It’s easy to assume your systems are secure… until they’re not.
One phishing email, one unpatched device, one misconfigured setting — that’s all it takes. And for a business of any size, the cost of a breach is often catastrophic.
At Gant Systems, we believe every business — no matter its size — deserves enterprise-grade protection without the enterprise-level complexity. That’s why we created this clear, actionable IT security checklist. Use it to audit your current setup and uncover where your systems may be exposed.
Why Every Business Needs a Security Checkup
Cyber threats are evolving faster than ever. In 2023 alone:
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1 in 2 businesses experienced a data breach
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Ransomware attacks rose by 95% in some industries
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Average breach costs exceeded $4.45 million globally【source†IBM】
And yet, many companies don’t revisit their security posture until it’s too late. This checklist will help you assess risk today — before attackers do.
The IT Security Checklist
1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Is Enforced
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Required for all users on all systems (especially email, VPN, and file access)?
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Using authenticator apps or biometrics (not just SMS codes)?
Why it matters: MFA blocks 99% of credential-based attacks.
2. All Devices Are Encrypted and Password-Protected
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Laptops and phones use full-disk encryption?
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Devices lock automatically after inactivity?
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Lost/stolen device policies are in place?
Why it matters: If a device walks out the door, your data shouldn’t walk with it.
3. Endpoint Protection Is Installed and Monitored
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Antivirus or EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) deployed on all endpoints?
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Centralized monitoring in place to catch threats in real time?
Why it matters: Attacks often start at the endpoint. Protection here stops them early.
4. Employees Are Trained in Cybersecurity Best Practices
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Regular training on phishing, password hygiene, and social engineering?
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Simulated phishing tests to assess awareness?
Why it matters: People are your biggest risk — and your strongest line of defense.
5. Backups Are Running and Recoverable
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Backups occur automatically and frequently (daily or hourly)?
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Data is backed up both onsite and offsite/cloud?
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You’ve tested a recovery scenario in the past 6 months?
Why it matters: Backups are useless if they fail during a crisis.
6. Software Is Patched and Updated Promptly
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Operating systems and software updates applied regularly?
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Third-party tools (e.g., browsers, plugins) patched too?
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No unsupported or end-of-life software in use?
Why it matters: Unpatched software is a top entry point for attackers.
7. Admin Access Is Limited and Tracked
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Only essential personnel have admin privileges?
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Logs are kept for all elevated access activity?
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Former employees’ access is disabled immediately upon departure?
Why it matters: Too much access = too much risk.
8. Secure Email Gateway and Spam Filtering Are in Place
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Suspicious links, attachments, and spoofed senders are filtered automatically?
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Users are warned of external senders or suspicious content?
Why it matters: Most cyberattacks begin with email.
9. Firewall and Network Segmentation Are Properly Configured
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Firewalls block unauthorized traffic in and out of your network?
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Guest Wi-Fi and internal systems are separated?
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Remote workers connect via secure VPN?
Why it matters: A flat network makes it easy for threats to spread.
10. You Have an Incident Response Plan
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Documented steps for identifying, containing, and recovering from a breach?
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Team members know their roles and responsibilities?
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Plan is reviewed and tested at least annually?
Why it matters: When every minute counts, guessing is not a strategy.
Bonus: Are You Monitoring for Emerging Threats?
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Do you have a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)?
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Are threat intelligence and alerts part of your IT monitoring?
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Are vulnerabilities being scanned and reported regularly?
If you answered no to most of these, you’re not alone — but that means now is the time to act.
Security Gaps Don't Fix Themselves
You don’t need to be a pentagon-level, cybersecurity expert to stay secure, but you do need a strategy — and the right partner.
At Gant Systems, we help businesses like yours:
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Identify and close security gaps
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Monitor systems proactively
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Protect data, people, and infrastructure
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Sleep easier knowing their business is covered
Schedule a Discovery Call to assess your IT security posture or Get Instant Pricing to see how affordable 24/7 protection can be!
