Cybersecurity Checklist | Peter Hallen Security Services

Security Assessment Checklist

This checklist covers key areas of cybersecurity that organizations should address to protect their assets, data, and reputation. Use it to identify gaps in your security program and prioritize improvements.

Governance & Risk Management

Establish a formal security program with documented policies and procedures Create a comprehensive security program that aligns with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Conduct regular risk assessments Identify and evaluate security risks to your organization's assets, systems, and data.

Develop and maintain an incident response plan Create a documented plan for detecting, responding to, and recovering from security incidents.

Establish a vendor management program Assess and monitor third-party vendors that have access to your systems or data.

Access Control

Implement the principle of least privilege Grant users only the access necessary to perform their job functions.

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) Require multiple forms of verification for accessing sensitive systems and data.

Implement password policies Enforce strong password requirements, regular changes, and secure storage.

Conduct regular access reviews Periodically review and update user access permissions to ensure they remain appropriate.

Data Protection

Implement data classification Categorize data based on sensitivity and apply appropriate controls.

Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit Use strong encryption to protect data stored on systems and transmitted over networks.

Implement data loss prevention (DLP) Deploy tools to monitor and prevent unauthorized data exfiltration.

Establish secure data disposal procedures Ensure data is properly destroyed when no longer needed.

Security Operations

Deploy endpoint protection Implement antivirus, anti-malware, and other endpoint security solutions.

Implement network segmentation Separate networks to limit the spread of potential threats.

Conduct vulnerability scanning and patching Regularly scan for vulnerabilities and apply security patches promptly.

Implement security monitoring and logging Deploy tools to monitor systems for suspicious activity and maintain audit logs.

Security Awareness & Training

Conduct regular security awareness training Educate employees about security risks and best practices.

Implement phishing simulation exercises Test and improve employees' ability to identify and report phishing attempts.

Establish a security culture Foster an organizational culture that prioritizes security.

Develop a security awareness program Create ongoing initiatives to keep security top of mind for employees.

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