How confident are you that your business could withstand a cyber-attack today? For many Aberdeen businesses, the answer is less certain than it should be. As cyber threats evolve, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often find themselves reacting to incidents rather than preparing for them.
This blog introduces a practical cyber security checklist for Aberdeen businesses, designed to help you assess your organisation’s readiness and take proactive steps to strengthen your defences.
Whether you’re a business owner, office manager, or operations lead, this checklist will guide you through key areas of cyber security so you can identify weaknesses before they turn into risks.
Why Cyber Security Demands Attention in 2026
Recent data from the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 reports a significant rise in temporary loss of access to files or networks as a specific outcome of a breach (7%, up from 4% in 2024).
Aberdeen SMEs – especially those in the energy, logistics, and professional services sectors – remain prime targets because of the sensitive data they handle and the interconnected nature of their systems.
Without a defined cyber security framework, even a small business can face major disruption. The following checklist is designed to help you understand your current security posture and build a roadmap towards stronger, long-term protection in 2026.
Cyber Security Checklist for Aberdeen Businesses
Strengthen Access and Password Management
Passwords are one of the most common vulnerabilities in business security, often giving attackers a simple way in. Strengthen your access controls by ensuring you:
☐ Require staff to use long, complex passwords combining letters, numbers, and symbols.
☐ Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts and remote logins.
☐ Use a reputable password management tool to securely store and rotate passwords.
☐ Review user permissions regularly, removing access for former employees or unused accounts.
Conduct Regular Security Audits
You can’t fix what you don’t know about. Regular audits reveal vulnerabilities before they escalate. To achieve this:
☐ Review your IT infrastructure quarterly, including firewalls, routers, and endpoint devices.
☐ Verify antivirus and endpoint protection software are fully updated and functioning correctly.
☐ Ensure your patch management process keeps all systems current.
☐ Document findings and assign responsibility for fixing identified issues.
Implement Robust Data Backup and Recovery
Backups protect your business from permanent data loss in the event of an incident. To keep your business resilient against permanent data loss:
☐ Back up all critical data daily to both a secure cloud platform and an off-site location.
☐ Encrypt all backup data to prevent unauthorised access.
☐ Test your recovery procedures at least twice a year.
☐ Keep multiple backup versions to guard against data corruption or ransomware.
Train and Educate Your Team
Human error remains one of the biggest causes of breaches – training helps reduce that risk. Make sure your training includes:
☐ Mandatory cyber security awareness training for all employees.
☐ Key topics like phishing, social engineering, and password safety.
☐ Simulated phishing exercises to test understanding.
☐ Refreshed training quarterly to keep pace with evolving threats.
Keep Systems Patched and Updated
Unpatched systems are an easy target for attackers. So, to keep them out:
☐ Enable automatic updates for operating systems, browsers, and key business applications.
☐ Replace legacy systems and devices that no longer receive security updates.
☐ Check third-party applications and plug-ins regularly for updates.
☐ Maintain a detailed inventory of all software and hardware assets.
Secure Remote Work and Mobile Devices
With hybrid work now common, securing remote access and mobile devices is essential. For all employees:
☐ Require VPN access for all remote connections.
☐ Apply endpoint protection to all laptops and mobile devices used for work.
☐ Enforce MFA on all cloud-based services such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
☐ Use mobile device management (MDM) tools to remotely wipe or lock lost devices.
Develop a Formal Incident Response Plan
Being prepared ensures your business can act quickly and limit damage. Maintaining this involves:
☐ Creating a documented plan outlining leadership roles and escalation procedures.
☐ Defining communication protocols for staff, clients, and relevant authorities.
☐ Including step-by-step guidance for containment, investigation, and recovery.
☐ Reviewing and testing your plan annually to maintain readiness.
Review Compliance and Cyber Insurance
Compliance and insurance provide vital protection when the unexpected happens. Ensuring you continue to meet strict standards means:
☐ Checking compliance with Cyber Essentials, GDPR, and ISO 27001 standards.
☐ Reviewing your cyber liability insurance to ensure full coverage for financial losses and downtime.
☐ Keeping thorough records of your cyber security measures for audits and insurance claims.
☐ Reassessing policies annually as your systems, staff, and risks evolve.
How Jera IT Supports Aberdeen Businesses
At Jera IT, our expert managed IT support is designed for SMEs in Aberdeen who often struggle to balance day-to-day operations with the complexities of cyber protection. When you partner with us, your business gains the expertise you need for long-term success.
Our goal is to make robust security simple, accessible, and effective. We provide:
- Comprehensive cyber security assessments to pinpoint vulnerabilities and prioritise action.
- 24/7 threat monitoring and managed protection, keeping your systems under constant watch.
- Employee security training to strengthen awareness and reduce human error.
- Backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning, ensuring operations resume quickly after any disruption.
Book Your 30-Minute Call with Us
In an era where cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, it’s never been more critical to ensure your SME has a proactive stance. Aberdeen businesses that follow this checklist will not only reduce their risk of attack but also build greater resilience against future threats.
If you are ready to strengthen your cyber security and take the next step in your IT journey, we can help you create a safer, smarter, and more secure business environment – book your 30-minute call with us today.
FAQs About Cyber Security in Aberdeen
- How often should Aberdeen businesses review their cyber security measures?
Ideally, security reviews should be carried out every quarter, or whenever there is a major system upgrade, policy change, or new cyber threat. Regular reviews ensure your defences remain current and effective. - What should I do if my business experiences a data breach?
Immediately isolate affected systems, change passwords, and contact your IT provider or cyber security partner. Document every step and, if required, report the breach to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). - Is professional cyber security support worth the cost for SMEs?
The cost of prevention is significantly lower than the cost of recovery. Partnering with a professional provider gives you access to enterprise-level protection, expert guidance, and ongoing monitoring – all tailored to your business size and budget.
