The new year is the perfect time to take an audit of your IT security. Cyber threats don’t take Christmas off; in fact, ransomware attacks increase by around 30% during the holiday period (Darktrace, 2021).
Before you head into 2026, use this IT security audit checklist to identify gaps, fix vulnerabilities, and start the year with confidence.
Why Run an IT Security Audit Now?
Most businesses don’t think about security until something goes wrong. But by then, the damage is done: downtime, data loss, reputational harm, and the cost of recovery.
A security audit helps you:
- Spot vulnerabilities before attackers do
- Ensure your backups actually work
- Check that ex-employees no longer have access
- Verify your systems are patched and up to date
- Meet compliance requirements (GDPR, Cyber Essentials, industry regulations)
The end of the year is ideal timing. You can review what’s changed over the past 12 months and set yourself up properly for the year ahead.
IT Security Audit Checklist
Use this checklist to assess your current security posture. If you’re answering “no” or “not sure” to any of these, that’s your starting point.
Access Control
- Are all user accounts reviewed regularly?
- Have leavers had their access revoked promptly?
- Is multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled on all critical systems?
- Are admin accounts limited to those who genuinely need them?
- Are passwords strong and unique (or managed via a password manager)?
Software & Updates
- Are all operating systems up to date?
- Are all applications patched with the latest security updates?
- Is end-of-life software (e.g. Windows 10 support ending October 2025) identified and scheduled for replacement?
- Are automatic updates enabled where possible?
Backups & Recovery
- Are backups running daily (or more frequently for critical data)?
- Are backups stored offsite or in the cloud, separate from your main network?
- Have you tested restoring from backup in the last 6 months?
- Do you have a documented disaster recovery plan?
Network Security
- Is your firewall configured and regularly reviewed?
- Is your Wi-Fi secured with WPA3 or WPA2 at a minimum?
- Are guest networks separated from your business network?
- Are unused ports and services disabled?
Endpoint Protection
- Is antivirus/anti-malware installed on all devices?
- Are mobile devices (phones, tablets, laptops) secured and encrypted?
- Can lost or stolen devices be remotely wiped?
- Are personal devices (BYOD) subject to a security policy?
Email Security
- Is spam filtering in place and working effectively?
- Are phishing emails being caught – and are staff trained to spot them?
- Is email encryption used for sensitive communications?
- Are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records configured correctly?
Staff Awareness
- Have staff received cybersecurity training in the last 12 months?
- Do staff know how to report a suspected phishing email or breach?
- Is there a clear acceptable use policy for IT systems?
Compliance & Documentation
- Are you compliant with GDPR requirements for data handling?
- Do you hold Cyber Essentials certification (or are you working towards it)?
- Is there documentation of your IT assets, policies, and procedures?
- When was your last formal security review?
What to Do With Your Results
Once you’ve worked through the checklist, you’ll have a clear picture of where the gaps are.
Quick wins to tackle first:
- Revoke access for any former employees immediately
- Enable MFA on email and cloud services
- Test your backups – don’t assume they’re working
- Update any software that’s out of date
For bigger gaps, such as no disaster recovery plan, outdated infrastructure, or compliance concerns, it’s worth getting expert support to prioritise and fix them properly.
Need Help With Your IT Security Audit?
If you’d rather have an expert run through this with you, we’re here to help.
At Amita, we work with businesses across Cheshire and beyond to identify vulnerabilities, strengthen defences, and keep systems running smoothly. Whether you need a one-off security review or ongoing managed IT support, we can help you start 2026 on solid ground.
