Practical Security Checklists for
Real-World IT Environments

Do you have full visibility over network devices and interfaces?

Are critical services monitored with alert thresholds?

Is monitoring data retained for trend analysis?

Are alerts mapped to real operational impact?

Is the monitoring configuration reviewed periodically?

Have sensitive data types been clearly identified?

Are data flows mapped across endpoints and channels?

Are DLP policies aligned with business processes?

Is user behavior analyzed, or is it just blocked?

Are DLP reports reviewed and adjusted regularly?

Are high-risk user actions clearly defined?

Is activity logging balanced with user privacy?

Are alerts contextual rather than volume-based?

Are user behavior trends reviewed over time?

Is insider risk treated as a process, not an event?

Are all network assets automatically discovered?

Are vulnerability scans scheduled regularly?

Are third-party applications included in patching?

Are patches tested before deployment?

Is remediation progress tracked and documented?

Are user roles clearly defined and documented?

Is access provisioned and deprovisioned centrally?

Are audit logs retained and reviewed?

Are changes tracked and approved?

Is access aligned with least-privilege principles?

Is remote access encrypted end-to-end?

Are sessions centrally logged and monitored?

Is MFA enforced for remote users?

Are access policies role-based?

Is performance monitored alongside security?