Do not know where to start with cybersecurity? Use this simple checklist to audit your small business security right now.
Why a Security Review Matters Right Now
November is the perfect time to review your security. The year is wrapping up, and you want to end strong. A compromised business in December is the worst possible timing. This checklist covers the fundamentals that every small business should have in place, regardless of your industry or budget.
The Essential Security Checklist
For access and passwords: all employees should have unique login credentials, multi-factor authentication should be enabled on all business accounts, passwords should be at least 12 characters, and inactive employee accounts should be disabled within 24 hours of departure.
For email and communication: email filtering should block suspicious attachments and links, external email warnings should be visible to prevent impersonation, and employees should be trained on phishing.
For data and backups: daily or weekly backups should be running automatically, backups should be tested monthly, at least one backup copy should be stored offline, and customer data should be encrypted when stored.
For devices and software: all computers should have antivirus software installed, operating system updates should be automatic, and business-critical software should receive security patches within 30 days.
Your Next Steps
Check off what you already have. For each unchecked item, decide if it is a quick fix or a bigger project. Do not try to fix everything at once - prioritize the items that would cause the most damage if compromised, then work through the list over the next 60 days.