IT Security Assessment Checklist [Free Template]

Regular IT security assessments are critical for identifying vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. This comprehensive guide provides a complete security assessment checklist covering network security, access controls, data protection, and compliance—everything you need to evaluate your organization's security posture.

Why IT Security Assessments Matter

The Security Assessment Challenge:

60% of small businesses close within 6 months of a cyber attack
Average cost of a data breach: $4.45 million
Security threats evolve constantly
Compliance requirements mandate regular assessments
Insurance providers require security documentation

Benefits of Regular Assessments:

Identify vulnerabilities before exploitation
Demonstrate due diligence for compliance
Prioritize security investments
Benchmark security improvements
Meet insurance requirements
Support risk management decisions

Complete IT Security Assessment Checklist

1. Network Security

Firewall Configuration:

[ ] Firewall installed and properly configured
[ ] Default deny policy implemented
[ ] Rules regularly reviewed and updated
[ ] Logging enabled and monitored
[ ] Change management process for rule changes
[ ] Redundant firewalls for critical systems

Network Segmentation:

[ ] Network segmented by function and sensitivity
[ ] DMZ for public-facing systems
[ ] Separate guest network
[ ] VLAN configuration for department isolation
[ ] Critical systems isolated
[ ] Network diagram current and accurate

Wireless Security:

[ ] WPA3 encryption (WPA2 minimum)
[ ] Strong Wi-Fi passwords
[ ] SSID broadcast disabled or controlled
[ ] Guest network segregated
[ ] Rogue access point detection
[ ] Regular wireless security audits

VPN and Remote Access:

[ ] VPN required for remote access
[ ] Multi-factor authentication enforced
[ ] Strong encryption protocols (AES-256)
[ ] Split tunneling disabled
[ ] VPN access logs monitored
[ ] Regular access reviews

Download Complete Security Assessment Template →

2. Access Control and Authentication

User Account Management:

[ ] Unique accounts for each user
[ ] Principle of least privilege enforced
[ ] Regular access reviews conducted
[ ] Terminated employee access removed immediately
[ ] Inactive accounts disabled automatically
[ ] Service account inventory maintained

Password Policy:

[ ] Strong password requirements (12+ characters)
[ ] Multi-factor authentication mandatory
[ ] Password manager deployed
[ ] No forced periodic changes
[ ] Compromised password detection
[ ] Account lockout after failed attempts

Privileged Access Management:

[ ] Separate admin and user accounts
[ ] Privileged access monitored and logged
[ ] Just-in-time access implementation
[ ] Session recording for critical systems
[ ] Regular privileged account audits
[ ] Emergency access procedures documented

3. Data Protection

Data Classification:

[ ] Data classification scheme defined
[ ] Data owners assigned
[ ] Classification labels applied
[ ] Handling procedures documented
[ ] Employee training on classification
[ ] Regular classification reviews

Encryption:

[ ] Data encrypted at rest (databases, file servers)
[ ] Data encrypted in transit (TLS 1.2+)
[ ] Full disk encryption on laptops and mobile devices
[ ] Email encryption for sensitive communications
[ ] Encryption key management procedures
[ ] Backup encryption implemented

Data Loss Prevention:

[ ] DLP solution implemented
[ ] Policies configured for sensitive data
[ ] Endpoint DLP deployed
[ ] Email DLP scanning
[ ] Cloud DLP coverage
[ ] Regular DLP policy updates

Backup and Recovery:

[ ] Regular automated backups scheduled
[ ] Backups stored off-site or in cloud
[ ] Backup encryption enabled
[ ] Recovery procedures tested regularly
[ ] Backup monitoring and alerts
[ ] 3-2-1 backup rule followed

4. Endpoint Security

Antivirus and Anti-malware:

[ ] Enterprise antivirus deployed on all devices
[ ] Real-time scanning enabled
[ ] Automatic updates configured
[ ] Regular full system scans scheduled
[ ] Centralized management and monitoring
[ ] Malware incident response procedures

Patch Management:

