CYBERSECURITY ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST

Use this as a quick review of the core cyber habits that reduce risk.

1. Password basics
- Are passwords long and unique for each account?
- Are passwords stored in a password manager instead of written down?
- Are shared accounts avoided where possible?

2. Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Is MFA enabled for email, banking, cloud, and admin accounts?
- Are staff trained to approve only legitimate login prompts?

3. Email security
- Are staff checking the sender, domain, and urgency of unexpected messages?
- Are links and attachments verified before clicking?
- Is suspicious mail reported quickly?

4. Device protection
- Are devices updated regularly?
- Are antivirus and endpoint protections active and current?
- Are company devices protected from unknown USB or external media?

5. Access control
- Are staff granted only the access they need?
- Are former employees removed from admin roles promptly?
- Do we review access permissions regularly?

6. Backups and recovery
- Are critical files backed up and encrypted if needed?
- Have we tested restoring data in the last year?
- Do we know who is responsible for recovery after an incident?

7. Internet and Wi‑Fi safety
- Is our Wi‑Fi using secure settings and a strong password?
- Are guest networks separated from business devices?
- Are routers updated and maintained?

8. Business continuity
- Do we have a plan for ransomware, lockouts, or internet outages?
- Do staff know what to do if a suspicious email or login issue appears?
- Is there a clear communication process in an incident?

9. Risk awareness
- Have we reviewed the main business risks in plain language?
- Are staff aware of what to do if they click something suspicious?
- Are new risks reviewed when the business changes or grows?

10. Review and action
- Which 3 improvements create the biggest reduction in risk?
- Who owns each action item?
- When will the plan be reviewed again?

Even basic cyber hygiene can reduce risk significantly. A short review of these items often reveals the easiest wins first.