When summer ends and school begins again, life feels like it shifts into a new gear. Kids sharpen pencils, get new notebooks, and start fresh routines. Businesses in Denver and across Colorado need to do the same with their technology. A new season is the perfect time to check your security awareness training and make sure your team is ready for today’s cyber risks.
At eCreek IT, we believe technology should give you confidence, not stress. Since 2004, our Denver-based, locally owned team has partnered with businesses and non-profits to provide managed IT services, cybersecurity, compliance, and co-managed IT. We call our approach Extreme Partnership. That means we work right beside you, like part of your team, to support, protect, and improve your organization.
This guide is your Back to Work Security Awareness Training Checklist. Think of it like a back-to-school checklist for your employees. These seven items will help your business stay safe, stay ready, and stay productive.
Why Security Awareness Training Matters
Cyberattacks happen every day. They are targeted, smart, and costly. Colorado has seen a sharp increase in cybercrime, and law firms, non-profits, and small businesses are at risk.
For Denver companies, the risk is higher because of remote work, mobile devices, and the growing use of cloud tools. One click on the wrong link or one weak password can lead to lost data, fines, and unhappy clients.
Security awareness training is no longer optional. It is a critical IT project. Training gives employees the skills to protect data, spot threats, and avoid mistakes. A checklist makes the training simple and easy to follow.
The 7-Item Back to Work Security Awareness Training Checklist
1. Password Power Up
Passwords are like the locks on your doors. If the locks are weak, anyone can walk in. Hackers look for reused or easy-to-guess passwords.
What to do:
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Use strong, unique passwords for every account
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Give your team access to a password manager to keep track
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Turn on multi-factor authentication so there is more than one lock on the door
Local tip: Just like Denver homeowners would not leave the front door open during a snowstorm, do not leave your digital doors unlocked.
2. Phishing Defense
Phishing emails are scams that trick employees into giving away information. These emails may look real, but they are designed to steal data.
What to do:
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Run phishing simulations to test your staff
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Teach your team to look for red flags like spelling mistakes or strange links
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Create a simple way to report suspicious emails
Local tip: In the Rockies, people train for avalanche safety to avoid danger. In business, phishing awareness is just as important for survival.
3. Device Defense
Laptops, phones, and tablets are the new front line for security. If one device is stolen or left unprotected, private client data can be exposed.
What to do:
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Require automatic updates and patches
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Install endpoint security tools on every device
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Teach employees to lock screens and avoid public Wi-Fi
Local tip: Colorado professionals often work from coffee shops in Golden, Boulder, or Colorado Springs. Secure devices keep client data safe wherever you are.
4. Data Backup and Recovery
Losing data is like losing gold during the rush. Without backups, businesses can lose years of valuable work in seconds.
What to do:
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Automate backups every day to the cloud
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Test recovery steps often so you know they work
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Train employees on where data is stored and how to access it safelyyes p
Local tip: Prospectors once guarded their gold claims in Colorado. Today, businesses must guard their digital gold with strong backups.
5. Compliance Readiness
Compliance rules protect client data. Industries like healthcare, finance, and legal must meet strict regulations. Breaking these rules can bring fines and damage to your reputation.
What to do:
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Teach employees how to handle sensitive data
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Document policies and proof of compliance
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Audit systems to show you meet requirements
Local tip: Trust is the core of business in Denver. Compliance is more than checking boxes. It proves you are worthy of that trust.
6. Safe Browsing and Cloud Use
Many employees try to get work done by using personal devices, free apps, or unapproved cloud tools. These shortcuts open hidden risks.
What to do:
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Train staff to use only approved apps and platforms
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Block dangerous sites with web filters
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Provide a secure VPN for remote work
Local tip: Just as hikers stay on marked trails to avoid trouble in the mountains, employees must follow safe paths online to avoid cyber traps.
7. Build a Culture of Security
Security is not a one-time event. It has to be part of the daily routine. A culture of security makes everyone feel responsible for keeping data safe.
What to do:
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Reinforce security with reminders and small trainings
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Reward staff for reporting suspicious emails or following best practices
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Choose security champions within departments to keep awareness high
Local tip: Colorado communities come together in times of need, like during wildfires. In business, the same teamwork keeps your firm safe from cyber threats.
Back to School, Back to Business
Just like students need supplies, your employees need training and tools to start the season strong. A Back to Work Security Awareness Training Checklist makes sure your team is prepared for cyber threats.
At eCreek IT, we have been serving Denver businesses and non-profits for more than 20 years. Our local experts bring real support and real solutions through managed IT services, co-managed IT, cybersecurity, and IT projects. We believe in Extreme Partnership, which means we do not just deliver technology. We stand with you as a trusted partner every day.
Next Steps for Denver Businesses
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Review your training program against this checklist
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Work with a Denver-based IT team who understands your industry
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Create ongoing awareness campaigns, not one-time sessions
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Call eCreek IT to learn how we can bring Extreme Partnership to your business
Do not let your business start the season unprepared. Contact us today!
Need More? Check Out these Security Awareness Training FAQs for Denver Businesses
Q1: What is a back-to-work security awareness training checklist?
A back-to-work security awareness training checklist is a step-by-step guide that prepares employees to recognize and respond to cyber threats. It covers key areas like password security, phishing awareness, device protection, data backup, compliance, safe cloud use, and building a culture of security.
Q2: Why is security awareness training important for small businesses in Denver?
Security awareness training is important for small businesses in Denver because it reduces the risk of data breaches, compliance fines, and downtime. Local companies often handle sensitive client information and must protect it from phishing attacks, ransomware, and weak password practices.
Q3: How can co-managed IT help with security awareness training?
Co-managed IT gives your internal team extra support with training, monitoring, and IT projects. A local provider like eCreek IT can run phishing simulations, manage device updates, and provide ongoing security education while your in-house team focuses on daily operations.
Q4: What should employees learn in a cybersecurity training program?
Employees should learn how to create strong passwords, spot phishing emails, protect devices, use cloud platforms safely, follow compliance rules, and report suspicious activity. Regular refreshers keep these lessons top of mind.
Q5: How often should businesses provide security awareness training?
Businesses should provide security awareness training at least once a year, with ongoing reminders and micro-trainings throughout the year. Cyber threats change quickly, so regular updates keep employees prepared.
