7 Small Business Cyber Security Checks

Essential Cyber Security Checks Every Small Business Should Be Doing

Cyber threats aren’t just a problem for big corporations, they’re a serious risk for small businesses too. From data breaches to phishing scams, cybercriminals are always looking for weak points to exploit.

The good news is that strengthening your business against cyberthreats doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are seven essential IT security checks that every business should do regularly to stay protected.

1) Strengthen Your Passwords

Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to break into your systems. A shocking number of people still use passwords like "123456" or "password", which hackers can crack in seconds.

How to improve password security:

1. Use strong, unique passwords for every account
2. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible
3. Avoid reusing passwords across different platforms
4. Use a password manager to generate and store secure passwords

A strong password policy is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent unauthorised access to your business systems.

2) Keep Software Up to Date

That "remind me later" button on software updates might be convenient, but delaying updates puts your business at risk. Outdated software often contains security vulnerabilities, which hackers can exploit.

Steps to keep your software secure:

1. Regularly check for updates on all devices and applications
2. Enable automatic updates where possible
3. Ensure that antivirus and security software are up to date

Cybercriminals are always finding new ways to exploit software flaws. Keeping your systems updated ensures you’re protected against the latest threats.

3) Back Up Your Data

Imagine waking up one morning to find that all your business files have disappeared, due to a cyberattack, system failure, or accidental deletion. Without a backup, recovering lost data can be costly, or even impossible.

Best practices for data backup:

1. Back up critical files daily to avoid losing important information
2. Use both cloud and offline backups for extra security
3. Regularly test your backups to ensure they work when needed

A good backup strategy isn’t just about protecting data, it’s about ensuring your business can keep running no matter what happens.

4) Stay Alert to Phishing Scams

Phishing is one of the most common ways cybercriminals steal data. They send emails or messages pretending to be from a trusted source, tricking people into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive information.

How to spot and prevent phishing attacks:

1. Check the sender’s email address. Scammers often use fake but similar-looking domains
2. Look for spelling errors and urgent requests. These are common phishing tactics
3. Hover over links before clicking to see where they really lead
4. Train your team to report suspicious emails rather than clicking on them

Think before you click! A good rule of thumb is that If an email looks suspicious, it probably is.

5) Secure Your Wi-Fi and Network

Your business’s Wi-Fi network can be an easy target if it’s not properly secured. Hackers can intercept data, gain access to your systems, or even launch attacks on other networks using yours.

How to secure your Wi-Fi:

1. Set a strong, unique Wi-Fi password
2. Enable WPA3 or WPA2 encryption for secure connections
3. Disable guest access or use a separate network for visitors
4. Regularly review connected devices to check for anything suspicious

An unsecured network is like leaving your office door unlocked. Anyone could walk in.

6) Protect Against Insider Threats

Not all cyber security threats come from outside. Employees, whether careless or malicious, can pose a major risk to your business.

Ways to reduce insider threats:

1. Limit access to sensitive data and only grant permissions where necessary
2. Use audit logs to track system access and changes
3. Train staff on cybersecurity best practices
4. Establish clear IT security policies and enforce them

Educating your team is just as important as securing your systems.

7) Schedule Regular IT Security Check-ups

Cyber security isn’t a one-time task, it’s an ongoing process. Make IT security checks a regular part of your business routine to stay ahead of threats.

Monthly IT security checklist:

1. Are all passwords secure and up to date?
2. Is your software fully updated?
3. Do you have a reliable backup strategy?
4. Is your network properly secured?
5. Are your employees trained to spot cyber threats?

Setting reminders to review your security measures can help prevent costly mistakes.

Conclusion

Cyber security doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but ignoring it can be costly. These seven quick IT security checks can help protect your business from cyber threats and keep your data safe.

If you need help strengthening your business’s cyber security, take our free Cyber Security Assessment today to see where you stand.

TLDR

1. Strengthen Passwords: Implement complex passwords and multi-factor authentication.
2. Keep Software Up to Date: Updating your software gaurds against vulnerabilties.
3. Back Up Your Data: Create an effective strategy and ensure your business can keep running in the event of data loss.
4. Stay Alert to Phishing Scams: If an email looks suspicious, it probably is.
5. Secure Your Wi-Fi and Network: Ensure it's encrypted and restrict access to authorised devices only.
6. Protect against insider threats: Educate your team to minimise the risk they could potentially pose.
7. Security check-ups: Schedule regular reviews of security posture.