A customized cybersecurity checklist can help small businesses get a solid defence in place against a whole range of cyber threats. Just check which points you have implemented, then see how high the level of cybersecurity is in your business. 

Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown.

Checklist 1: Multi-Factor Authentication

One of the crucial cybersecurity checklist for small business Australia is to implement MFA. As the ACSC’s explains, MFA adds another layer of security because it requires more than just a password to gain access. This method helps stop people getting in if their login details are compromised.

Checklist 2: Strong Passwords and Passphrases

Weak passwords are an easy way for cybercriminals to get in. Mehdi Punjwani says that weak passwords are one of the main reasons for data breaches in small businesses. Using strong passwords or passphrases, as the ACSC suggests, can really help to cut down on the risk of a cyber incident.

Checklist 3: Patch Management

Keeping your system up to date with regular patches can stop attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities. It’s crucial for every business to use automated tools for asset discovery and patch management to keep software up to date.

Very important to run these tools every day to make sure any vulnerabilities in online services and local systems are fixed quickly.

Checklist 4: Application Control

Application control can help to stop malicious software getting into your systems. As the “Essential Eight Maturity Model” explains, application control makes sure that only approved software can run on devices, which helps to stop malware infections.

For small businesses, setting up these controls can make a big difference in protecting against ransomware and viruses.

Checklist 5: Data Backup and Recovery

The thing is, you’ve got to make sure you’ve got regular backups in place in case of a cyber incident. The backups should be done and kept in line with what your business needs, ideally in a safe place that’s not connected to the main network.

It’s also important to test your backups regularly to make sure they’ll work when you need them to.

Checklist 6: Email Security

Email is still one of the main ways cyberattacks get in. That’s why there are a lot of strategies to keep your emails safe.

Let’s say, you need to put measures in place to stop spam and phishing emails getting through, use encryption to protect sensitive information, and make sure your employees know how to spot suspicious emails.

If you want to know more about email encryption, you can read “How Email Encryption Works: Methods, Protocols, Process.”

Ultimately, keeping your email accounts secure can make a big difference in preventing phishing attacks and business email compromise.

You might also want to take a look at our article, “5 Most Secure Email Providers in Australia 2024,” as your reference on email providers.

Checklist 7: Training and Awareness

One of the fundamental but often overlooked cyber security best practices for small business is training your employees. So, please be aware of this training and awareness phase.

Inevitably, phishing attacks often succeed because employees are unaware of the risks. If you teach your employees to spot scam emails and verify unexpected requests, you can avoid incidents like the $150,000 financial loss experienced by a small construction company.

So how to create the best training program? Find the answer in our guide about how cyber security awareness training for employees protects your business.

Checklist 8: Limiting Access Privileges

Another key thing is to restrict administrative privileges. Users should only have access to the tools they need to do their jobs. Only use privileged access for tasks that really need it. And check regularly that everyone’s using it properly.

Checklist 9: Device Security

Securing devices used for business operations is an essential point, so you need to put it on the cybersecurity checklist for small business. Make sure devices are physically secure, using endpoint security software, and keeping software up to date helps protect against threats like malware.

The case study in ACSC’s guide about a courier company employee being scammed shows that even simple things like verifying email requests can save businesses from costly mistakes.

Checklist 10: Incident Response Plan

Having an incident response plan in place can help to limit the damage in the event of a cyberattack. It’s a good idea for small businesses to have a plan in place that includes monitoring and reporting incidents.

Small businesses need to practise these plans so they know exactly what to do when something goes wrong and they can deal with it quickly and effectively.

Checklist 11: Secure Remote Access

As more and more small businesses are working remotely, it’s more important than ever to make sure you have secure remote access points in place. Using virtual private networks (VPNs) and strong authentication methods for remote logins makes sure that data stays encrypted and secure while employees access systems remotely.

Furthermore, restricting remote access to just the right people and at the right times can help stop unauthorised access.

Checklist 12: Using Cyber Insurance

It’s a good idea for small businesses to think about getting cyber insurance to help protect themselves from the financial impact of a cyberattack. As Mehdi Punjwani pointed out, dealing with a cyber incident can be expensive for small businesses.

Cyber insurance can cover the costs of things like data recovery, legal fees, and loss of revenue, which helps businesses bounce back from an incident more quickly.

If you want to know more about cyber insurance, you can read “Cybersecurity on a Budget? Is Cyber Insurance Worth It? Is It Investment?”

Why do Small Businesses Need to Take Cybersecurity Seriously?

Even a minor cyber incident can have a big impact on small businesses. At the same time, quite a few small businesses think they’re too small to be targeted by cybercriminals.

The Australian Signals Directorate’s publication, says that small businesses often don’t have the resources for advanced cybersecurity, which makes them easy targets for cybercriminals using basic techniques. And many small businesses rely on older software and have inadequate monitoring systems, which makes them particularly vulnerable to breaches.

What’s more, the 2024 Cybersecurity Ventures report shows that cybercrime costs businesses an average of $1.3 million per incident. While small businesses might not face losses of that scale, any compromise can lead to significant disruption.

How do I Set Up Cyber Security for My Small Business?

This is a question every business owner should be asking themselves. And yes, this question forms the very heart of this guide. But the problem is there is no single foolproof answer. Yes, a thoughtful defense strategy can significantly reduce your risk of a damaging cyberattack.

So, what kind of strategy? How do big companies get attacked, but are small businesses still safe?

Yet, we often see cybersecurity breaches making headlines when large corporations are targeted. However, small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs. The infamous Target breach a few years back began with hackers exploiting a smaller HVAC contractor who had access to Target’s systems.

Proactive cyber security is no longer just wise but often a necessity. Now, it’s important to understand that cybersecurity isn’t just about buying the latest software or devices. It’s a multi-layered approach that combines technical safeguards, innovative employee practices, formal policies, and a plan for when the inevitable attack does occur.

Don’t forget to always consider these layers like pieces of armor. Your firewalls, antivirus solutions, and secure passwords form the tough outer shell.

And a big factor you need to highlight is employees are often targeted through phishing and other social engineering scams. So, educating your staff provides a primary internal line of defence.

Cybersecurity Checklist for Small Businesses Template

If you are looking for a comprehensive yet straightforward approach to cybersecurity, it would be great if you could take a look at the Cybersecurity Checklist for Small Businesses Template by Australian Government. This cybersecurity checklist will help us evaluate existing cybersecurity measures and identify areas for improvement.

Alternatively, if you require a cybersecurity plan better aligned with your business needs and goals, we recommend you to visit Interscale’s cybersecurity health check services. We provide bespoke solutions to help your business enhance its defenses against cyber threats.

If you need more help, we can arrange to meet. Yes, we are also available to discuss any business cybersecurity issues you may have. Feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience to arrange a meeting. Psst, there is a free consultation for the initial stage.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity can be overwhelming, but inaction is costlier. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Stay informed, review your security protocols regularly, and prioritize it as a core pillar of your business strategy.

By following this cyber security checklist for small business, you’ll improve your business’s digital defenses.