Are you in denial about cyber security assessments?

If you think that you’re not because your company is too small or doesn’t have valuable information to steal consider reconsidering your position. Security experts know that systems for medium and small enterprises (SMBs) generally have inadequate security and are simple to attack. Take a look at these numbers:

  • Nearly half (49 percent) of SMBs claim that cyberattacks could cost them more than $100,000 20 percent of them say that cyber-attacks could cost anywhere from up or more. $2.5 million.
  • The shocking 60 percent of SMBs who are hit by cyberattacks do not recover and eventually shut down.

It’s almost 100% certain that your company is likely to be the victim of cyberattacks. It’s the question of when and not whether. When you consider the destruction that a cyberattack could cause to your business, you shouldn’t stay in denial for long. The time to evaluate your cybersecurity readiness is now.

In this regard, we’ve put together the following security risk analysis checklist with actions you can take toCyber Security Risk Assessment Checklist

  • Be aware of your risks,
  • Find security threats
  • Limit your vulnerability and
  • Improve your preparation

To prevent that hacking attempt that can infiltrate your defenses.

17-Step Cybersecurity Checklist

1. Training for end-users

It is essential to offer regular training for your employees on the most recent developments in cyber security, to ensure they are informed in their daily activities. The most important things to be covered are the security of passwords, phishing devices security, as well as physical security of devices.

Employees should be aware of possible cyber security breaches could appear like, as well as how to safeguard confidential information as well as the significance of using secure passwords.

It is recommended to hold organizational workshops at least every six months.

2. OS and Application updates and patches:

The most essential and simple step you can do is keep your computer’s applications and operating systems up-to updated with the most current security patches. If your PCs are running Windows XP and you’re at risk. Microsoft has stopped supporting this particular version of Windows some time ago and has stopped providing security updates. The much-loved Windows 7 will soon suffer the same fate. If you don’t do anything else, make sure to upgrade your system with the most current version and patches for security.

3. Updates to antivirus:

Just having an antivirus program is not enough. It needs to be regularly updated with information about the most recent viruses and other malware. It is usually a requirement to sign up for an annual subscription. If your subscription has expired the day before, renew it today and ensure that your antivirus software updates on a regular basis.

4. Strong password policy:

Check that your passwords are updated from defaults and not difficult for someone to figure out (“password,” “admin,” and “1234” are not good options). If possible, implement multi-factor authentication to increase security.

5. Control measures for access:

Each user should be granted only the data access they need for their job. If all users have access to sensitive information the risk of accidental or deliberate exposure or release of data could lead to negative results. Make sure that sensitive systems are with a physical lock and key along with password protection.

6. Reduce administrative access

Similarly, most users should not have administrative access to computers, networks, or applications. Limiting this access can prevent users from installing malware or accidentally turning off security measures.

Least privilege refers to the practice of blocking specific users from accessing computer systems and information in order to limit their use. Most often, accounts are “super users” and “standard users” accounts that determine the roles that individuals are able to hold.

7. Segregation and segmentation of networks:

Your business must have a segregation and segmentation plan in place to reduce the effects of an intrusion. This will ensure that only data that is most delicate and private information isn’t accessed.

Together, you can build a secure network.

8. Security of devices:

Implement disk encryption and remote wipe feature on all devices used by the company to eliminate them from use should they be found or taken. Create a solid reasonable policy on your personal device use at work (known by the term “bring the device you own” (also known as BYOD).

9. Protect mobile devices:

Mobile devices owned by companies and individuals are required to be secured by strong screens locks, biometric identification, as well as remote wipe capabilities. Implement and enforce strict corporate policies regarding the usage of mobile phones.

10. Secure communications

Create email encryption in your email software and instruct your employees on how to utilize it. Do not use email for sharing sensitive data. Also, avoid using devices that are not under the control of the company for email.

11. Strong IT policies:

These policies outline the ways in which company IT assets can be utilized and what constitutes an inappropriate usage.

12. Training for staff about cybersecurity-related awareness as well as policy:

Humans can be the most vulnerable part of any security plan. Make sure your employees are vigilant by providing regular training sessions on your IT policies and the ways to recognize cyber threats like phishing attacks.

13. Correctly configured layers and configuration security

Layered security can be achieved through layers of security that provide various levels of security. It’s crucial for your company to have some kind of security that is layered like firewalls to defend against cyberattacks.

In order to be a good idea, it is essential to have antivirus/malware software installed as well as a fire barrier and then an intrusion prevention security system (IPS).

Implementing layers of security can be a challenge It is recommended to seek out an expert prior to implementation.

14. Scans of External and Internal Vulnerability

It is suggested to conduct external and internal vulnerability checks at least each quarter to find weaknesses within your system. The scans are conducted using the use of a computer program that can identify the various types of security threats that may be present.

Internally, these scans check whether harmful programs were that were downloaded to the computer. Externally, they can determine the effectiveness of network segregation and segmentation.

15. Backups of data

Making sure you regularly backup your data to an encrypted, secure off-site location could help you recover from cyberattacks as well in other natural and human catastrophes. It’s also crucial to ensure compliance with the regulations of your government.

16. Cyberattack response planning:

An emergency plan to respond in case of a cyber security incident is a legal obligation in a variety of sectors. Additionally, it provides the steps you can do to minimize the impact of the cyberattack, and also what you can do to ensure that your system functioning immediately. A defined escalation level is geared to the auditing and regulatory requirements.

17. Cyber Security insurance

This is an investment that is prudent to safeguard against any financial loss in the case of cyberattacks.

When considering your next IT Security move, call the TEAM you can trust. Thousands do in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and Florida.