[ ] Automated patch deployment system
[ ] Critical patches applied within 7 days
[ ] Regular patch compliance reporting
[ ] Testing procedure for patches
[ ] Patch management policy documented
[ ] End-of-life software inventory

Device Management:

[ ] Mobile device management (MDM) implemented
[ ] Device encryption mandatory
[ ] Remote wipe capability
[ ] Lost/stolen device reporting process
[ ] BYOD security requirements enforced
[ ] Device inventory maintained

5. Email and Web Security

Email Security:

[ ] Anti-spam filtering implemented
[ ] Anti-phishing protection active
[ ] Email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
[ ] Email encryption available
[ ] Attachment scanning enabled
[ ] User phishing training regular

Web Security:

[ ] Web filtering/content filtering deployed
[ ] HTTPS enforced for all web applications
[ ] Web application firewall (WAF) for public apps
[ ] Regular web app vulnerability scanning
[ ] Secure coding practices followed
[ ] Third-party web services assessed

6. Physical Security

Facility Access:

[ ] Controlled access to server rooms
[ ] Badge/card access system
[ ] Visitor sign-in and escort procedures
[ ] Security cameras in critical areas
[ ] After-hours access restricted
[ ] Physical access logs maintained

Equipment Security:

[ ] Server rooms locked and monitored
[ ] Cable locks on laptops
[ ] Equipment disposal procedures
[ ] Secure storage for backup media
[ ] Inventory tracking system
[ ] Clean desk policy enforced

7. Security Monitoring and Incident Response

Logging and Monitoring:

[ ] Centralized log collection (SIEM)
[ ] Real-time security monitoring
[ ] Log retention per policy requirements
[ ] Critical event alerting configured
[ ] Regular log reviews conducted
[ ] Audit trail for privileged activities

Incident Response:

[ ] Incident response plan documented
[ ] Incident response team identified
[ ] Contact lists current
[ ] Incident classification criteria defined
[ ] Regular incident response drills
[ ] Post-incident review process

Vulnerability Management:

[ ] Regular vulnerability scanning scheduled
[ ] Scan results reviewed and prioritized
[ ] Remediation tracking process
[ ] Penetration testing annually
[ ] Third-party security assessments
[ ] Vulnerability disclosure program

8. Compliance and Policy

Security Policies:

[ ] Acceptable use policy
[ ] Data security policy
[ ] Incident response policy
[ ] Password management policy
[ ] Remote work security policy
[ ] BYOD policy

Compliance Requirements:

[ ] Regulatory requirements identified
[ ] Compliance controls implemented
[ ] Regular compliance audits
[ ] Compliance training for staff
[ ] Documentation maintained
[ ] Gap remediation tracked

Security Awareness:

[ ] Annual security training for all staff
[ ] Regular phishing simulations
[ ] Security awareness communications
[ ] Role-specific security training
[ ] New hire security orientation
[ ] Training effectiveness measured

Security Assessment Process

Phase 1: Preparation (Week 1)

Planning:

Define assessment scope
Assemble assessment team
Review previous findings
Schedule assessment activities
Notify stakeholders
Gather documentation

Tool Selection:

Vulnerability scanners
Network analysis tools
Compliance assessment tools
Documentation templates
Reporting tools

Phase 2: Assessment Execution (Weeks 2-3)

Documentation Review:

Security policies
Network diagrams
System inventories
Access control lists
Previous audit reports
Incident logs

Technical Assessment:

Network vulnerability scanning
Configuration reviews
Access control testing
Penetration testing
Log analysis
Compliance checks

Interviews:

IT security team
System administrators
Help desk staff
End users
Management

Phase 3: Analysis and Reporting (Week 4)

Gap Analysis:

Identify vulnerabilities
Assess risk levels
Determine root causes
Prioritize findings
Document recommendations

Report Creation:

Executive summary
Detailed findings
Risk ratings
Remediation recommendations
Implementation timeline
Cost estimates

Phase 4: Remediation (Ongoing)

Action Plan:

Prioritize by risk
Assign responsibilities
Set deadlines
Allocate resources
Track progress
Verify completion

Risk Assessment and Prioritization

Risk Rating Matrix

Severity Levels:

Critical: Immediate exploitation likely, severe impact
High: Exploitation probable, significant impact
Medium: Exploitation possible, moderate impact
Low: Exploitation unlikely, minimal impact

Prioritization Factors:

Vulnerability severity
Asset criticality
Exploit availability
Compliance requirements
Remediation cost/complexity

Sample Findings

Critical Finding: "Database server accessible from internet without firewall protection. Immediate remediation required."

