General IT Security Checklist

1. Network Security

Implement and maintain firewalls

Regularly update and patch network devices

Segment networks and implement VLANs

Use intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)

Implement secure Wi-Fi practices (WPA3, guest network isolation)

Regularly conduct network vulnerability scans

Implement and maintain VPN for remote access

Monitor network traffic for anomalies

Secure DNS infrastructure (use DNSSEC)

Implement network access control (NAC)

2. Endpoint Security

Install and maintain up-to-date antivirus/anti-malware software

Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions

Regularly patch and update operating systems and applications

Enable and configure host-based firewalls

Implement disk encryption for laptops and mobile devices

Disable autorun/autoplay features

Implement application whitelisting

Configure secure boot and trusted boot mechanisms

Implement mobile device management (MDM) for company devices

Regularly conduct vulnerability assessments on endpoints

3. Access Control and Identity Management

Implement strong password policies

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts

Implement role-based access control (RBAC)

Regularly review and audit user access rights

Implement single sign-on (SSO) where appropriate

Use privileged access management (PAM) solutions

Implement and maintain an identity and access management (IAM) system

Enforce principle of least privilege

Implement and maintain a formal user onboarding/offboarding process

Regularly conduct access reviews and remove unnecessary privileges

4. Data Protection and Privacy

Classify data based on sensitivity and importance

Implement data loss prevention (DLP) solutions

Use encryption for data at rest and in transit

Implement secure file sharing and collaboration tools

Regularly backup critical data and test restoration processes

Implement data retention and destruction policies

Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)

Implement database security measures (e.g., encryption, access controls)

Use secure protocols for data transmission (e.g., HTTPS, SFTP)

Implement and maintain data masking for sensitive information in non-production environments

5. Application and Software Security

Implement a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC)

Conduct regular security testing (e.g., penetration testing, code reviews)

Keep all software and applications up-to-date with security patches

Implement web application firewalls (WAF)

Use secure coding practices and train developers in security

Implement proper error handling and logging

Conduct regular vulnerability assessments of applications

Implement strong authentication and session management in applications

Use reputable and verified third-party libraries and components

Implement secure API practices (e.g., rate limiting, authentication)

6. Cloud Security

Implement strong access controls for cloud services

Use encryption for data stored in the cloud

Regularly review and audit cloud security configurations

Implement cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools

Use cloud access security brokers (CASB) for monitoring and policy enforcement

Implement secure baseline configurations for cloud resources

Regularly backup cloud-hosted data and applications

Implement and maintain incident response plans for cloud environments

Use multi-factor authentication for all cloud service accounts

Implement proper network segmentation in cloud environments

7. Physical Security

Implement and maintain physical access controls to facilities

Use surveillance cameras and monitoring systems

Secure server rooms and network closets

Implement visitor management procedures

Secure disposal of physical assets (e.g., hard drives, documents)

Implement and maintain an asset inventory system

Use environmental controls (e.g., fire suppression, temperature control)

Implement clean desk and clear screen policies

Provide secure storage for sensitive physical documents

Regularly test and maintain physical security systems

8. Incident Response and Disaster Recovery

Develop and maintain an incident response plan

Conduct regular incident response drills and tabletop exercises

Implement and maintain a security information and event management (SIEM) system

Establish an incident response team with clearly defined roles

Develop and maintain a business continuity plan

Regularly test backup and recovery procedures

Implement automated alert systems for security incidents

Establish relationships with external incident response resources

Develop a communication plan for security incidents

Regularly review and update incident response and disaster recovery plans

9. Compliance and Auditing

Identify and document applicable compliance requirements

Conduct regular internal security audits

Maintain documentation for compliance and audit purposes

Implement and maintain a governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) program

Regularly review and update security policies and procedures

Conduct third-party security assessments and penetration tests

Implement and maintain a risk management program

Ensure proper logging and monitoring for compliance purposes

Stay informed about changes in relevant regulations and standards

Implement and maintain a vendor risk management program

10. Security Awareness and Training

Develop and implement a comprehensive security awareness training program

Conduct regular phishing simulations and social engineering tests

Provide role-specific security training (e.g., for developers, administrators)

Maintain an internal knowledge base of security best practices

Regularly communicate security updates and alerts to employees

Implement a security champion program within the organization

Conduct new employee security orientation

Provide ongoing security education through various channels (e.g., newsletters, workshops)

Measure and track the effectiveness of security awareness programs

Foster a culture of security within the organization