Where a single weak password or failure to update a router can compromise an organization’s entire database, “hoping for the best” will not work as an effective cybersecurity tactic anymore. Regardless of whether you manage a local area network as a small business owner or try to ensure the protection of personal information in your home, cybersecurity requires a strategic plan of action. Threats do not only come from outside large enterprises – they seek out the easiest possible way to get to your information.
The Cybersecurity Audit Checklist is the tool to identify those ways and make sure that your systems are completely prepared for any attack. It is a meticulous checkup of all your hardware, software, and habits that guarantees that you have done everything to prevent any intrusion. No matter whether it is about securing a mobile phone, a laptop computer, or even a company’s central server, every electronic device must be considered a potential channel for cyberattack.
What is a Cybersecurity Audit Checklist?
A cybersecurity audit checklist is a document used for evaluating the state of cybersecurity within an IT infrastructure. In contrast to a regular “to do” list, an audit checks whether your existing configurations meet best industry practices (e.g., CIS, NIST).
Three key functions: Asset identification, Current defenses evaluation, and Remediation.
Phase 1: Individual Device Audit
1. Full Disk Encryption
[ ] Is BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (Mac) encryption activated and operational?
2. Automatic Updates
[ ] Are updates applied automatically within 24 hours to the operating system?
3. Antivirus Protection
[ ] Does your computer have a reputable antivirus installed and up-to-date?
4. Firewall Activation
[ ] Is the computer’s firewall turned on to filter traffic?
5. User Account Control (UAC)
[ ] Is UAC activation ensured to restrict unauthorized actions?
6. Non-Administrative Account
[ ] Is a standard user account being utilized instead of an admin account?
7. Strong Password Policy
[ ] Do you have a password that is sufficiently strong (8-12+ characters long and varied)?
8. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
[ ] Is MFA turned on for critical accounts such as banking and email?
9. Screen Locking
[ ] Does the screen lock after inactivity (5-10 minutes)?
10. Biometric Verification Enabled
[ ] Is FaceID, TouchID, or fingerprint activated for authentication?
11. Application Permissions
[ ] Are unnecessary privileges removed from applications?
12. Removal of Unnecessary Programs
[ ] Have unnecessary applications been deleted?
13. Secure Browsing
[ ] Is the browser version up-to-date and clean?
14. Email Protection
[ ] Do you not open suspicious email attachments or hyperlinks?
15. Backup Strategy
[ ] Is data backed up routinely?
16. External Device Safety
[ ] Do you stay away from unknown USB or external drives?
17. Device Tracking Functionality
[ ] Is “Find My Device” or other tracking functionality enabled?
18. Wi-Fi Usage Security
[ ] Do you refrain from using public Wi-Fi or utilize a virtual private network (VPN)?
19. System Log Review
[ ] Do you review system logs for any abnormal logins or activities?
20. Data Classification
[ ] Do you correctly classify and protect sensitive data?
21. Software Updates
[ ] Do you update software applications consistently?
22. Safe File Sharing
[ ] Do you share files solely via trustworthy sources?
23. Email Settings
[ ] Do you have spam filter and phishing protection enabled?
24. Auto-Login Disablement
[ ] Have you disabled auto-login within critical applications and systems?
25. Bluetooth Safety
[ ] Is Bluetooth inactive when not needed?
26. Clipboard Protection
[ ] Do you minimize clipboard usage for sensitive information?
27. Remote Access Restrictions
[ ] Are remote desktop or access capabilities deactivated when unnecessary?
28. Safe Cloud Syncing
[ ] Are your cloud storage providers using encryption and multifactor authentication (MFA)?
29. Password Manager Utilization
[ ] Do you utilize a safe password manager for credential storage?
30. Device Performance Monitoring
[ ] Do you keep track of abnormal device performance, overheating, or unidentified processes?
Phase 2: Local Area Network (LAN) and Router Audit
Your router is the “Front Door” of your digital home. A proper cybersecurity audit ensures it is fully secure.
1. Router Firmware Update
[ ] Ensure that router firmware is updated to guard from new attacks.
2. WPS Disablement
[ ] Your cyber security audit needs to include confirmation that WPS function is disabled.
3. WPA3 or WPA2-AES Encryption
[ ] Your cyber security audit must confirm use of WPA3 or at least WPA2-AES.
4. Change Default Router Credentials
[ ] Changing default admin credentials is necessary for your cyber security audit.
5. Wi-Fi Password
[ ] Make sure that password is secure and strong.
6. Segmentation
[ ] Cyber security audit will need to confirm IoT devices are segmented into a guest network.
