Cybersecurity Readiness Plan
Cyberattacks are no longer rare events that only large corporations face. Small and midsize businesses are often prime targets, and the impact of a single incident can be devastating. A cybersecurity readiness plan is your blueprint for defending against threats, minimizing risks, and ensuring your business can recover quickly if an attack occurs. At PCG IT, we help businesses build resilience into their operations with proactive security strategies.
Start with a Security Assessment
The first step is to understand your current security posture. This means taking inventory of your hardware, software, and data systems and identifying where vulnerabilities may exist. Many organizations are surprised to find outdated applications, poor password practices, or devices without proper protection. A professional vulnerability assessment or penetration test can uncover hidden risks and give you a clear picture of where improvements are needed.
Define Responsibilities and Governance
Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue—it requires buy-in across the organization. Assign clear responsibility for overseeing security, whether that’s a dedicated IT leader, a managed service provider, or a combination of both. Just as importantly, educate employees about their role in protecting sensitive data and following company policies. When everyone knows their responsibilities, your readiness plan is stronger and easier to maintain.
Build Layers of Protection
Effective security relies on multiple safeguards working together. This includes strong identity and access management, firewalls, network monitoring, and up-to-date antivirus protection. Regular patching and system updates are also critical to closing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Data encryption—both at rest and in transit—adds another layer of protection, especially for sensitive business or customer information. By combining these defenses, you reduce the chances of a single point of failure.
Prepare for Incident Response
Even with strong defenses, it’s important to plan for the possibility of a breach. An incident response plan should outline what steps to take if an attack occurs, who to notify, and how to contain and recover from the event. Backups are essential here—regularly tested and stored securely offsite or in the cloud so you can restore data quickly. Running practice drills or tabletop exercises helps ensure your team knows exactly what to do in a crisis.
Create a Culture of Awareness
Technology alone cannot stop every threat. Many cyberattacks succeed because of human error, such as clicking a malicious link or falling for a phishing scam. Training employees on how to recognize and report suspicious activity is a critical piece of your readiness plan. By fostering a culture where security is part of everyday behavior, you greatly reduce the likelihood of mistakes that put your business at risk.
Partner with PCG IT
Building a cybersecurity readiness plan is not a one-time project—it’s an ongoing process that must evolve with the threat landscape. At PCG IT, we help businesses assess their risks, strengthen defenses, and prepare effective response strategies. From managed monitoring to employee training, our team is here to ensure your business stays secure, connected, and ready for whatever comes next.
PCG IT is a managed service provider who has been proudly serving New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts for decades. We provide complete technology solutions to local small and medium-sized businesses. It’s always been our goal to provide enterprise-level IT solutions to the small business sector at competitive prices. Schedule a complimentary technology assessment today!
