A cybersecurity checklist for small business should focus on practical controls that reduce real risk. Most Calgary businesses do not need a complicated security program on day one. They need the basics handled consistently, reviewed regularly, and explained clearly.
The goal is not perfect security. The goal is reducing the likelihood and impact of common issues such as stolen passwords, phishing, compromised email, missing backups, unmanaged devices, and unclear admin access.
Protect User Accounts
Enable multi-factor authentication for email, Microsoft 365, remote access, accounting tools, password managers, and admin accounts. Review who has administrator permissions and remove access that is no longer needed.
Admin accounts should be limited, protected, and separate from normal daily-use accounts where possible.
Secure Email
Email is a common starting point for security incidents. Review anti-phishing settings, spam filtering, mailbox forwarding, suspicious rules, and domain records such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
Staff should know how to report suspicious messages without feeling blamed. Fast reporting helps reduce damage.
Review Devices and Updates
Business devices should have endpoint protection, current updates, disk encryption where appropriate, and a clear ownership record. Old unmanaged devices create risk because nobody knows their security state.
Patch management does not need to be dramatic, but it should be consistent.
Check Backups and Recovery
Backups should include important systems and data, not just one shared folder. Review Microsoft 365, accounting data, client files, line-of-business applications, and recovery instructions.
Backups should be tested. A backup that has never been restored is still an assumption.
Control Access and Sharing
Review shared mailboxes, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive links, vendor access, remote access, and former staff accounts. Old permissions are one of the easiest risks to miss.
Create A Simple Incident Plan
Decide what staff should do if they click a phishing link, lose a device, see suspicious account activity, or cannot access important files. A short plan is better than trying to invent the response during pressure.
For help reviewing these basics, see OnlineV cybersecurity support.
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