Start the Year Secure: A Simple Cybersecurity Checklist for Business Owners

The start of a new year is a great time to hit “reset”, not just for your business goals, but for your digital security, too. Cyber threats continue to grow, and many small to mid-sized businesses are more vulnerable than they realize. Taking proactive steps in January can protect your systems, your employees, and your reputation for the rest of the year.

Here’s a practical cybersecurity checklist to help you start 2026 strong, along with insights on how PCS can help you put these best practices in place.

1. Review All User Accounts and Permissions

Begin the year by auditing all user accounts tied to your business systems and software. In many cases, former employees still have active logins or employees are granted more access than necessary. This increases the risk of both accidental and intentional data breaches.

Focus on:

• Disabling accounts for former staff
• Reviewing admin privileges and removing unnecessary access
• Checking third-party apps or integrations with elevated permissions

PCS can help you run a full user access audit and implement stronger identity management protocols to better control who can access what in your environment.

2. Reset Password Policies and Use a Password Manager

Weak, reused, or shared passwords remain one of the biggest security risks for businesses. If your team hasn’t updated their passwords in a while or if you don’t have a formal password policy, now’s the time to fix that.

We recommend the following steps:

• Require strong passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
• Avoid using personal information or common phrases
• Set passwords to expire every 60–90 days
• Eliminate sticky notes and spreadsheets by implementing a password manager like LastPass for Business

PCS provides setup and training for password managers and can guide you in creating practical, enforceable password policies across your organization.

3. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

If your business isn’t using two-factor authentication (2FA), your systems are more vulnerable than they need to be. 2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity through a secondary method, such as a mobile app or SMS code.

It should be enabled on:

• Business email accounts
• Financial and payroll platforms
• Cloud tools like Microsoft 365, Dropbox, and QuickBooks
• Any system that stores sensitive customer or employee data

PCS can assist in implementing 2FA across your organization, helping to reduce the chances of unauthorized access even if a password is stolen.

4. Update and Patch All Devices and Software

Outdated software is one of the most common ways hackers gain access to business systems. When you delay updates, you’re missing critical security patches that fix known vulnerabilities.

Make sure to:

• Apply updates to all operating systems, applications, and security tools
• Check for firmware updates on routers, firewalls, and other network equipment
• Create a schedule for regular patch management

If this feels overwhelming, PCS offers managed services that handle updates and security patching behind the scenes so you can focus on running your business.

5. Back Up Your Data

Data loss can happen due to hardware failure, human error, or cyberattacks like ransomware. A reliable backup solution is your safety net. It ensures you can recover important files, applications, and systems quickly if something goes wrong.

Your backup plan should include:

• Regular, automated backups of critical systems and files
• Off-site or cloud storage for redundancy
• Encryption for data protection
• Periodic testing to confirm backups are working correctly

If you’re unsure whether your current backup setup is reliable, here’s why proactive IT planning matters and why PCS offers full backup and disaster recovery services to keep your data safe.

6. Provide Employee Security Awareness Training

Your employees play a major role in protecting your business. Many cyberattacks begin with a phishing email, fake link, or malicious attachment that someone unknowingly clicks. Starting the year with a quick security refresher can prevent mistakes and build smarter digital habits.

Your training should cover:

• How to spot phishing emails
• Safe internet browsing practices
• How to report suspicious activity
• Why password and 2FA policies matter

Need help? PCS offers customized employee training programs. Check out these phishing prevention tips to get started.

7. Schedule a Security Checkup with PCS

Every business has different needs when it comes to cybersecurity. PCS offers personalized IT assessments and recommendations based on your systems, goals, and industry requirements.

Our security support includes:

• LastPass business setup and password management
• Device patching and update automation
• Cybersecurity awareness training
• Data backup and recovery
• VOIP Phone Systems
• Endpoint protection, firewall configuration, and threat monitoring

If you don’t have a plan in place for 2026, now is the time to get one.

What Are the Risks If You Don’t Act?

Ignoring cybersecurity best practices can lead to serious consequences for your business, especially in today’s threat landscape, where cybercriminals increasingly target small and mid-sized companies. Many business owners believe they’re “too small” to be targeted, but that’s exactly what makes them appealing: fewer defenses, fewer resources, and often, outdated systems.

Here are some of the most common risks businesses face:

• Data breaches that expose sensitive customer or employee information
• Ransomware attacks that lock you out of your own systems
• Downtime and lost productivity due to system failure or infection
• Regulatory fines and legal consequences from non-compliance
• Loss of customer trust and damage to your business reputation
• Financial losses from fraud, theft, or recovery efforts

Taking action now, even with small changes, can drastically reduce your risk and keep your business running smoothly.

Get Ahead of Cyber Threats in 2026

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. Starting the year with a solid plan can save your business from costly breaches, downtime, and data loss.

Let PCS help you check all the right boxes. Contact us today to schedule your cybersecurity assessment and start the year secure.

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PCS

At PCS, our team consists of seasoned professionals dedicated to exploring the latest trends, tools, and strategies in the IT landscape. As a Managed Services Provider and IT Consulting Firm specializing in client retention, serving small to mid-sized businesses of all industries, we aim to empower businesses and individuals with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of today's tech environment.

Join us as we delve into topics ranging from cybersecurity and cloud computing to software development and IT support, helping you stay informed and ahead in the digital age.

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