The Mini IT Security Audit
How Secure is Your Business?
This is not a technical scan or a penetration test.
It is a short, structured way to identify uncertainty in the areas where lack of clarity most often turns into operational or security risk.
Each question is intentionally simple.
“Yes” reflects confidence.
A “No” or “I don’t know” highlights something worth looking into.
Need a hand?
1. Cloud Data Backups
What this section is asking?
- Are backups in place for critical data?
- Are they automated?
- Has anyone tested a restore?
Why does it matters?
Data loss rarely comes from dramatic failures. It comes from accidental deletion, sync errors, or ransomware. Untested backups often fail when needed and, recovery time affects operations, not just IT.
2. Malware & Endpoint Protection
What this section is asking?
- Is protection installed on all devices?
- Is anyone monitoring alerts?
- Would issues be noticed quickly?
Why does it matters?
Security tools without monitoring create a false sense of safety. Modern threats are designed to stay hidden, which means detection and response matter as much as prevention.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication
What this section is asking?
- Is MFA enabled on key systems?
- Is it enforced for all users?
- Do staff understand why it is required?
Why does it matters?
Passwords are regularly breached or reused. Multi factor authentication adds a second layer that makes unauthorised access far more difficult, even if a password is compromised.
4. Advanced Email Filtering
What this section is asking?
- Is email filtering in place beyond basic spam protection?
- Are targeted or impersonation emails considered?
- Is this actively managed?
Why does it matters?
Most attacks start with an email. Basic filtering does not catch every threat, especially messages designed for specific people or roles within a business.
5. Cybersecurity Awareness Training
What this section is asking?
- Do staff receive regular security guidance?
- Are expectations clearly communicated?
- Is there a clear response process?
Why does it matters?
Even with strong technology in place, one click can cause serious disruption. Regular training reduces mistakes and helps staff respond calmly when something goes wrong.
6. Compliance & Policy Enforcement
What this section is asking?
- Are IT and security policies documented?
- Are they actively enforced?
- Are checks carried out regularly?
Why does it matters?
Policies that are not enforced do not reduce risk. Clients and insurers increasingly expect controls to be active, not just written down.
7. Mobile Device Management
What this section is asking?
- Are work devices centrally managed?
- Can data be secured or removed if a device is lost?
- Is personal and work data kept separate?
Why does it matters?
Phones and tablets often access email and files. Without control, a lost device can result in data exposure, even if no one intends harm.
8. Password Management
What this section is asking?
- Are passwords stored securely?
- Are shared or reused passwords avoided?
- Is there a standard approach across the business?
Why does it matters?
Weak or reused passwords remain a common cause of breaches. Without a consistent approach, security depends on individual habits rather than clear safeguards.
9. Next-Gen Antivirus
What this section is asking?
- Does your device protection go beyond basic anti virus?
- Can it detect unusual or suspicious behaviour?
- Is this protection applied consistently across devices?
Why does it matters?
Traditional anti virus relies on known threats. As attacks evolve, this approach becomes less effective on its own. Behaviour based protection helps detect new or hidden threats that do not match known patterns.
10. Automated Patching
What this section is asking?
- Are software updates applied automatically?
- Are critical applications kept up to date?
- Is patching centrally managed?
Why does it matters?
Out of date software is a common entry point for attacks. Delays in patching leave known weaknesses exposed longer than necessary.
11. Security Scanning
What this section is asking?
- Are systems checked regularly for weaknesses?
- Is scanning carried out as part of normal operations?
- Are results reviewed and acted on?
Why does it matters?
Even well managed systems can develop weaknesses over time. Without regular checks, vulnerabilities can build up quietly and remain unnoticed until they are exploited.
12. Central Log Capture
What this section is asking?
- Are system and security events recorded centrally?
- Can activity be reviewed after an incident?
- Is log data stored securely?
Why does it matters?
When something goes wrong, logs provide the evidence needed to understand what happened. Without central records, investigating incidents becomes slower and less reliable.
13. Zero Trust Policy
What this section is asking?
- Are devices and users verified before access is granted?
- Is access based on need rather than assumption?
- Are critical systems protected more tightly?
Why does it matters?
Many systems assume users and devices are trustworthy once inside the network. Verifying access at each step reduces risk from compromised accounts, lost devices, and internal mistakes.
14. Data Leak Protection
What this section is asking?
- Is sensitive data monitored when it is shared?
- Are risky transfers flagged or blocked?
- Is this applied consistently?
Why does it matters?
Data leaks are often accidental. Without controls in place, sensitive information can be shared outside the business, damaging trust and breaching obligations.