The reality is, most incidents don’t happen because attackers are sophisticated — they happen because small safeguards were overlooked. A few simple check-ins can uncover weak spots and make your business far more resilient.

In this week’s Tech Tip Tuesday, we’re walking through a Cybersecurity Readiness Checklist to help you gauge how well your organization is protected — and highlight where small, practical improvements can go a long way.

Ask yourself these Yes/No questions to see how your defenses measure up:

Data Protection

Do you know what business data needs protection?

Start by classifying your data — client details, financials, HR records, intellectual property, and operational data. Each category carries its own compliance or reputational risk if lost or exposed.

Tip: Keep sensitive data centralized and encrypt it both at rest and in transit.

Access Control

Is data access limited only to those who truly need it?

Follow the principle of least privilege. Give users only the access they need — nothing more. Review permissions quarterly, especially when staff roles change or people leave.

Accountability

Do you have clear roles for who’s responsible for security?

Security works best when responsibilities are defined. Designate data owners, system admins, and incident response leads — so no task is left unclear during an event.

Endpoint Security

Are you using next-generation protection like EDR/XDR — not just antivirus?

Traditional antivirus detects known threats, but modern attacks evolve faster.

EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) and XDR (Extended Detection and Response) tools monitor behavior, not just signatures, and can stop suspicious activity automatically.

Firewall Protection

Do you have a reputable, properly configured firewall that’s updated regularly?

A firewall is your first line of defense — but only if it’s active and maintained.

Check logs for irregular activity and verify automatic updates are enabled.

Email Security

Do you filter spam and block phishing attempts effectively?

Email remains the top entry point for attackers.

Use a secure email gateway or built-in protection tools like Microsoft Defender for Office 365 or Google Workspace’s enhanced filters.

Tip: Encourage staff to hover before clicking — and report suspicious messages immediately.

Passwords & MFA

Do you enforce strong passwords and require multi-factor authentication?

Weak or reused passwords are the cause of most breaches.

Implement MFA across email, cloud storage, and admin accounts.

Consider using a password manager to reduce password fatigue.

Data Backups

Do you back up data securely and test restores regularly?

Backups are only as good as their ability to recover data.

Store copies in multiple locations — at least one offline or offsite.

Tip: Test backups quarterly to ensure they actually work.

System Updates

Are systems and applications patched regularly?

Unpatched systems are one of the top causes of breaches.

Enable automatic updates where possible, and include firmware and routers in your patch schedule.

Incident Response

Do you have — and test — an incident response plan?

Knowing what to do in the first 24 hours of an incident makes all the difference.

Document escalation procedures, contact lists, and communication templates.

Run tabletop exercises twice a year.

Employee Awareness

Do employees receive ongoing cybersecurity awareness training?

Technology can’t compensate for human error.

Short, frequent training sessions on phishing, data handling, and social engineering go a long way toward reducing risk.

Cyber Insurance

Do you carry Cyber Liability Insurance?

Insurance won’t prevent a breach, but it helps reduce financial exposure and supports recovery services.

Review your coverage yearly to ensure it aligns with current risks and vendor requirements.

Remote Access Security

Is remote access protected with MFA or a secure VPN?

Remote work expands your attack surface.

Restrict access to known devices and enforce MFA for all remote sessions.

Disable unused remote desktop ports (RDP) and monitor connections.

Monitoring & Alerts

Do you actively monitor systems for suspicious behavior?

• Centralized logging and continuous monitoring detect problems early.
• Even small businesses can use cloud-based SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools to get alerts on unusual patterns.

Third-Party Risk

Do you review the cybersecurity practices of your vendors?

• Third-party partners can introduce risk to your network.
• Request proof of security certifications (like SOC 2 or ISO 27001) and ensure they meet your data-handling standards.

The Bottom Line

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect time to pause and take stock of your readiness.

If you answered “No” or “Not sure” to several of these questions, that’s not a failure — it’s a roadmap.

Start with small wins: enable MFA, verify backups, and review permissions.

Then move toward more advanced measures like EDR tools and employee training.

Over time, consistent improvements create a culture of security — one where awareness and readiness are built into how your business operates every day.

Cybersecurity Readiness Quick Check:

• Do you know your critical data?
• Are permissions limited and monitored?
• Are systems updated and backed up?
• Can your team detect and respond quickly?

If you can confidently say “Yes” — you’re ahead of most businesses already.

Ready to Strengthen Your Defenses?

Cybersecurity readiness isn’t a one-time project — it’s an ongoing habit of awareness, maintenance, and accountability. Even if you’re already checking many of these boxes, now is the perfect time to take the next step.

If you’d like help reviewing your organization’s security posture or implementing stronger safeguards, contact our team at CEO Computers at 818-501-2281 for a free network analysis. We can walk through this checklist with you, identify any gaps, and recommend practical ways to make your business more resilient.