Small Business IT Vulnerability Checklist: Key Questions to Identify Common Weaknesses

Last updated: 2025-11-12

Use these practical questions to spot weak points in your company’s technology, data, and processes. They can help you build your own IT vulnerability checklist and strengthen your cyber and operational resilience.

Technology and Systems

  • Do you use any technologies or systems with known security vulnerabilities?
  • Are you still running outdated or unsupported software or hardware?
  • Are your systems, applications, and devices properly configured and secured?
  • Is your software regularly updated and patched to the latest versions?
  • Have you chosen the right technology for your business needs and security requirements?

Employee Access and Permissions

  • Is access to systems coordinated between HR and IT when new employees join?
  • Are user accounts and access rights properly removed when employees leave?
  • Can former employees still access your data, apps, or network after offboarding?
  • Do employees have access to data they shouldn’t see?
  • Do your people understand basic information-security habits, like using strong passwords or locking devices?

Backup and Recovery

  • Do you have regular and verified backups of critical data?
  • Do you have a tested recovery plan in case of a system failure or disaster?
  • Can your business continue to operate if key systems go down?

Physical and Network Security

  • Is your server room or IT equipment protected against unauthorized physical access?
  • Is your office Wi-Fi network properly secured for both employees and guests?
  • Can former employees or contractors still access your network remotely?

IT Management and Maintenance

  • Do you have qualified IT specialists to manage your systems securely?
  • Are maintenance and updates for IT assets part of a defined process?
  • Do your employees know and follow your IT and security policies?
  • Does your company have an established information security policy?