When it comes to business network security, most companies operate on blind trust—trusting their IT provider, trusting their software, and hoping their network is safe. But in today’s world of ransomware, phishing attacks, and insider threats, trust alone isn’t a strategy—verification is.
This is why we put together this checklist.
After a recent private speaking engagement, Grant Eckstrom, co-founder of Succurri an international IT security expert, shared the step-by-step security process that earned Succurri the CompTIA IT Security Trustmark.
If you’re a business owner, office manager, or operations leader, use this business network security checklist to evaluate your company’s security posture, identify critical gaps, and protect your business from cyber threats.
The Business Network Security Checklist
This comprehensive checklist ensures your company’s IT infrastructure meets industry best practices, aligns with compliance standards, and reduces cyber risk.
1. Governance & Security Policies
Why It’s Important:
Without documented security policies, employees, vendors, and IT teams operate without clear rules—leaving your network vulnerable to data breaches.
Key Security Questions:
- Do you have formal IT security policies for password security, remote access, and data handling?
- Are your business network security policies updated annually?
- Do employees acknowledge security policies in writing?
- Do you have a dedicated cybersecurity lead or partner?
Action Steps:
- Establish written cybersecurity policies and require employee acknowledgment.
- Conduct annual policy reviews to adapt to evolving threats.
- Assign a vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer) or Managed IT Security Provider for oversight.
2. User Access & Identity Management
Why It’s Important:
When it comes to network security for business, over-permissioned accounts are a hacker’s dream. Restricting user access minimizes risk and prevents internal threats.
Key Security Questions:
- Does every employee have only the minimum access necessary?
- Is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) required for email, VPNs, and financial systems?
- Are old employee accounts removed immediately?
- Do you use role-based access control (RBAC) for managing permissions?
Action Steps:
- Follow the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP)—restrict access based on job role.
- Implement MFA for all accounts to prevent credential theft.
- Audit user access quarterly to eliminate unused or risky permissions.
3. Password & Authentication Best Practices
Why It’s Important:
80% of data breaches result from weak or reused passwords. Poor password hygiene invites cybercriminals into your business network. At Succurri, we take the appropriate measures to enhance and protect your small business network security.
Key Security Questions:
- Are password managers required for creating and storing credentials?
- Do passwords follow 14+ character complexity rules?
- Are shared logins prohibited across teams?
- Do you enforce Single Sign-On (SSO) for secure authentication?
Action Steps:
- Require unique, complex passwords generated by a password manager.
- Implement SSO solutions like Azure AD to reduce password fatigue.
- Enforce 90-day password resets and eliminate password reuse.
4. Network Security & Firewall Protection
Why It’s Important:
Your business network security relies on strong perimeter defenses—firewalls, encrypted connections, and intrusion monitoring. The key is to implement the correct small business network security solutions with the right team. For more information, call Succurri today.
Key Security Questions:
- Do you have an enterprise-grade firewall protecting your network?
- Is real-time network monitoring in place to detect suspicious activity?
- Is your Wi-Fi network encrypted and separated for guests?
- Do remote employees use a secure VPN for access?
Action Steps:
- Deploy Enterprise-level firewalls for maximum protection.
- Enable Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) to block threats.
- Separate guest Wi-Fi from internal systems and enforce WPA3 encryption.
5. Endpoint Security (Laptops & Mobile Devices)
Why It’s Important:
Laptops, smartphones, and tablets are high-risk entry points for cyberattacks. Without proper network security in business, your entire company is at risk.
Key Security Questions:
- Is every business device protected by Next-Gen Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)?
- Are company laptops encrypted with BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (Mac)?
- Do personal (BYOD) devices have restricted access to business systems?
Action Steps:
- Install EDR or Zero trust solutions.
- Enforce automatic OS & software updates on all devices.
- Restrict personal devices from accessing sensitive company data.
6. Email & Phishing Security
Why It’s Important:
91% of cyberattacks start with a phishing email—training your employees and blocking malicious emails is critical.
Key Security Questions:
- Do you use AI-powered email filtering for phishing protection?
- Do employees receive quarterly phishing awareness training?
- Are dangerous email attachments and links blocked automatically?
Action Steps:
- Deploy an advanced email protection solution.
- Run quarterly phishing simulations to test employee awareness.
- Block .exe, .js, and suspicious file attachments to prevent malware infections.
7. Data Backup & Disaster Recovery
Why It’s Important:
Without secure backups, ransomware attacks and hardware failures can permanently destroy critical business data.
Key Security Questions:
- Are automated, daily backups enabled for all business-critical data?
- Are backups encrypted and stored offsite?
- Is the backup restoration process tested every quarter?
Action Steps:
- Use cloud-based backup solutions for redundancy.
- Ensure backups are encrypted at rest and in transit.
- Develop a documented disaster recovery plan (DRP) to restore operations quickly.
8. IT Compliance & Third-Party Security Audits
Why It’s Important:
Many industries require strict cybersecurity compliance—failure to meet standards can lead to lawsuits, fines, or data breaches.
Key Security Questions:
- Are you compliant with HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI DSS, or NIST 800-171?
- Do you conduct annual third-party security audits?
- Are employees trained on compliance best practices?
Action Steps:
- Perform annual security risk assessments with third-party auditors.
- Provide cybersecurity training aligned with compliance regulations.
- Ensure security frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, CIS Controls) guide IT strategy.
Secure Your Business Network with Confidence
Cyber threats are not a matter of “if” but “when.” Following this business network security checklist will help your company proactively reduce risk, prevent data breaches, and strengthen security resilience.