7. Disable Remote Access Management
[ ] Your cyber security audit must confirm that remote management feature is off.
8. Firewall Enablement
[ ] Checking router firewall setting during cyber security audit will be required.
9. SSID Name Change
[ ] Confirmation that default SSID name was changed will be included in cyber security audit.
10. Hiding SSID (Optional)
[ ] Hiding SSID during cyber security audit is a recommended step.
11. Connected Device Check
[ ] Cyber security audit should consist of looking for unknown devices within your network.
12. MAC Address Filtering
[ ] You may consider implementing MAC address filtering during cyber security audit.
13. Disable UPnP
[ ] You need to disable Universal Plug and Play during your cyber security audit to block unwanted ports.
14. Port Forwarding Check
[ ] It is vital to get rid of unnecessary port forwarding during the cyber security audit.
15. DNS Server Security
[ ] Use a secure DNS server such as Google or Cloudflare during cyber security audit.
16. Use of Virtual Private Networks
[ ] Verify your connection using a virtual private network during cyber security audit.
17. Separation of Bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
[ ] You might perform separation of bands for better protection and management during cyber security audit.
18. Use of Guest Network
[ ] Ensure that the guest network is enabled during cyber security audit.
19. Router Location
[ ] Check whether your router is centrally located during cyber security audit to prevent signal leakage.
20. Disabling Unused Services
[ ] You need to ensure that no unused services are running on your device.
21. Log Monitoring
[ ] In performing the cyber security audit, inspect router logs for any irregularities.
22. Intrusion Detection (if available)
[ ] Activate router’s IDS and IPS functions in conducting cyber security audit.
23. Automatic Firmware Upgrades
[ ] Ensure that the router has its auto-update feature activated through cyber security audit.
24. Access Control by Time
[ ] Configure access by time during the cyber security audit process.
25. Administrator Login HTTPS
[ ] The cyber security audit must make sure the admin login is secured with HTTPS protocol.
26. Deny Ping Requests on WAN
[ ] The cyber security audit will have to see to it that router ignores ping requests from WAN.
27. IPv6 Security Evaluation
[ ] Make sure IPv6 security parameters are intact during the cyber security audit.
28. Save Configuration File
[ ] As part of the cyber security audit, backup your security configuration files.
29. ISP Default Configuration Parameters
[ ] Ensure all default ISP configuration settings have been adjusted through cyber security audit.
30. Quarterly Cybersecurity Audit
[ ] Schedule a cyber security audit every three to six months.
Phase 3: Internet and Cloud Security Audit
Verify how your information connects with the World Wide Web. A proper cybersecurity audit ensures your cloud and online activities are fully secure.
1. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
[ ] Your cyber security audit should be done to ensure that MFA (not SMS) authentication is used on all cloud accounts.
2. Strong Cloud Passwords
[ ] The cyber security audit should make sure that strong passwords are used on all accounts online.
3. Access Control Settings
[ ] Make sure the cyber security audit finds that the files on Google Drive/Dropbox are set to “Private.”
4. Sharing Link Verification
[ ] The cyber security audit should ensure there are no unneeded sharing links left on the files.
5. Browser Security Audit
[ ] Your browser needs an audit of security to remove harmful and unnecessary browser extensions.
6. Updated Web Browsers
[ ] Your cyber security audit should find that your browser is up to date.
7. Website Security
[ ] Your cyber security audit should ensure that HTTPS is used on all sites visited.
8. Phishing Emails
[ ] Your cyber security audit needs phishing awareness and detection filters for emails.
9. Backup Encrypted
[ ] Your cyber security audit should ensure that cloud backup is encrypted.
10. Offline Backup of Files
[ ] Your cyber security audit should ensure that you have cold backups.
11. Account Activity Monitoring
[ ] Login activity analysis must be performed during cybersecurity audit.
12. Proper Logout Procedures on Shared Devices
[ ] Proper logout must be ensured during cyber security audit.
13. Safe Email Settings
[ ] Spam filters must be enabled during cybersecurity audit.
14. Password Manager Utilization
[ ] Password manager must be used according to the findings of cybersecurity audit.
15. Third-Party App Permissions
[ ] Cybersecurity audit should check permissions provided to third-party apps.
16. Data Syncing Options
[ ] Only important data must be synced during cybersecurity audit.
17. No Saving Passwords in Browsers
[ ] Sensitive passwords should not be saved in browser during cybersecurity audit.
18. Cloud Storage Usage Review
[ ] Check if any unused space or files can be removed during cybersecurity audit.
