Santa’s IT Cybersecurity Checklist

With Christmas just around the corner, what’s at the top of your list this year? The best gift you can give your business is better cybersecurity. Why? Well, attacks are more prevalent than ever, and no business can afford to take any chances. 

Here’s what recent data from Barracuda shows:

• One in five companies has experienced a security breach involving at least one account.
• Hackers are increasingly posing as legitimate businesses, such as Microsoft and Google, to target victims. 

Not sure where to start with cybersecurity? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Take a leaf out of Santa’s book this year, and work through this cybersecurity checklist to shield your business into the new year and beyond.  

1. Perform a risk assessment

You can only protect your business by knowing your starting point. Make a list of all your assets and security tools, identify any weaknesses, and draft up a plan of attack for making improvements. 

If you need help, the CTSI team is ready to lend a hand. We can even help you prioritize cybersecurity in your IT budget. Think of us as Santa’s helpers! 

2. Check your endpoints

Your endpoints are, essentially, user devices like mobiles, iPads, and laptops. Without robust security, these endpoints are vulnerable to compromise, so protect endpoints using a combination of antivirus tools, firewalls, and network monitoring. 

3. Update your passwords

Be honest. When did you last change your passwords? Passwords should be strong, hard to guess, and changed regularly to ensure they’re doing their job. Give your passwords a spring clean before checking this one off your list. 

4. Add multi-factor authentication

No single cybersecurity tool is enough to protect your business. What you need is layers or multi-factor authentication. 

Rather than using a single password to gain access to a user account, platform, or file, layered protection means verifying your identity using another technique, such as a one-time password (OTP). So, even if hackers (or naughty elves) steal your login credentials, they can’t access your data.

5. Implement zero trust policies

In short, “zero trust” means you assign every employee the least amount of privileges possible to do their job properly. Zero trust gives you full control over what your staff can access, view, download, or share – helping to keep your data safe from accidental deletion or tampering.

6. Train your employees

How is Santa so efficient? Well-trained employees, of course. And when it comes to cybersecurity, employee training matters. 

82 percent of data breaches involve a “human” element, such as error. Invest in regular security training so your team knows how to protect business data, spot potential scams, and report suspicious activity. 

7. Back up your data

Whether it’s a data breach, hardware glitch, or even an office fire, accidents happen. If you don’t back up your data, it could be lost forever. 

Back up your critical files using a combination of cloud storage, removable media such as USB drives, and time machines. If you opt for physical copies, keep them somewhere locked and secure.  

8. Monitor risks

Think of cybersecurity as an evolving process, with your needs changing over time. Regularly monitor your security tools to ensure that they’re fit for purpose as your business grows, and always keep your software up-to-date. 

Add “security monitoring” to your list, and don’t forget to check it twice!

Managed cybersecurity services from CTSI 

Christmas comes and goes, but cybersecurity is for the long term. To shield your business year-round, hire a managed services provider. The team at CTSI can help you plan and implement the right tools you need to protect your business data, from risk assessments to network monitoring. 

Contact us now to start a conversation and learn more about our cybersecurity services.