Business Security Checklist 101
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Network Security
Firewall (Next-Generation Firewall or Unified Threat Management)
A firewall controls and monitors incoming and outgoing traffic between your network and the internet. A next-gen firewall includes intrusion prevention, application control, and threat intelligence integration.
Who needs it: Every business. Especially those using remote work, VPN, or managing sensitive data.
Secure Wi-Fi Configuration
Business-grade Wi-Fi with segmentation (e.g., separate networks for staff and guests) and strong encryption (WPA3 preferred).
Who needs it: Any office-based business with wireless access points.
VPN or Zero Trust Remote Access
Enables secure remote access to business systems without exposing internal networks.
Who needs it: Businesses with hybrid or remote staff, or off-site system access needs.
Endpoint Protection
Patch Management
Regularly applies updates to operating systems, applications, and firmware to close known security gaps. Should be tracked and enforced centrally, not left to individual users.
Who needs it: Every business. Especially important for companies using a mix of on-site and remote devices or relying on third-party software.
Antivirus/Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
Basic antivirus is no longer sufficient. EDR provides continuous monitoring and advanced threat detection across devices.
Who needs it: Any business with laptops, desktops, or mobile devices connected to company data.
Device Management (MDM or Intune)
Centralized tools to manage laptops, phones, and tablets – enforcing updates, encryption, and remote wipe if lost.
Who needs it: Any business issuing or allowing personal devices for work purposes.
Identity and Access Management
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adds a second layer of verification beyond passwords to protect user accounts.
Who needs it: Every user, especially those with access to email, finance, or admin tools.
Single Sign-On (SSO) and Role-Based Access Control
Centralized access to systems based on job roles, reducing unnecessary access.
Who needs it: Any business using multiple cloud apps or managing staff turnover.
Offboarding Process
Ensure access is removed immediately when staff leave. Should include disabling accounts, recovering devices, and revoking permissions.
Who needs it: Every business with employee turnover.
Data Protection
Data Encryption
Protects sensitive data at rest (on devices and servers) and in transit (across networks) using encryption standards that make the data unreadable without the right key. This reduces the risk of data exposure, even if a device is lost or a system is breached.
Who needs it: Every business that stores or transmits sensitive data – including client records, financials, intellectual property, or employee information.
Backup Power Supply (UPS or Generator)
Keeps critical systems running during power outages long enough to shut down safely or switch to alternate power. Essential for preserving data integrity and ensuring backups, communications, and security systems stay operational.
Who needs it: Any business with on-site servers, local network infrastructure, or systems that can’t tolerate abrupt shutdowns.
Backup and Disaster Recovery
Automated, tested backups stored in a separate environment. Should include both file and full system recovery.
Who needs it: Every business, especially those reliant on digital files and systems.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Tools that help prevent accidental or unauthorized sharing of sensitive data.
Who needs it: Businesses handling personal, financial, or proprietary information.
Email Security & Spam Filtering
Filters phishing attempts, malware, and spam before reaching inboxes.
Who needs it: All users with a company email address.
Monitoring and Response
Security Monitoring (SIEM or XDR)
Monitors system activity and logs for signs of malicious behavior. Helps identify issues early.
Who needs it: Businesses with compliance needs, higher-value data, or cloud systems.
Incident Response Plan
A documented plan to respond to a security incident – who does what, what systems are prioritized, how communication is handled.
Who needs it: Every business.
Security Awareness Training
Ongoing training and phishing simulations to keep staff alert to threats.
Who needs it: All employees, especially those handling financial transactions, HR, or client data.
Policy & Leadership
Helpdesk or Managed IT Support
A responsive support system to handle day-to-day technical issues, onboard new employees, and escalate incidents when needed. Helps ensure that problems are resolved quickly and consistently, without disrupting operations.
Who needs it: Any business without a full internal IT department – or any growing company that needs consistent, accountable IT service.
Acceptable Use Policy & Password Policy
Defines how business systems are used and sets password standards.
Who needs it: All businesses.
Regular Reviews and Security Reporting
Routine assessments of current risks, security posture, and system status – often quarterly or semi-annually.
Who needs it: All growing businesses, particularly those with board-level oversight or compliance requirements.
Assigned Security Ownership
An internal lead or outsourced partner who owns the responsibility for maintaining and updating the security program.
Who needs it: Every business. Without clear accountability, key tasks often fall through the cracks.
Need help evaluating what’s in place – and what’s missing?
Horizon helps businesses across Western Canada design security programs that match their size, risk, and growth goals. We don’t sell fear – we build plans that work.
