questions and provide transparent, specific answers.
- They outsource critical services. Overseas helpdesks and third-party technicians cannot provide the responsive, personalized support Central Illinois businesses need.
The Cost of Waiting: Why You Should Act Now
Cyber threats continue intensifying. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that ransomware attacks increased by 62% in 2024, with manufacturing and healthcare among the most targeted sectors.
For businesses in Peoria and Central Illinois, the question isn’t whether you’ll face cyber threats, but when. Waiting until after an attack means dealing with:
- Emergency response costs far exceeding proactive protection (FTC Data Breach Response Guide)
- Potential data loss that can’t be recovered
- Regulatory investigations and potential fines
- Customer notification requirements and reputation damage
- Lost productivity during extended recovery periods
Proactive cybersecurity costs a fraction of incident response and recovery. The businesses that weather attacks successfully are those that prepared in advance.
Take the Next Step: Schedule Your Consultation
Choosing the right cybersecurity provider represents one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business. The wrong choice can leave you vulnerable to devastating attacks and compliance violations. The right partner provides genuine peace of mind, allowing you to focus on growing your business while experts protect your technology infrastructure.
At Facet Technologies, we’ve dedicated over 30 years to protecting Central Illinois businesses. Our team of Microsoft and Azure certified engineers and cybersecurity advisors is ready to assess your current security posture and develop a protection strategy tailored to your specific needs.
Ready to Protect Your Business?
Schedule a consultation with our cybersecurity specialists to discuss your security requirements and learn how we can help protect your business.
Call us at (309) 689-3900 to speak with our team today.
Email info@facettech.com with your questions or to request a custom security assessment.
Our team will conduct a thorough evaluation of your current environment, identify potential vulnerabilities, and provide detailed recommendations aligned with your business objectives and budget. There’s no obligation—just honest advice from experienced professionals who understand the challenges facing Peoria-area businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cybersecurity protection cost for small businesses in Peoria?
Quality cybersecurity typically ranges from $100-$200 per workstation monthly, though pricing varies based on your specific security requirements, industry compliance needs, and number of devices. Highly regulated industries like healthcare or defense contracting often require additional security measures. The actual cost depends on factors including your network complexity, required compliance standards, and desired service level. We provide transparent pricing after assessing your environment, ensuring you understand all costs upfront with no hidden fees.
How quickly can you respond to security incidents in the Peoria area?
to security incidents. We offer live answer support during business hours (8 AM-5 PM Monday-Friday) and 24/7/365 on-call technicians for emergencies. For critical security events, our team can be on-site within hours. Our monitoring systems detect and respond to many threats automatically within an average of nine minutes, often resolving issues before they impact your operations.
Do I need cybersecurity services if I already have antivirus software?
sophisticated techniques that bypass signature-based detection. Complete security requires multiple layers including next-generation firewalls, endpoint detection and response (EDR), email security, multi-factor authentication, continuous monitoring, employee training, and backup isolation. Think of antivirus as one component of a complete security strategy, not the entire solution.
What’s the difference between managed and co-managed IT services?
Managed IT services provide a complete outsourced IT department, handling all technology needs from daily support to strategic planning. This works well for businesses without internal IT staff who want predictable costs and thorough support. Co-managed IT services supplement existing internal IT teams, providing specialized expertise, 24/7 monitoring, advanced cybersecurity capabilities, and additional resources. Many businesses with IT staff choose co-managed services to access enterprise-level security and extend their team’s capabilities. For more information, see the NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Corner.
How do I know if my business needs HIPAA or CMMC compliance?
HIPAA compliance is required for healthcare organizations and their business associates who handle protected health information (PHI), including medical practices, hospitals, insurance companies, and their IT providers. HIPAA for Professionals offers details on compliance. CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) applies to defense contractors who handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI) when working with the Department of Defense (CMMC). If you’re unsure about your compliance requirements, we can assess your situation and provide guidance on applicable regulations.
What should I look for in a cybersecurity provider’s service level agreement (SLA)?
A strong SLA should clearly define response times for different priority levels, uptime guarantees, escalation procedures, and remedies if service levels aren’t met. For best practices, refer to CISA’s SLA Recommendations.
How often should my business conduct security assessments?
Annual security assessments represent the minimum frequency for most businesses, with quarterly assessments recommended for organizations in highly regulated industries or those handling sensitive data. Beyond scheduled assessments, conduct additional evaluations when you experience significant changes such as business growth, new locations, major software implementations, merger or acquisition activity, or after any security incident. Regular assessments identify emerging vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.
Can’t I just use free cybersecurity tools to protect my business?
that businesses require. Free solutions typically offer limited threat detection, no professional support, delayed updates, and restricted functionality. Business-grade security provides automated management, 24/7 monitoring, rapid response to threats, compliance reporting, and expert support when issues arise. The cost of free tools often exceeds commercial solutions when you account for time spent managing them and risk of inadequate protection.
What happens during your initial consultation and assessment?
Our initial consultation begins with understanding your business operations, technology infrastructure, compliance requirements, and security concerns. We conduct a thorough on-site assessment examining your network architecture, existing security measures, backup systems, compliance posture, and potential vulnerabilities. This detailed evaluation typically takes 2-4 hours depending on environment complexity. Following the assessment, we provide detailed findings and recommendations aligned with your business objectives and budget, with transparent pricing for all suggested solutions.
How do you help businesses maintain compliance with changing regulations?
Compliance requirements continually evolve as regulations update and new standards emerge. We monitor regulatory changes affecting our clients’ industries, providing proactive guidance on new requirements. Our compliance consulting includes regular risk assessments, policy development, technical implementation of required controls, documentation support, and preparation for audits. We work with industry-leading auditing organizations to ensure your security measures meet current standards. Quarterly strategic planning sessions ensure your security posture remains aligned with compliance obligations.
About Facet Technologies
Facet Technologies has protected Central Illinois businesses for over 30 years, providing complete IT services and cybersecurity consulting from our Peoria headquarters. Our team of experienced technicians, engineers, and security specialists delivers True Tech Peace of Mind through transparent communication, proven expertise, and genuine commitment to client success.
Contact us today to learn how we can protect your business.
Brian is the President of Facet Technologies, Inc. Since 1989, he has helped business owners make smart, profit-driven technology moves. He has grown Facet to support hundreds of companies through managed services, IT support, cybersecurity, and compliance. His career experience in the agriculture and manufacturing industries gives him a unique understanding of their technology needs. He writes about IT and cybersecurity from a growth-focused business owner's standpoint.