IT professional reviewing cybersecurity checklist in a server room, representing eCreek IT Solutions.

The Ultimate Cybersecurity Checklist Denver Businesses Need Now

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Denver are more vulnerable than ever to cybersecurity threats. From ransomware attacks and data breaches to email phishing scams and social engineering, the digital risks continue to grow—and so does the need for a strong cyberhealth posture.

Whether you’re a local law firm in LoDo, a healthcare clinic in Cherry Creek, or a manufacturing company in Englewood, maintaining a proactive cybersecurity checklist isn’t just about protecting data—it’s about protecting your business’s future.

This guide walks Denver business owners through a comprehensive cyberhealth checklist, built around proven best practices in cybersecurity, guided by experienced managed service providers (MSPs), and enhanced through modern tools like Office365 and cloud migration strategies.

Why Cyberhealth Matters Now More Than Ever

Cybercrime cost U.S. businesses over $12.5 billion in 2023, and Colorado ranked among the top five states for reported incidents. The FBI and CISA have both warned that SMBs are increasingly targeted due to fewer security layers than enterprise companies.

And for Denver businesses that handle sensitive data—like legal records, medical files, financial details, or proprietary designs—the stakes are even higher.

A well-maintained cyberhealth plan isn’t just insurance against bad actors. It can:

  • Reduce downtime

  • Prevent financial loss

  • Support compliance with HIPAA, CMMC, or other regulations

  • Build customer trust

  • Improve operational efficiency

Let’s dive into the essential steps for strengthening your business’s digital defenses.

1. Conduct a Risk Assessment

Start by identifying your most valuable digital assets and where vulnerabilities exist with an extensive penetration test. A good IT support team or managed service provider will help you:

  • Map your data flow and storage systems

  • Identify weak points in your network or software

  • Review employee access controls

  • Evaluate backup and disaster recovery readiness

Tip: Document everything. A clear risk assessment lays the groundwork for every decision that follows.

2. Enforce Strong Password Policies & MFA

It seems basic—but poor passwords remain the #1 way attackers gain access.

  • Require complex, unique passwords

  • Implement mandatory password changes every 60–90 days

  • Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users, especially for email, remote access, and cloud-based systems like Office365

If your Denver business uses Office365, enabling MFA across all accounts is one of the fastest ways to reduce risk.

3. Keep Software & Systems Up to Date

Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software. Stay ahead by:

  • Automating software updates

  • Using centralized patch management via your IT support team or managed service provider

  • Regularly updating firmware on routers, firewalls, and IoT devices

Don’t forget plugins or third-party tools connected to Office365, which can also become weak links if neglected.

4. Secure Email & Collaboration Tools

Email is still the most common attack vector. Businesses using Office365 should:

  • Enable anti-phishing and anti-malware protection in Microsoft Defender

  • Train employees to recognize phishing emails

  • Set up email filtering and link scanning

  • Monitor for suspicious login attempts

Additionally, review permissions in tools like Teams and SharePoint to ensure sensitive data isn’t shared too widely, especially after cloud migration or organizational changes.

5. Backup Everything—Then Test It

Backups only matter if they work.

  • Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of your data, on 2 different mediums, with 1 offsite or cloud backup

  • Use automated daily backups

  • Regularly test restores to ensure your data can actually be recovered

  • Consider geo-redundant cloud backups to prevent data loss from natural disasters or regional outages

Denver’s unpredictable weather (and power outages) make cloud-based backups especially important.

✅ 6. Establish Endpoint Protection & Monitoring

Every device connected to your network—laptops, desktops, phones—is a potential entry point. Managed detection and response (MDR) is no longer optional.

  • Install reputable antivirus/antimalware solutions

  • Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems

  • Monitor devices for unusual activity

  • Require encryption on all company devices

Your managed service provider can provide 24/7 monitoring to alert you to suspicious behavior and stop threats before they spread.

✅ 7. Secure Wi-Fi and Remote Access

Many cyberattacks stem from unsecured remote connections or improperly configured Wi-Fi.

  • Encrypt Wi-Fi networks and hide SSIDs

  • Use VLANs to segment guest traffic from internal systems

  • Require VPN access for remote users

  • Disable remote desktop protocol (RDP) when not in use

If your team works remotely or has hybrid work arrangements, your IT support partner should implement zero trust architecture to verify every access request.

✅ 8. Develop & Practice an Incident Response Plan

When something goes wrong—and eventually, it will—you’ll need a game plan.

  • Identify an incident response team

  • Outline steps to contain, investigate, and recover

  • Include contact info for your managed service provider, legal counsel, and cyber insurance provider

  • Conduct regular tabletop exercises to practice your response

Quick, coordinated action can dramatically reduce the impact of a cyberattack.

✅ 9. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Awareness

Employees are your first line of defense—and your weakest link if untrained.

  • Conduct quarterly cybersecurity training

  • Run phishing simulations

  • Teach best practices for using Office365, cloud sharing, and password managers

  • Reinforce physical security habits (e.g., locking screens, not writing down passwords)

Cybersecurity is everyone’s job, not just IT’s.

✅ 10. Review Your Cloud Security Posture

If your business has undergone a cloud migration, it’s critical to revisit your security controls.

  • Set access controls and role-based permissions

  • Enable auditing and logging

  • Configure alerts for unusual activity

  • Use encryption for data at rest and in transit

Modern platforms like Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS provide robust tools—but they need to be properly configured. A managed service provider with cloud expertise can help ensure your setup isn’t leaving you exposed.

✅ 11. Secure Third-Party Vendors & Integrations

Your cybersecurity is only as strong as your weakest vendor.

  • Audit third-party software and services for compliance

  • Require vendors to follow your security standards

  • Use data loss prevention tools to monitor API usage and file sharing

This is especially important after cloud migration, when you may rely more heavily on SaaS providers and integrations.

✅ 12. Regularly Audit & Update Your Cyberhealth Checklist

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, your cyberhealth plan should too.

  • Conduct quarterly security reviews

  • Track emerging threats relevant to your industry

  • Work with your managed service provider to reassess tools and coverage

  • Update policies based on lessons learned from real-world incidents

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing commitment to protecting your people, your customers, and your reputation.

Partnering With the Right Managed Service Provider in Denver

Not every business has the in-house expertise to manage all aspects of cybersecurity, IT support, and cloud migration. That’s where working with a trusted managed service provider (MSP) makes a difference.

A local Denver-based MSP brings:

  • Fast, on-site IT support when needed

  • Strategic guidance tailored to your business goals

  • Proven experience with Office365 and cloud transitions

  • Proactive security monitoring and patching

  • , —no offshore call centers

By partnering with an MSP that understands the unique needs of Colorado businesses, you can streamline operations while staying secure and compliant.

Let’s Recap This

Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury—it’s a business necessity. Denver’s fast-growing business community needs to treat cyberhealth with the same priority as physical health or financial planning.

Whether you’re navigating a cloud migration, managing a hybrid team through Office365, or simply looking for a more responsive IT support solution, this cyberhealth checklist can serve as your guidepost.

Want help getting started? Contact a Denver-based managed service provider today and take the first step toward a healthier, safer digital future.