High Finding: "Administrative accounts lack multi-factor authentication. Implement MFA within 30 days."

Medium Finding: "25% of workstations missing latest security patches. Implement automated patch management."

Low Finding: "Password complexity policy allows 8-character passwords. Update policy to require 12+ characters."

Industry-Specific Considerations

Healthcare (HIPAA)

Additional assessment areas:

PHI access controls
Encryption of ePHI
Business associate agreements
Breach notification procedures
Patient privacy training
Security risk analysis documentation

Financial Services

Additional requirements:

PCI DSS compliance
Wire transfer controls
Customer data protection
Third-party risk management
Transaction monitoring
Regulatory reporting

Retail

Focus areas:

Payment card security
Point-of-sale systems
Customer data protection
E-commerce security
Inventory system access
Vendor access controls

Security Assessment Tools

Vulnerability Scanners

Network Scanners:

Nessus Professional
Qualys VMDR
Rapid7 InsightVM
OpenVAS (open source)

Web Application Scanners:

Burp Suite Professional
OWASP ZAP (open source)
Acunetix
Qualys WAS

Compliance Tools

SecurityScorecard
BitSight
Rapid7 Nexpose
Tenable.sc

Free Tools

Nmap (network discovery)
Wireshark (network analysis)
Metasploit (penetration testing)
CIS-CAT (configuration assessment)

Common Security Assessment Findings

Top 10 Vulnerabilities

Weak or Default Passwords
- Impact: Unauthorized access
- Fix: Enforce strong passwords + MFA
Missing Security Patches
- Impact: System compromise
- Fix: Automated patch management
Inadequate Access Controls
- Impact: Privilege escalation
- Fix: Least privilege + regular reviews
Unencrypted Sensitive Data
- Impact: Data breach
- Fix: Implement encryption
No Multi-Factor Authentication
- Impact: Account takeover
- Fix: Deploy MFA solution
Insufficient Logging and Monitoring
- Impact: Delayed incident detection
- Fix: SIEM implementation
Outdated or Unsupported Software
- Impact: Unpatched vulnerabilities
- Fix: Software inventory + replacement plan
Inadequate Backup Procedures
- Impact: Data loss
- Fix: 3-2-1 backup strategy
Missing Security Policies
- Impact: Inconsistent security practices
- Fix: Develop and implement policies
Lack of Security Awareness Training
- Impact: Successful phishing attacks
- Fix: Regular training program

Free Security Assessment Resources

Template Package Includes

Our comprehensive security assessment package:

Complete assessment checklist
Risk assessment worksheet
Findings report template
Remediation tracking spreadsheet
Executive summary template
Compliance mapping guide
Tool comparison chart

Download Free Security Assessment Template →

Security Templates:

Conclusion

Regular IT security assessments are essential for maintaining a strong security posture. Use this comprehensive checklist to identify vulnerabilities, demonstrate compliance, and prioritize security improvements.

Quick Start Guide:

[ ] Download security assessment template
[ ] Define assessment scope
[ ] Assemble assessment team
[ ] Conduct assessment using checklist
[ ] Document findings and risks
[ ] Create remediation plan
[ ] Track implementation
[ ] Schedule regular reassessments

Best Practices:

Conduct assessments at least annually
Use combination of automated tools and manual review
Engage third-party assessors for objective perspective
Prioritize findings by risk, not just severity
Track remediation progress systematically
Retest after remediation
Update assessment based on new threats

Next Steps:

Start assessing your security posture today. Download our comprehensive IT security assessment checklist and identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.