A Practical IT Setup Checklist to Protect Your Business from Growing Cyber Threats

Most business owners already have more than enough on their plates. But one area you can’t afford to overlook is the security and reliability of your IT infrastructure. As your company grows, your risk exposure increases — and so does the need to have your technology systems properly set up and maintained.

Cybercriminals are no longer just targeting large enterprises. Small and mid-sized businesses have become prime targets due to weaker security controls and limited in-house resources. Whether you have five employees or fifty, having the right IT systems in place can mean the difference between business as usual and a major breach.

This IT setup checklist outlines the essential steps every business should take to safeguard data, improve operations, and reduce risk.

Complete This IT Checklist to Safeguard Your Business and Build Customer Trust

Make sure your systems are secure, your data is backed up, and your team is protected from the threats that target small and mid-sized businesses every day.

Ensure Every Device Has Active Antivirus and Endpoint Protection

Start by confirming that all company laptops, desktops, and mobile devices have enterprise-grade antivirus or endpoint protection installed and regularly updated. This is essential whether employees are working in the office or remotely. Insecure personal devices can become a weak link in your network security — make sure every system connected to your business data is protected.

Install a Business-Class Firewall to Block Outside Threats

Many small businesses mistakenly rely on basic software firewalls that come preinstalled with operating systems like Windows. But today’s cyber threats require more advanced protection. A properly configured, business-grade hardware firewall adds a critical layer of defense between your network and the outside world — detecting, blocking, and logging suspicious traffic before it causes harm. At Network Computer Pros, we help clients implement firewalls that go beyond the basics to provide real-time threat detection, traffic filtering, and secure remote access.

Regularly Back Up Your Business-Critical Data

Antivirus and firewalls are essential, but they’re not foolproof, so consistent data backups are necessary. A single ransomware attack, server failure, or accidental deletion could cost you valuable data and revenue. Cloud-based backup solutions offer a reliable, secure, and scalable way to protect your information. At Network Computer Pros, we work with you to determine what data needs to be backed up and how frequently, ensuring your business can quickly recover in the event of a disaster or outage.

Keep Operating Systems and Software Updated

Those software update pop-ups may seem like an inconvenience, but ignoring them leaves your systems vulnerable. Security patches and updates are released to fix known issues and close security gaps that cybercriminals can exploit. At Network Computer Pros, we automate the patch management process to ensure your systems stay protected without disrupting your team. Regular updates are one of the easiest and most effective ways to strengthen your cybersecurity posture.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Wherever Possible

Passwords get stolen or guessed all the time. One of the most effective ways to secure your accounts is by enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This requires users to provide a second form of verification — like a text message code or authentication app — before gaining access. We recommend enabling MFA on all email accounts, remote logins, cloud applications, and financial systems.

Train Your Team to Spot Phishing and Other Cyber Threats

No matter how strong your technical defenses are, one employee clicking a bad link can open the door to an attack. That’s why security awareness training is essential. We help companies educate their team on how to recognize phishing emails, suspicious requests, and social engineering tactics, turning your staff into a strong first line of defense.

How Did You Score On Our IT Security Checklist?
Keeping your systems secure and running smoothly doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re unsure how your current IT setup stacks up, let’s take a look together.

We offer a free consultation to review your existing IT policies, identify gaps, and recommend practical improvements — no hard sell, just real solutions.

Originally published November 2017. Updated June 2025.

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