Craig Pearson
Cyber security is a serious matter. Just ask the 1.5 million UK businesses hit by cybercrime and breaches in 2023, costing an estimated £30.5 billion. As crime and technology become increasingly sophisticated, now is the right time to seek expert help to boost your cyber defences and avoid data breaches.
Every business would benefit from regular cyber security audits to have peace of mind and concentrate on what they do best.
Your IT Department is proud to be your IT consultant, breaking down your cyber security audit into an actionable checklist. So, let’s get straight into it.
Table of Contents
1. Asset Identification and Classification
2. Threat Identification
3. Vulnerability Assessment
4. Risk Scoring and Prioritisation
5. Incident Response Plan
Steps to Conduct a Cyber Security Assessment
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Asset Identification and Classification
Asset identification and classification are the foundation of any effective cyber security strategy. For SMEs, knowing what assets—such as data, hardware, software, or networks—are critical to operations is essential for mitigating risk. Overlooking this step can leave businesses vulnerable to security breaches. For example, failing to protect older, unpatched operating systems, might expose sensitive customer information, leading to financial and reputational damage.
Following best practices like those outlined in ISO 27001, businesses can classify assets based on their importance, sensitivity, and potential impact if compromised. This prioritisation ensures that high-value or mission-critical assets, such as financial databases or proprietary designs, receive the strongest protections.
2. Threat Identification
Once key assets are established, it’s important to be aware of the biggest threats that may come your way.
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Malware: Short for ‘malicious software’, this is a threat that dupes the user into downloading a software. This software can then steal data, encrypt files, install additional malware, persistent ads, locking users out of their system, and slowing down the entire device.
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Ransomware: A form of malware specifically focused on extracting some form of payment from the victim in order for their compromised device to be restored.
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Phishing: The process of imitating people via emails or text messages, and ultimately getting an individual to reveal information such as passwords or payment details.
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DDoS: A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) is designed to stop a device’s connection. It works by overwhelming the server and related infrastructure with traffic.
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Insider Attacks: As it sounds, this is a cyber security breach from inside an organisation. It can be more damaging as the perpetrator is already authorised to view the sensitive data that they wish to steal. These can be deliberate or accidental.
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Internet of Things (IoT): Given the rise of IoT devices such as smartphones and tablets, these attacks have become more commonplace as many devices have less robust security measures than computers or laptops.
Phishing accounts for most of these attacks in the UK, at a huge 84%!
3. Vulnerability Assessment
What do almost all of these potential threats have in common?
The issue of human error.
It is therefore vital to have a proactive approach to potential cyber issues, as once they arise it could be too late. This process involves simulations and scans to find weaknesses in the cyber security infrastructure. These weaknesses can then be evaluated, using data, so that tangible action can be taken to improve them.
From network security, to cloud, to applications, there are a variety of vulnerability assessments that can be performed – with each providing you with the tools to improve one area of cyber security.
4. Risk Scoring and Prioritisation
Not all risks are created equal. Risk scoring allows you to determine the likelihood and potential impact of each identified threat, providing a clear framework for prioritisation. For example, a misconfigured email server might be a minor risk, while unencrypted client data stored on an unsecured database represents a critical vulnerability. Risk matrices or scoring systems are invaluable tools for this step.
By combining severity and likelihood scores, businesses can focus resources where they are most needed. This ensures that high-risk vulnerabilities, which could cause the greatest harm, are addressed promptly and effectively.
5. Incident Response Plan
No matter how robust your security measures are, the possibility of a breach cannot be entirely eliminated. An incident response plan prepares your organisation to act swiftly and decisively when the unexpected occurs.
You should always answer the following three questions when formulating any incident response plan:
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What are the most likely threats and vulnerabilities my organisation could face?
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Who are the key team members and what are their preventative roles during a cyber incident?
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How will the organisation recover and learn from the cyber incident?
An effective plan includes detection protocols to identify breaches early, containment strategies to limit their impact, and eradication methods to remove threats from your systems.
Recovery processes ensure operations resume quickly, minimising downtime. Importantly, the plan should also involve a review phase where lessons learned from the incident inform future strategies. This cyclical approach strengthens your defences against future cyber attacks.
6. Access Control Measures
Access control is about ensuring that only the right people have access to sensitive systems and data. Implementing comprehensive access control measures, such as role-based permissions, helps limit exposure. For instance, employees should only have access to the systems necessary for their roles, reducing the risk of unauthorised actions. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is another critical tool, adding an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple means.
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FIDO2 (Touch ID/Face ID)
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Biometrics
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Hardware tokens
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Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP)
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Mobile app push notifications
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SMS verification codes
Regular audits of user permissions help mean that privileges remain appropriate and that former employees or third parties no longer have access to your systems.
