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Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals—not because they’re careless, but because they often lack the resources and systems that larger enterprises use for protection.

A cybersecurity audit helps your business assess where things stand. It’s a structured review of your systems, policies, and people to identify vulnerabilities and gaps before they lead to a breach. Conducting regular audits ensures you’re not only protecting your assets but also staying compliant with regulations and client expectations.

This cybersecurity audit checklist gives SMBs a clear, actionable roadmap to evaluate their current security posture and make improvements where needed.

1. Inventory All Devices and Systems

Start your audit by identifying what needs to be protected.

Make a list of:

• Workstations (desktops, laptops)
• Mobile devices and tablets
• Servers (on-premise or cloud-hosted)
• Network hardware (routers, switches, firewalls)
• Printers and IoT devices
• External storage or backup drives

Understanding your digital environment is the first step to controlling it. If you don’t know what you have, you can’t protect it.

2. Review User Access and Permissions

Excessive access can be a security risk. Limit permissions to only what each user needs.

Audit the following:

• Who has access to what systems and data?
• Are admin rights limited to essential personnel?
• Are old user accounts (from past employees or contractors) deactivated?
• Is there a role-based access system in place?

Follow the principle of least privilege to reduce risk from insider threats and accidental misuse.

3. Check Password Policies and MFA Usage

Weak or reused passwords are still one of the top causes of data breaches.

Review these areas:

• Are strong password requirements enforced?
• Are passwords required to be updated regularly?
• Is enabled for all logins?
• Do employees use a password manager?

Adding MFA and strengthening password practices are low-cost steps with high-impact protection.

4. Confirm Endpoint Security Tools Are Active

Every device connected to your network is a potential entry point for hackers. These must be secured with reliable endpoint protection.

Verify:

• Antivirus and anti-malware software is installed on all devices
• Real-time scanning and automatic updates are enabled
• Device firewalls are active
• Lost or stolen devices can be remotely wiped

If you support hybrid or remote teams, endpoint protection becomes even more critical.

5. Inspect Your Firewall and Network Security

Your firewall is your first line of defense against external threats. Make sure it’s configured correctly.

Checklist:

• Is a firewall installed and actively filtering traffic?
• Are unused ports and protocols disabled?
• Is the router password changed from default?
• Are Wi-Fi networks secured with strong encryption (WPA3 recommended)?
• Is there a guest Wi-Fi separate from your business network?

A misconfigured firewall can leave your business exposed, even if other defenses are in place.

6. Assess Software and Patch Management

Unpatched systems and outdated software are prime targets for cyberattacks. Regular updates keep your systems protected against known vulnerabilities.

Audit the following:

• Are all operating systems up to date?
• Are third-party apps and tools regularly patched?
• Is software update management automated?
• Are unsupported or outdated programs removed?

You should also maintain an inventory of all licensed software to avoid unauthorized installations.

7. Evaluate Backup and Data Recovery Plans

Data loss can occur from ransomware, accidental deletion, or system failure. A strong backup strategy ensures business continuity.

Key items to check:

• Are backups performed regularly (daily is ideal)?
• Are backups stored off-site or in the cloud?
• Are you using versioning to protect against file corruption?
• Have you tested your recovery process in the last 6 months?

Without a working backup, recovery from a cyberattack can be costly—or impossible.

8. Test Email Security and Phishing Defenses

Phishing is one of the most common attack methods, especially targeting SMBs through email.

Review:

• Is spam filtering enabled and effective?
• Are suspicious attachments and links blocked?
• Are employees trained to spot phishing attempts?
• Do you run simulated phishing tests to evaluate awareness?

Email is still the #1 attack vector—defending it should be a top priority.

9. Review Employee Cybersecurity Training

Technology alone can’t prevent human error. Training your team is essential.

Assess:

• Do employees receive regular cybersecurity training?
• Are they aware of your acceptable use policy?
• Do they understand how to report suspicious activity?
• Are new hires onboarded with security awareness practices?

Education builds a security-conscious culture, reducing the likelihood of mistakes.

10. Verify Incident Response Plans Are in Place

Even with strong defenses, incidents can happen. How you respond makes all the difference.

Make sure your plan includes:

• A clearly defined incident response team
• Steps for identifying and containing threats
• Communication protocols (internal and external)
• Legal and IT compliance response requirements
• A post-incident review process

Document the plan and rehearse it with your team to stay prepared.

11. Check Compliance With Industry and Legal Standards

Depending on your industry, you may be required to follow specific data privacy or cybersecurity regulations.

Review:

• Are you compliant with PIPEDA or provincial privacy laws?
• If in healthcare, do you meet PHIPA requirements?
• Are you following PCI-DSS if processing credit card payments?
• Are you maintaining audit trails and security logs for accountability?

Non-compliance can lead to fines, lawsuits, and loss of customer trust. Regular audits help you stay ahead.

12. Document and Track Cybersecurity Improvements

Once your audit is complete, document everything. This helps you track progress over time and demonstrate due diligence.

Best practices:

• Maintain a centralized cybersecurity audit log
• Record changes, upgrades, and resolved vulnerabilities
• Use project tracking to follow up on incomplete items
• Schedule your next audit (ideally every 6–12 months)

A documented audit supports internal accountability and can serve as proof of compliance when needed.

How º£½ÇÉçÇø Supports SMB Cybersecurity Audits

Running a thorough cybersecurity audit can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.

At º£½ÇÉçÇø, we help Canadian SMBs assess, strengthen, and maintain their cybersecurity posture through:

• Detailed network and security audits
• Endpoint protection and monitoring
• Backup and disaster recovery solutions
• Firewall and access control setup
• Cybersecurity awareness training
• Ongoing managed IT support and threat response

Whether you need a one-time review or ongoing guidance, we tailor our solutions to your business and industry.

Get Proactive About Your Cybersecurity

Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated—and more frequent. By using this cybersecurity audit checklist, your SMB can proactively identify risks, close security gaps, and reduce the chances of a costly breach.

Ready to find out where you stand? Contact º£½ÇÉçÇø today for a professional cybersecurity audit and custom recommendations tailored to your business.