Boost Business Resilience: Mid‑Year Cybersecurity Audit & Compliance Checklist

In today's rapidly evolving threat landscape, a robust cybersecurity posture is essential for business resilience. As a leading cybersecurity company, CBTG recommends a comprehensive mid-year cybersecurity audit and compliance checklist to help organizations proactively identify vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Cyber threats are constantly changing, and mid-year is the ideal time to reassess your security measures, address new risks, and ensure your business remains compliant with industry standards. Regular audits help prevent costly breaches, minimize downtime, and protect your reputation as a trusted cyber security company.

1. Update and Strengthen Passwords

• Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
• Audit all accounts for weak or default credentials.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on critical systems such as Office 365, VPNs, and financial platforms.
• Real-world example: The Colonial Pipeline attack in 2021 was caused by a compromised password—stronger credentials and MFA could have prevented it.

2. Test and Verify Backups

• Perform a full restoration test to confirm backup integrity.
• Ensure backups are encrypted and stored in an air-gapped system.
• Document recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO).
• Lesson learned: Garmin's 2020 ransomware incident highlighted the importance of tested, reliable backups.

3. Conduct Employee Cybersecurity Training

• Use real-world scenarios in training, such as phishing simulations.
• Deploy simulated phishing campaigns to identify vulnerabilities.
• Foster a culture where employees report suspicious activity without fear of reprisal.
• Example: Uber's 2022 breach resulted from a successful social engineering attack—ongoing training is vital.

4. Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection

• Implement real-time monitoring of network traffic, server logs, and user activity.
• Utilize SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems) for comprehensive alerts.
• Keep all monitoring tools updated for maximum effectiveness.

5. Regular Vulnerability Scans and Penetration Testing

• Schedule vulnerability scans to detect and remediate weaknesses before attackers exploit them.
• Conduct penetration tests to assess the effectiveness of security controls.
• Run social engineering tests to evaluate staff awareness and retrain as needed.

6. Review Cyber Insurance and Compliance Requirements

• Ensure multi-factor authentication is implemented across all systems.
• Confirm endpoint detection and response solutions are deployed.
• Maintain a documented incident response plan and test it regularly.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes affecting your industry.

7. Update Operating Systems and Applications

• Enable automatic updates for operating systems and critical applications.
• Regularly patch and update all software to address known vulnerabilities.

8. Audit System Access and Privileges

• Review user access rights and remove unnecessary privileges.
• Conduct background checks on employees and contractors with system access.
• Update IT policies to reflect current best practices.

9. Secure Remote Access and Endpoints

• Require VPN access for all remote work.
• Enforce personal device and mobile device management policies.
• Complete a network security audit within the last six months.

10. Document and Test Disaster Recovery Procedures

• Implement a 3-2-1-1 backup strategy, including air-gapped storage.
• Test disaster recovery procedures and train staff accordingly.
• Ensure all documentation is current and accessible.

A mid-year cybersecurity audit is not just a compliance exercise—it's a strategic move to safeguard your business. As a dedicated cybersecurity company, CBTG can help you implement this checklist, conduct thorough assessments, and provide tailored solutions to keep your organization secure year-round.

Contact CBTG today to schedule your mid-year cybersecurity audit and strengthen your business resilience.