7. Network Security Protocols
Your network is the backbone of your IT infrastructure, making its security a top priority. Firewalls are a fundamental defence mechanism, acting as a barrier between your internal network and external threats. Monitoring network traffic for unusual activity can also help detect and respond to potential breaches before they escalate.
In addition, secure Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide encrypted connections for remote employees, safeguarding data as it travels between devices and your network. These measures ensure that your network remains a secure environment for business operations. VPNs can be particularly effective for remote teams with members working on public WiFi, as they may be more susceptible to threats.
8. Data Protection Strategies
Data protection isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a business imperative. Encrypting sensitive data ensures that even if it falls into the wrong hands, it remains unreadable without the decryption key. Secure backups provide an essential safety net, allowing you to recover data quickly in the event of a breach or hardware failure.
Adhering to GDPR and other regulatory requirements is vital, not only to avoid fines but also to maintain customer trust. Demonstrating a commitment to data protection reassures clients that their information is in safe hands.
9. Security Awareness Training
Your employees are your first line of defence against cyber threats. Comprehensive security awareness training equips them with the knowledge to identify and respond to potential risks. For example, training sessions can teach employees how to spot phishing attempts, create strong passwords, and handle sensitive data responsibly.
By cultivating a culture of security awareness, businesses significantly reduce the likelihood of human error leading to a breach.
REMEMBER: 80% of breaches are caused by human error.
Regular refresher courses help ensure that employees stay informed and up to date about the latest threats and best practices. With our wealth of experience, we’re able to offer these at a competitive rate so that your team is ready to deal with modern cybercrime. This is paramount with the rise of AI meaning that threats are only going to get more sophisticated.
10. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
Staying compliant with industry standards and regulations enhances your security posture while demonstrating your organisation’s commitment to best practices. Frameworks such as ISO 27001 provide a structured approach to information security management, while GDPR ensures the protection of personal data.
For UK businesses, obtaining Cyber Essentials certification can also be an effective way to bolster defences and showcase your commitment to “cyber hygiene”. Compliance is not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s a cornerstone of building trust with clients and partners.
Final Thoughts
Cyber security is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment. Following a structured checklist like this ensures that your business remains resilient against ever-evolving threats. By identifying vulnerabilities, prioritising risks, and implementing robust defences, you can protect your assets and focus on growing your business with confidence.
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Your IT Department is here to help. Our tailored cyber security services empower businesses to take control of their IT infrastructure and safeguard their future. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive cyber security assessment.
Cyber Security Checklist: Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some key questions about creating a cyber risk assessment checklist here.
What Are The 5 Key Components Of A Cyber Security Assessment?
The five key components of a cyber security assessment are asset identification, threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, a risk management plan, prioritisation, and compliance checks. Asset identification ensures all critical systems and data are accounted for, while threat analysis highlights potential risks. Vulnerability assessments pinpoint weaknesses, enabling proactive fixes. Risk prioritisation ensures resources focus on the most pressing threats, and compliance checks confirm adherence to regulations like GDPR. Together, these steps form a comprehensive approach to safeguarding your business.
How Often Should A Cyber Security Assessment Be Conducted?
Cyber security assessments should be conducted annually to ensure ongoing protection against evolving threats. As well as yearly audits, assessments are necessary whenever significant changes occur within your IT infrastructure, such as new software deployments, system upgrades, or organisational restructuring. Regular evaluations help identify vulnerabilities, prioritise risks, and maintain compliance with industry standards like GDPR. By scheduling these assessments proactively, businesses can stay resilient, reduce risk, and safeguard critical operations effectively, ensuring confidence in their cyber defences year-round.
What Industries Require The Most Rigorous Cyber Security Measures?
Industries such as finance, healthcare, and government require the most rigorous cyber security measures due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle. Financial organisations protect client assets, healthcare providers safeguard patient records, and government agencies ensure national security. However, all industries benefit from robust cyber security practices to mitigate risks and maintain trust. No matter your sector, implementing strong measures is essential to protect critical information and ensure operational resilience against any cyber attack.
How Much Does A Cyber Security Audit Cost?
The cost of a cyber security audit varies based on the type and scope of the assessment. Common audits include network security evaluations, vulnerability assessments, and compliance checks for standards like GDPR. Bespoke audits can focus on specific areas, such as cloud security or data protection, tailored to your business needs. By identifying weaknesses and improving defences, these audits provide invaluable insights to enhance security, minimise risks, and protect your organisation’s critical assets effectively.
Is Cyber Security Hard For Beginners?
Cyber security can seem complex for beginners, but with the right guidance, it becomes manageable. While learning the basics is a good start, working with qualified experts provides unmatched value. Professionals with years of experience can identify vulnerabilities, implement tailored solutions, and ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR. Partnering with trusted IT consultants, such as Your IT Department, saves time and reduces cyber security risks too. Let our expertise give you confidence and peace of mind in managing your cyber defences effectively.