19. Safe File Sharing Sites
[ ] Use safe file-sharing sites as recommended during cybersecurity audit.
20. Limited Access via Devices
[ ] Only secure devices must have access during cybersecurity audit.
21. Geo-Location Warnings
[ ] Activate login warnings during cybersecurity audit for geo-locations.
22. Inactive Session Configuration
[ ] The cybersecurity audit should include session expiration after inactivity.
23. Double Authentication Software
[ ] Use software such as Google Authenticator for two-step verification during cybersecurity audit instead of SMS.
24. Darknet Search
[ ] Include your information check on darknets in cybersecurity audit.
25. DNS Security Practices
[ ] Utilize secure DNS services as confirmed during cybersecurity audit.
26. Eliminate Unused Accounts
[ ] Conducting a cybersecurity audit includes eliminating unused accounts.
27. Safe Browser Mode
[ ] Use safe browsing or sandbox mode during cybersecurity audit.
28. Data Recovery with Backup Versions
[ ] Verify file version history recovery from ransomware attacks during cybersecurity audit.
29. End-to-end Encryption
[ ] Ensure encryption in transit during cybersecurity audit.
30. Periodic Cloud Cybersecurity Audit
[ ] Schedule cybersecurity audits at least 3 to 6 months apart to ensure cloud security.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How frequently should I conduct a cybersecurity audit?
It is recommended that you conduct an audit of your cybersecurity measures at least once every six months or whenever you get a new gadget or software installed, as well as when you notice any oddities regarding the usage of your accounts and computers.
2. Is free antivirus enough?
A free antivirus will provide basic protection against malware attacks but might not be enough for detecting any sophisticated cyber threats. Auditing guarantees that your antivirus works properly.
3. What is Shadow IT?
This term designates the practice of using unapproved applications, gadgets, and software. The use of such unauthorized means can result in exposing critical information and introducing new security risks into your life.
4. Do I have to hide my SSID?
No, hiding it won’t make your network safe from hackers because they will be able to detect your SSID anyway. WPA3 encryption and a robust password will keep your Wi-Fi secure.
5. Explain Zero Trust.
It is one of the approaches to network security implying the rejection of automatic trust towards all the devices and users trying to gain access to your resources.
6. Is a VPN helpful for an audit?
Yes, it will be helpful since a Virtual Private Network will encrypt your online activity. Therefore, when conducting audits, a virtual private network will ensure a secure connection between your device and the internet.
7. Can I audit my smartphone?
Yes, you need to conduct regular audits of your smartphones by examining your app permissions, removing any unused app features, and deleting all suspicious applications.
8. Why should I turn off UPnP?
It will protect you from being attacked because the UPnP protocol enables devices to open specific ports. Turning it off will block any unauthorized access to your device.
9. What is an air-gapped device?
It is a computer that is isolated from all kinds of networks and even does not have connections to the internet. As such, it offers very high protection.
10. How do I know if I’ve had a data breach?
Have I Been Pwned website allows one to enter their email address and find out if there are any data breaches in which their email was compromised.
11. Are IoT devices dangerous?
IoT devices may often have weak security systems, making them prone to being hacked by criminals. Having such devices connected to a guest network will make you safe from threats posed to other devices.
12. What is a Pentest?
Pentest refers to a practice involving simulated cyberattacks, which help detect flaws in the security infrastructure of your company to prevent hackers from exploiting it.
13. Is Ethernet safer than Wi-Fi?
Ethernet technology is more secure because accessing it requires physical presence, and, unlike Wi-Fi, it is not prone to hacking.
14. Should I use a Master Password?
Using a master password is essential because it makes your password manager safe and prevents it from being cracked.
15. What is EOL software?
EOL stands for End-Of-Life software, which is not maintained anymore. Running EOL software makes you prone to cyberattacks.
16. Can I use Excel for an audit?
Yes, using a spreadsheet will help you keep track of the devices, software, and other things that need attention during the audit process.
17. What is MAC filtering?
MAC filtering restricts access to the network based on the unique physical address of the device. MAC filtering provides additional security but must be used along with strong passwords.
18. Can 2FA prevent hacking?
Using two-factor authentication will enhance your security considerably and prevent many automated hacks. Nonetheless, it is not entirely immune to attacks and must be supplemented by other security measures.
19. Why conduct backup auditing?
Conducting audit of backups assures that all the information you have backed up is accessible, uncorrupted, and complete. This way, you are assured of recovering your vital information.
20. Is this just for businesses?
No. Individuals need to undergo cybersecurity audits too. With the increasing number of cybercrimes, cybersecurity audits are necessary even for individuals.
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