For many business owners, the thought of switching IT providers can feel overwhelming — like walking a tightrope between progress and chaos. But if your current IT company controls your domain, hides passwords, or locks you out of key systems, staying put could be doing more harm than good.
On a recent episode of TNtv, Eric Aguado, COO and Partner at ThrottleNet, warned business leaders about a growing problem in the industry — being held hostage by your IT provider or managed services partner (MSP).
Let’s explore the four biggest warning signs that it’s time to switch IT providers — and how to make the transition smoothly without risking downtime or data loss.
1. You Don’t Own Your Domain or Access Credentials
If your company’s domain name or key credentials are registered in your IT provider’s name, your business could be in trouble.
Aguado explains that this is one of the most common ways companies lose control. Sometimes an IT vendor or staff member registers your domain (like yourbusiness.com) under their own name, even though your company paid for it.
When relationships go south, these individuals can refuse to hand over the domain — or worse, demand payment to release it.
How to fix it:
Make sure your company or CEO is listed as the registered owner of all domains and digital assets. Check your registrar (like GoDaddy or Namecheap) to confirm ownership, and update the administrative contact to reflect your organization, not your MSP.
If your provider resists or delays this change, it’s a red flag — and a strong sign that switching IT providers should be on your radar.
2. Your IT Provider Controls All the Passwords
In too many cases, MSPs and internal IT staff hold onto critical passwords — from firewall logins to administrative access — as leverage. They may say it’s “for security reasons,” but the real issue is control.
If you don’t have full administrative access to your own systems, you’re effectively locked out of your own business operations.
How to fix it:
Establish clear password ownership policies. All system credentials should be securely stored in a company-managed password vault (like Keeper or Bitwarden), not controlled by an individual employee or vendor.
Your IT provider should provide shared visibility, not exclusive access. A trustworthy MSP wants you to have transparency and confidence — not dependence.
3. Your Hardware or Software Licenses Aren’t Really Yours
Aguado warns that some MSPs use “Hardware as a Service” or bulk software licensing agreements that keep ownership under their name.
At first, it sounds convenient — the vendor provides all your equipment and software, bundling costs into a monthly fee. But if your relationship ends, you could lose access to your hardware, operating systems, or licenses overnight.
How to fix it:
Before signing any agreement, carefully review the ownership terms for all hardware and software. If licenses or assets are tied to your provider’s account, request documentation that transfers ownership to your company.
A reputable IT partner like ThrottleNet structures contracts to protect your business, not trap it.
4. You’re Afraid to Leave
The clearest sign that it’s time to start switching IT providers is when fear becomes part of your IT strategy.
If you’ve ever thought, “We can’t leave them — they have too much control,” you’re in a hostage situation.
That fear might come from uncertainty about losing data, disrupting systems, or finding a better replacement. But with the right preparation, switching IT providers can be one of the best decisions you make for your business.
How to fix it:
Create an IT transition checklist:
- Document all systems, logins, and points of contact.
- Review your existing service agreement for termination clauses.
- Identify what’s owned by your business vs. your vendor.
- Partner with a new MSP who can help migrate and secure your systems seamlessly.
At ThrottleNet, clients who switch from other providers often find immediate relief — more transparency, faster response times, and a partner who helps them take back control.
How to Switch IT Providers Safely
Once you’ve decided to move on, the key is preparation. Switching IT providers doesn’t have to be stressful — it just needs to be strategic.
Follow these steps:
- Audit your environment. Identify what you own, what your provider manages, and what’s missing.
- Secure your credentials. Retrieve administrative access to all domains, networks, and cloud accounts before terminating your current provider.
- Back up everything. Ensure you have verified copies of all critical data before migration.
- Choose a transparent partner. Look for an MSP with clear reporting, open communication, and proven accountability.
- Communicate clearly. Notify your old provider in writing, confirm timelines, and ensure a smooth handoff.
ThrottleNet offers managed IT transition support designed to protect your business throughout the process. Whether you’re based in St. Louis, Kansas City, or elsewhere in the Midwest, our experts help companies move confidently to a secure, transparent IT partnership.
What Makes ThrottleNet Different
Most MSPs talk about technology. ThrottleNet talks about trust.
We believe every business should have complete ownership and control over its systems — with zero fear of being locked out or held hostage by a vendor.
With ThrottleNet, you’ll get:
- 2-minute average response time
- 93% same-day resolution rate
- 24/7 monitoring and local U.S.-based support
- Transparent contracts with no hidden fees
- A $500,000 Cybersecurity Protection Guarantee
Our mission is simple: to give you back control of your business technology.
About the Video
This article is based on a TNtv episode featuring Eric Aguado, COO and Partner at ThrottleNet.
In the video, Eric discusses how to avoid being trapped by your IT provider — and why taking ownership of your domains, passwords, and systems is critical for business continuity.
Watch the full episode: 4 Warning Signs Your IT Provider May Hold You Hostage
