Cybersecurity Checklist for Business

Protect Your Company from Cyber Threats

Is your small business prepared for a cyberattack? Dive into this cybersecurity checklist and find out. Did you know 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses—and most aren’t ready. One breach can cost you thousands, damage your reputation, and even shut down operations.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Ready to safeguard your business? Get started with this FREE cybersecurity checklist for small businesses and put a stop to cyber threats before they strike!

1️⃣ Identify: Know What You’re Protecting

Inventory your assets – List every device, system, and piece of software you use.
Classify sensitive data – Pinpoint customer info, financial records, and IP. Track where it’s stored and who accesses it.
Run risk assessments – Spot vulnerabilities and gauge the impact of potential breaches.
Check vendor risks – Make sure third-party partners don’t introduce weak spots.

💡 FUN FACT: The average cyberattack costs a small business $200,000—enough to shut many down. Prevention is far cheaper!

2️⃣ Protect: Guard Your Business Like a Fort

Limit Access – Role-based permissions = only what’s needed, nothing more.
Strong Passwords + 2FA – Require complex logins and enable two-factor authentication.
Train Your Team– Phishing awareness and safe data handling should be routine.
Firewalls & VPNs – Block bad actors and secure remote access.
Encrypt Everything – Data at rest and in transit.
Secure Mobile Devices– Don’t forget smartphones and tablets.

💡 FUN FACT: The most common password is still “123456.” Don’t let that be your team!

3️⃣ Detect: Stay Alert for Suspicious Activity

Monitor networks 24/7 – Use automated tools to flag unusual patterns.
Intrusion detection – Catch problems before they explode.
Log management – Regularly review system logs for red flags.

4️⃣ Respond: Have a Plan Before Disaster Strikes

Incident response plan – Everyone should know their role in a breach.
Build a response team – Assign who detects, contains, and resolves issues.
Contain & isolate – Quarantine infected devices fast.
Communicate – Notify customers, partners, and regulators transparently.

💡 FUN FACT: 90% of cyberattacks start with phishing emails. Training staff is your best defense!

5️⃣ Recover: Bounce Back Quickly

Automated backups – Store copies in the cloud and offline. Test them regularly.
Business continuity plan – Map out what must get back online first.
Review & improve – Learn from each incident.
Cyber insurance – Cover costs like legal fees and data recovery.

💡 FUN FACT: Companies without an incident plan are 3x more likely to be targeted.

6️⃣ Continuous Improvement: Stay Ahead of Hackers

Update everything – Apply software and security patches ASAP.
Cybersecurity audits – Schedule regular checkups on policies and defenses.
Penetration testing – Hire pros to “hack” you before criminals do.
Stay compliant – Keep up with GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and industry regs.

🎯 Quick Wins for Extra Protection

✅ Use a password manager to create and store strong passwords.
✅ Separate guest vs. business Wi-Fi networks.
✅ Run phishing simulations to test employees.
✅ Partner with an MSP (like SkyTide!) for full peace of mind.

💡 FUN FACT: Following these steps can reduce your cyber risk by up to 80%!

⚠️ Remember: Cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination. Stay vigilant, keep improving, and know that every step strengthens your business.

For more free resources, check out the National Institute of Standards and Technology.