BYTE-TALK.COM
Weekend Security Checklist
Small Business Protection Plan for 2026
How to use this checklist: Tackle one section per day over two weekends. Check off items as you complete them. High-priority items (red border) should be addressed first. Keep this checklist handy and review quarterly.
High Priority
Medium Priority
Low Priority
Saturday Morning 3-4 hours
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) FREE
Turn on MFA for: email, banking, accounting software, social media, payment processors, and any other business accounts. Use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator.
Change All Default Passwords FREE
Update passwords on: router, security cameras, IoT devices, POS systems. Use strong, unique passwords (minimum 12 characters with numbers, symbols, upper/lowercase letters).
Set Up Automated Backups FREE-$10/mo
Configure automatic backups for critical data. Store offline copies or in a separate cloud account. Test restore process to ensure backups work.
Create AI Use Policy FREE
Document which AI tools are approved, what data cannot be shared, and require human review for all AI-generated client-facing content.
Conduct Property Inspection FREE
Walk through facility checking: roof condition, drainage, HVAC, plumbing, electrical panels, fire extinguishers. Document issues with photos.
Saturday Afternoon 2-3 hours
Create Incident Response Checklist FREE
Document: who to call first, immediate steps to take, customer communication plan, vendor contact list, insurance information.
Establish Financial Verification Protocols FREE
Require callback verification for wire transfers, dual approval for new vendor accounts, code words for urgent requests. Document these procedures.
Audit Vendor Access FREE
Create complete vendor inventory. Document what data each vendor accesses. Revoke unnecessary permissions. Review vendor security policies.
Install Leak Sensors $20-50 each
Place water leak sensors near water heaters, under sinks, near HVAC units, and in basement/storage areas. Connect to smartphone alerts if possible.
Update Privacy Policies FREE
Review website privacy policy, cookie notices, data collection forms. Add biometric consent language if needed. Post required notices.
Sunday Morning 2-3 hours
Review Insurance Coverage $300-1000/yr
Check: cyber liability, professional liability (E&O), commercial property, business interruption, commercial umbrella. Get quotes for gaps in coverage.
Test Backup Systems FREE
Actually restore a file from backup to verify it works. Test recovery time. Confirm backup includes all critical data.
Create Maintenance Schedule FREE
Set calendar reminders for: HVAC filter changes, equipment inspections, roof checks, fire extinguisher tests, security system tests.
Document Critical Systems FREE
List all critical systems with access credentials, vendor contacts, service agreements, and recovery procedures. Store securely offline.
Assemble Emergency Kit $50-100
Include: flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, first aid kit, emergency contact lists, copies of important documents, backup keys.
Sunday Afternoon 1-2 hours
Schedule Security Training FREE-$50
Set up quarterly 15-minute team training sessions. Topics: phishing identification, password security, deepfake awareness, incident reporting.
Update Client Contracts FREE
Add language about: AI tool use, data handling, liability limitations, privacy protections. Consider legal review for important changes.
Conduct Safety Audit FREE
Check: trip hazards, fire exits clear, proper lighting, security cameras functional, first aid supplies stocked, emergency plans posted.
Set Up Security Alerts FREE
Enable: unusual login notifications, failed login attempts, vendor breach alerts, credit monitoring, Google alerts for your business name.
Ongoing / Quarterly Tasks
Quarterly Security Reviews (Every 3 Months)
Review: access permissions, vendor security, insurance coverage, AI use policies, incident response procedures, backup tests.
Monthly Safety Refreshers
5-minute team huddles covering: current threats, security best practices, procedure updates, incident lessons learned.
Annual Insurance Review
Reassess coverage needs based on business growth, new threats, regulatory changes. Shop quotes from multiple providers.
📝 Implementation Notes & Priorities
Use this space to track your specific priorities, deadlines, and vendor contacts: