Data Protection & Backup Security Checklist

The Data Protection & Backup Security Checklist provides businesses with a structured way to review and document how important business information is stored, accessed, protected, backed up, retained, and recovered.

Business data can be lost or exposed through cyberattacks, ransomware, employee mistakes, hardware failures, stolen devices, unauthorized access, or unexpected system disruptions. Having appropriate data protection and backup practices can help reduce these risks and improve an organization's ability to recover when something goes wrong.

Use this customizable checklist to review and document:

• Business-critical and sensitive data

• Data classification and handling practices

• User access and least-privilege permissions

• File and folder access controls

• Encryption for stored and transmitted data

• Cloud storage and file-sharing security

• Local and network data storage

• Backup systems and backup schedules

• Automated and manual backup processes

• Backup access and security

• Offline and isolated backup copies

• Ransomware protection considerations

• Backup monitoring and failure notifications

• Backup restoration and recovery testing

• Data retention requirements

• Secure data deletion and disposal

• Lost, exposed, or compromised information

• Data protection and backup responsibilities

• Identified security gaps and corrective actions

• Final review and approval

Designed for small and growing businesses, this resource provides a practical framework for strengthening data protection practices and documenting whether important business information can be securely recovered following a cybersecurity incident, technology failure, accidental deletion, or other disruption.

Best For: Small businesses, business owners, IT teams, managers, security teams, and organizations looking to improve data protection, backup security, and recovery preparedness.