Small Business Security Quick Assessment

Security Quick Assessment

Keeping your business safe online is like locking your doors at night. This checklist helps you spot security gaps—MFA, backups, firewalls, strong passwords, updates, and antivirus all keep hackers out. Train employees, secure Wi-Fi, and have a response plan. Use this list to see if you need expert help.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Account security: Do you require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for logging into important accounts (email, admin systems, cloud storage)?

Regular Data Backups

• Backup strategy: Do you back up business-critical data regularly?
• Backup reliability: Have you tested restoring your backups in the past 6 months?

Firewall Protection

• Network security: Do you have a firewall protecting your business network?
• Firewall maintenance: Is your firewall updated regularly with security patches?

Strong & Unique Passwords

• Password security: Do all employees use strong, unique passwords for work accounts?
• Credential management: Do you use a password manager to store and manage credentials?

Software & System Updates

• System maintenance: Are all operating systems, applications, and firmware updated regularly?
• Update automation: Do you have automatic updates enabled where possible?

Endpoint Security (Antivirus/EDR)

• Device protection: Do all company computers and devices have antivirus or endpoint security installed?
• Security updates: Is security software updated automatically?

User Access Control

• Access control: Do employees only have access to the systems and data necessary for their role?
• Account management: Are inactive or former employee accounts disabled immediately?

Employee Security Awareness Training

• Cybersecurity awareness: Have employees received cybersecurity training on phishing, scams, and password security?
• Incident reporting: Do employees know how to report suspicious emails or activities?

Securing Wi-Fi & Network Access

• Wi-Fi security: Is your Wi-Fi network secured with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption?
• Guest access: Do you have a separate guest Wi-Fi for customers and visitors?

Incident Response Plan

• Incident preparedness: Do you have a documented incident response plan in case of a cyberattack or data breach?
• Response testing: Have you tested your incident response plan in the last year?

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Recommended Reading:

• CISA.gov – Cyber Guidance for Small Businesses
• NIST.gov – Small Business Cybersecurity Corner
• FCC.gov – Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
• DEFENSE.gov – USA Department of Defense (DOD), Office of Small Business Programs
• FBI.gov – Small Business Cybersecurity Awareness