Free Cyber Security Compliance Checklist Template
Cyber Security Compliance Checklist
1. Compliance Overview
Objective: Ensure that [YOUR COMPANY NAME] complies with all relevant cyber security standards and best practices to protect sensitive information and mitigate cyber threats.
Responsible Party: [YOUR COMPANY NAME], [YOUR DEPARTMENT]
Date of Last Review: [DATE]
Next Scheduled Review: [DATE]
2. Access Control
A. User Access Management
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Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict unauthorized access.
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Regularly review and update user access permissions based on job roles.
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Enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
B. Privileged Access
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Limit access to critical systems and data to authorized personnel only.
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Monitor and audit privileged user activities for suspicious behavior.
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Implement least privilege principle to minimize the risk of insider threats.
3. Network Security
A. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
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Deploy firewalls to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic.
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Implement IDS/IPS to detect and prevent malicious activities on the network.
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Regularly update firewall and IDS/IPS rules to address emerging threats.
B. Secure Configuration
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Configure network devices, such as routers and switches, with secure settings.
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Disable unnecessary services and ports to reduce the attack surface.
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Conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests to identify and address security gaps.
4. Data Protection
A. Data Encryption
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Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest using strong encryption algorithms.
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Implement encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS for secure communication channels.
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Securely manage encryption keys and certificates to prevent unauthorized access.
B. Data Backup and Recovery
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Regularly back up critical data and systems to secure and offsite locations.
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Test data backup and recovery procedures to ensure data integrity and availability.
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Develop and maintain a comprehensive data retention policy.
C. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
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Deploy DLP solutions to monitor and prevent unauthorized data exfiltration.
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Define and enforce policies to classify and protect sensitive data.
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Monitor and analyze data access and usage patterns for suspicious activities.
5. Infrastructure Audit
A. Hardware Inventory
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Maintain an inventory of all hardware assets, including servers, routers, and endpoints.
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Conduct regular audits to verify the presence and integrity of hardware assets.
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Update hardware inventory records to reflect changes in the infrastructure.
B. Software Inventory
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Maintain an inventory of all software applications and versions deployed in the infrastructure.
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Conduct regular audits to identify unauthorized or unapproved software installations.
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Ensure that software licenses are valid and up-to-date.
6. Security Awareness Training
A. Employee Training
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Provide cyber security awareness training to all employees.
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Educate employees about common cyber threats, phishing attacks, and social engineering tactics.
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Conduct periodic security awareness assessments and simulations.
B. Incident Response Training
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Train employees on how to recognize and report security incidents promptly.
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Establish incident response procedures and protocols for handling security breaches.
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Conduct regular drills and exercises to test incident response readiness.
7. Regulatory Compliance
Compliance Assessment
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Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS).
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Conduct regular compliance assessments and audits to identify gaps and ensure adherence.
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Maintain documentation of compliance efforts and remediation actions.
8. Signature
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand the contents of this Cyber Security Compliance Checklist.
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR COMPANY NAME]
[YOUR COMPANY ADDRESS]
Date: [DATE]