Cyber Security Checklist

What Is Cyber Security in the Workplace?

Cyber security measures in a company essentially protect computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks and data against malicious attacks. The terms IT security and electronic data security are also commonly used. It aims to protect business data and comply with data protection guidelines.

There are three types of cyberthreats that every business needs to protect against:

1. Cyberattacks: These usually involve politically motivated or business-damaging information gathering.
2. Cybercrime: Criminal actors or groups attack a system for financial gain or to disrupt business operations.
3. Cyberterrorism: IT systems are subverted to spread fear and panic.

A checklist is a helpful tool for organizations and their in-house IT teams to prevent harmful incidents in the workplace, especially when planning a network security audit. It helps manage risk and counter cyberattacks to avoid business setbacks. Download and follow our free ISO 27001 checklist template to follow the international standard for how to deploy information and cyber security.

This article contains:

1. 3 steps to avoid cyber security risks in the workplace

2. 5 checklist items for cyber security training

3. A digital application & software for cyber security checks

3 Steps to Avoid Cyber Security Gaps in the Workplace

It's helpful for your company's cybersecurity to establish a detailed plan to follow. It should aim to protect business data and defend against cyberattacks. Effective planning will protect your business from time-consuming and costly corrective actions.

The following 3 tips for avoiding cybersecurity risks should be reflected in such a plan:

1. Update operational software & virus protection regularly
   Updating all operating systems on a regular basis is a task that should always be prioritized in your organization. By doing so, you will ensure that the antivirus software is working efficiently. Employees usually receive a notification to update their devices. By doing this, you raise awareness among them about the importance of regular updates.
2. Protect your business data and equipment
   You should ensure that there are policies in place and followed for the proper disposal and handling of data in the company to protect confidential business information. For example, one important aspect is to set passwords correctly and change them regularly in accordance with password security policies.
3. Train your staff on cybersecurity
   Your company should offer cybersecurity training on a regular basis. These are great opportunities to raise awareness and create a safe space for any questions your workforce may have regarding technology. Remember to keep everyone informed outside of training sessions as well.

5 Cyber Security Training Checklist Points

As mentioned earlier, training is the best opportunity to educate one's employees* on the appropriate behaviors related to cybersecurity. Employee carelessness at the stationary workstation in the office or on the road using a laptop, tablet or smartphone poses a high risk to cybersecurity. You can avoid the following common habits by raising awareness through training.

1. Computer left on without password protection
   If the computer is left unattended without password protection, it is easy for anyone passing by to access company data. To prevent this from happening, in the best-case scenario, the PC's security settings should be set so that it is locked after a short period of non-use and can only be reactivated with a password. In addition, employees should be made aware that they should always lock their computers when leaving their workplace.
2. Mobile phones and USB sticks lying around unattended
   Cell phones and USB sticks should not be left lying around unattended, as the data contained here is quickly copied. Therefore, employees should rather store the devices in lockable drawers or carry them with them.
3. Bags are left unattended
   In unattended backpacks and bags can be quickly grabbed. If there is a notebook, tablet, smartphone, or the like, criminals may quickly have access to sensitive company data. Therefore, rather lock it away or carry it with you.
4. On paper or Post-It notes are the access data
   A particularly bad habit is to write down and store passwords and usernames. The use of a password manager provides more security in the company.
5. Calendars are openly viewable
   Similar to the Post-It note or the stored access data on the computer is the free view of the digital calendars. Here, too, sensitive dates and information about customers, prospects or upcoming product launches are often stored. If everyone has access to the calendar, unauthorized persons can obtain confidential information.

A training event can be prepared with a checklist. In addition, they can be used to query the knowledge of employees about cybersecurity. It is recommended to introduce a Clean Desk Policy in the company. This is a set of rules for security behavior in the physical workplace that formalizes and standardizes the company's expectations for all personnel. It, along with other cybersecurity measures (firewall, security software, managed IT services), makes a critical contribution to ensuring IT security throughout the enterprise.

Your Digital App & Software for Cyber Security Management

Performing regular cyber security checks is necessary to keep the organization's systems up to date. Using pen and paper is troublesome for IT teams. This system can sometimes lead to missed inspections due to lack of notification.

A mobile inspection app like Lumiform helps IT teams perform cybersecurity inspections digitally using a smartphone or tablet. Inspections can be easily scheduled and notifications set so that no check is ever missed again. After an inspection, the automatically generated reports can be easily shared with one click. Other advantage of using a mobile app and cyber security checklist:

• Using the flexible form builder, you can convert any custom paper list into a digital cyber security checklist in minutes
• Thanks to readymade templates for cyber security checklists, you can get started digitally quickly and securely right away.
• Using the super intuitive mobile app, you can perform any on-site inspection with your teammates with ease and in a time-saving manner.
• Comprehensive analyses help you uncover safety gaps faster and thus continuously improve measures.