Cybersecurity is essential in today’s sophisticated and extremely hostile digital landscape. But investing in a sound security plan can be a complicated affair. Cybersecurity threats have and continue to evolve, with cybercriminals becoming more relentless in their attempts to breach business systems and networks. Knowing where to start and what security features to prioritize can be problematic for many entrepreneurs. A cybersecurity checklist helps you invest in a vast and all-rounded cybersecurity strategy for your software, hardware, and network products. 

Essentials Items for Ultimate Cybersecurity Checklist 

An Incident Response Plan 

The cybersecurity threat landscape is diverse and unpredictable. So, a breach should not be a matter of if but when. Expecting a cyberattack crisis helps you prepare for the worst. Therefore, an elaborate response plan informed by a comprehensive risk assessment activity enables you to determine possible weaknesses in your security and what to do in the event of an attack. 

End-User Training 

A significant number of cyber incidences occur as a result of user ignorance or mistakes. The biggest threat to your cybersecurity is actually your staff. So, your cybersecurity strategy should include frequent training and awareness campaigns on IT security. 

System, Software, and App Patches and Updates 

The simplest but single most important security action you can take is to keep your operating system, software, and applications updated with the latest security patches. Make sure they are all set for automatic updates. 

Evaluate IT Security Resources 

Find out if you have the basic cybersecurity tools and solutions available and what your options are. If you do, evaluate their usefulness and effectiveness in protecting your business against various forms of cybercrimes. 

Strong Password Polity 

Your cybersecurity policies should mandate strong and complex passwords accompanied by multi-factor authentication. The policy should further require users to change their passwords at least four times a year. 

User access and authority 

Access to business computer systems and data should be restricted. Employees should not have access to data they do not need. Ensure every staff member has a separate user account with only data access privileges required to do their jobs. 

Device Security 

Your IT security measures should also ensure any device containing company and client data is physically and digitally secured. The policy should also extend to using personal devices at or for work, for instance, a bring your own device policy. 

Secure Communications 

Encryption and privacy policies should be mandated where users interact with and share company data. Users should be required to encrypt all data, whether stationary or in transit. Also, sensitive data should not be shared on unprotected communication channels. 

Disaster Recovery Plan 

Adopting a robust cybersecurity strategy does not guarantee you will not be a cyberattack victim. So, besides adopting preventative and response strategies, it also pays to have a disaster recovery policy. The policy should detail actions to recover successfully from an attack. 

Conclusion 

Your business is not entirely safe as long as you rely on some form of technology. Cybersecurity is also complex and sometimes quite expensive. The checklist above can guide developing procedures, standards, policies, and controls to protect your company, its data, and client information. However, should you lack the expertise to implement a robust cybersecurity strategy, consulting professionals like Thinline Tech can make a huge difference. 

At Thinline, we tailor an effective and scalable cybersecurity program based on your business needs, requirements, and budget. To find out more, please get in touch with us today.