If you’re a solopreneur or small business owner, chances are IT providers have already been pitching you, offering expensive cybersecurity packages or complex audits that feel way out of scope for your size. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what’s actually necessary. Every organization has unique needs and different levels of complexity, and that means there’s no one-size-fits-all checklist. For beginners, the challenge is figuring out which guidelines apply to your business. Once you do, you’ve already taken a huge first step towards protecting your business.
The good news is there are three fantastic resources you’re probably already working with who can help point you in the right direction.
Resource 1: Start With Your Legal Obligations
Your first step is to find out what you are required to do. If your business handles health information, payment processing, or sensitive personal data, you’ll need to comply with specific legal regulations. HIPAA, PCI DSS, CCPA and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) are several examples of them. These legal requirements must form your foundational cybersecurity checklist.
Look at what’s mandatory in your industry and from government bodies. These obligations are non-negotiable and should be your starting point.
Resource 2: Check With Your Insurance Provider
If you don’t have clear legal obligations, your next best resource is your business insurance provider. Talk to your agent and ask what cybersecurity standards they recommend or require. Many insurers have checklists or frameworks they want you to follow. Even better, if you can demonstrate that your business is actively reducing your exposure to threats, you can often qualify for better rates.
Insurance is all about minimizing risk. If you can demonstrate that your business follows best practices, you’re not only reducing your exposure to threats, but also lowering your premiums.
Resource 3: Talk to Your Financial Institution
A highly underrated source of cybersecurity guidance is your bank. Banks have a vested interest in your security and often provide free resources, training, and checklists. Reach out and ask your bank what they recommend based on your organization size, your assets, or your industry. You might be surprised at the level of support available to you at no additional cost.
Some banks will even provide regular trainings or lunch and learns for their customers. See if your bank has a mailing list you can sign up for to be alerted when these events are taking place.
Bonus: Ask an Expert
If you’ve read this and you’re still not sure where to start, consider reaching out to a trusted provider who specializes in small business technology consulting. The right advisor can guide you through what makes the most sense for your business and help you build a cybersecurity strategy that fits your needs.
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, you can take meaningful steps to protect your business and sleep a little better at night.