Free Cyber Security Compliance Checklist

1. Compliance Overview

Objective: Ensure that [YOUR COMPANY NAME] complies with all relevant cyber security standards and best practices to protect sensitive information and mitigate cyber threats.

Responsible Party: [YOUR COMPANY NAME], [YOUR DEPARTMENT]

Date of Last Review: [DATE]

Next Scheduled Review: [DATE]

2. Access Control

A. User Access Management

• Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict unauthorized access.

• Regularly review and update user access permissions based on job roles.

• Enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

B. Privileged Access

• Limit access to critical systems and data to authorized personnel only.

• Monitor and audit privileged user activities for suspicious behavior.

• Implement least privilege principle to minimize the risk of insider threats.

3. Network Security

A. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

• Deploy firewalls to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic.

• Implement IDS/IPS to detect and prevent malicious activities on the network.

• Regularly update firewall and IDS/IPS rules to address emerging threats.

B. Secure Configuration

• Configure network devices, such as routers and switches, with secure settings.

• Disable unnecessary services and ports to reduce the attack surface.

• Conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests to identify and address security gaps.

4. Data Protection

A. Data Encryption

• Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest using strong encryption algorithms.

• Implement encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS for secure communication channels.

• Securely manage encryption keys and certificates to prevent unauthorized access.

B. Data Backup and Recovery

• Regularly back up critical data and systems to secure and offsite locations.

• Test data backup and recovery procedures to ensure data integrity and availability.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive data retention policy.

C. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

• Deploy DLP solutions to monitor and prevent unauthorized data exfiltration.

• Define and enforce policies to classify and protect sensitive data.

• Monitor and analyze data access and usage patterns for suspicious activities.

5. Infrastructure Audit

A. Hardware Inventory

• Maintain an inventory of all hardware assets, including servers, routers, and endpoints.

• Conduct regular audits to verify the presence and integrity of hardware assets.

• Update hardware inventory records to reflect changes in the infrastructure.

B. Software Inventory

• Maintain an inventory of all software applications and versions deployed in the infrastructure.

• Conduct regular audits to identify unauthorized or unapproved software installations.

• Ensure that software licenses are valid and up-to-date.

6. Security Awareness Training

A. Employee Training

• Provide cyber security awareness training to all employees.

• Educate employees about common cyber threats, phishing attacks, and social engineering tactics.

• Conduct periodic security awareness assessments and simulations.

B. Incident Response Training

• Train employees on how to recognize and report security incidents promptly.

• Establish incident response procedures and protocols for handling security breaches.

• Conduct regular drills and exercises to test incident response readiness.

7. Regulatory Compliance

Compliance Assessment

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS).

• Conduct regular compliance assessments and audits to identify gaps and ensure adherence.

• Maintain documentation of compliance efforts and remediation actions.

8. Signature

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand the contents of this Cyber Security Compliance Checklist.

[YOUR NAME]

[YOUR COMPANY NAME]

[YOUR COMPANY ADDRESS]

Date: [DATE]

Compliance Templates @ Template.net