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Cybersecurity feels overwhelming for busy small business owners, but you don’t need hours to make real progress. A quick 7-minute check-up can reveal your biggest risks before attackers find them. Small businesses are not too small to target—many lack basic protections, making them easy victims. A few simple steps now can prevent major headaches later.
This checklist walks you through seven yes-or-no questions, each taking under a minute to verify. If you answer “No,” you’ll know exactly what to fix. Set a 7-minute timer and jump in.
Why it matters: Old or unused accounts, especially from former employees; are some of the most overlooked security holes. Attackers actively hunt for these accounts because no one notices strange activity or password resets tied to them. Once inside, they can move through your systems unnoticed, access sensitive data, or launch internal phishing attacks. Regular account reviews ensure that only the right people have access at the right time.
If “No”: Review user accounts on email, devices, and cloud apps. Disable anything no longer needed. Going forward, include account removal in your offboarding process.
Why it matters: MFA is one of the single most effective protections against cyberattacks. Passwords are constantly stolen, guessed, or reused across accounts—attackers count on it. With MFA in place, even a compromised password becomes useless. It drastically reduces your risk of account takeovers, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to business-critical systems.
If “No”: Turn on MFA for email, admin accounts, banking, and other critical systems. Look for “Two-Step Verification” in account settings and use an authenticator app or SMS code.
Why it matters: Cybercriminals often rely on known vulnerabilities—weaknesses that updates would have patched. When updates are overdue, your systems are essentially running with unlocked doors. Exploits for outdated software are widely available on the dark web, making unpatched devices some of the easiest targets. Staying updated dramatically reduces your exposure to ransomware, malware, and unauthorized access.
If “No”: Check for updates on your computer, router, firewall, and other core tools. Enable automatic updates where possible and set a recurring reminder to review updates regularly.
Why it matters: Backups are your safety net when things go wrong—but only if they work. Many businesses discover during a crisis that their backups failed weeks or months earlier. Ransomware is now designed to corrupt backups before it encrypts data, and hardware failures can happen without warning. Testing your backup gives you confidence that you can recover quickly, avoid paying ransoms, and keep your business running.
If “No”: Confirm backups are happening. If you don’t have backups, set them up immediately. Then test by restoring a file. Repeat this test periodically to ensure everything works.
Why it matters: Human error is the #1 cause of breaches, and phishing remains the top way attackers get in. Employees forget training quickly—cybercriminals count on this. Regular reminders help keep suspicious emails top-of-mind so staff think twice before clicking. Ongoing awareness reduces the likelihood of credential theft, malware infections, wire fraud, and business email compromise (BEC).
If “No”: Send a quick phishing refresher or share a recent scam example. Add a monthly (or quarterly) cybersecurity tip to your routine to keep employees alert.
Why it matters: Every business has a few “crown jewels”—systems or data that would cause major harm if compromised. If you don’t know exactly what they are or who has access, it’s easy for permissions to creep, giving too many people unnecessary access. This increases the risk of accidental exposure, misuse, or insider threats. Clear visibility helps you prioritize protection where it matters most.
If “No”: Identify your three most critical systems or data sets. List who has access, confirm permissions, and tighten access where needed. Keep a simple record of who has what.
Why it matters: During a cybersecurity incident, hesitation or confusion can make the damage significantly worse. Ransomware can spread in minutes, and stolen credentials can be used immediately. Knowing exactly who to contact ensures fast action—reducing downtime, containing threats, and preventing costly mistakes. A defined response contact is the difference between controlled recovery and full-on chaos.
If “No”: Identify your breach-response contact (internal IT, MSP, cybersecurity hotline, etc.). Store the number where everyone can find it. Create a simple one-page response plan outlining the first steps.
Repeat this checklist quarterly to catch new risks like forgotten accounts or missed updates.
Assign tasks to employees or your IT provider. Use automation for updates, backups, and phishing training so nothing falls through the cracks.
Any “No” answers become your action items. Prioritize the areas with the highest risk—MFA and backups usually top the list.
If you uncovered multiple gaps, consider a professional assessment from an MSP or security provider. It’s the business equivalent of getting a full physical after a concerning quick check.
You’ve already taken a meaningful step. Cybersecurity is ongoing, but small actions make a big difference. Keep building these habits into your normal business routine.
A 7-minute cybersecurity check-up can save days of downtime and costly recovery work. By addressing these simple questions, you’re strengthening your defenses and reducing your risk. And if you need help or aren’t sure where you stand, TimbukTech is here to assist with deeper assessments and fast-response support. A little prevention goes a long way—great job taking that first step. Stay safe out there!
