Whether you’re a 10-person accounting firm in Brooklyn or a growing e-commerce brand in New Jersey, your IT setup is the backbone of your business. But let’s be honest—most small business owners didn’t launch their company to become tech experts. You want your systems to just work, stay secure, and scale with your growth.
That’s why we created this essential Small Business IT Checklist—to help you identify the core components you need to operate efficiently and protect your company from costly downtime or cyber threats.
1. Cybersecurity Basics: Protect Your Perimeter
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Firewall & Router Security: Ensure your office router is configured correctly with a commercial-grade firewall in place.
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Antivirus & Endpoint Protection: Every device—yes, every laptop—needs reputable antivirus software and monitoring.
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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA for email, cloud platforms, and remote access logins. It’s a game-changer for breach prevention.
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Regular Software Patching: Outdated software is an open door to hackers. Automate updates wherever possible.
NetConnect Pro Tip: 60% of small businesses that suffer a major cyberattack close within 6 months. Don’t be one of them.
2. Cloud Backup & Data Recovery
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Automated Cloud Backups: Ensure daily offsite backups of files, emails, and databases.
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Disaster Recovery Plan: Can you restore operations within 24 hours of a ransomware hit or server crash? If not, it’s time to draft a plan.
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Test Your Backups: Backups aren’t helpful if they’re corrupted. Schedule quarterly test restores.
3. Email & Productivity Tools
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Professional Email Domain: “you@gmail.com” won’t cut it—use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace for branded, secure email.
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Shared Calendars & Docs: Increase collaboration with shared drives, real-time editing, and secure internal communication tools.
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Email Archiving & Compliance: If you’re in finance, legal, or healthcare, ensure your email system meets industry regulations.
4. Hardware That Works as Hard as You Do
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Business-Class Laptops & Desktops: Ditch the consumer-grade gear. Invest in machines designed for daily multitasking and longer lifespans.
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Networked Printers & Scanners: Centralized devices reduce chaos and improve workflow.
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VoIP Phones: Scalable, cost-effective phone systems that work from the office or on the go.
5. Strong, Secure Network Infrastructure
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Business Wi-Fi with Guest Network: Keep visitors off your internal systems with a separate Wi-Fi network.
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Wired + Wireless Coverage: Ensure strong signal and speed across the whole office, especially in hybrid setups.
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Switches, Access Points, and Cabling: Don’t let a spaghetti mess of cables or a $40 router bottleneck your business.
6. User Access Controls
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Role-Based Permissions: Only give employees access to the systems and files they need.
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Offboarding Process: Deactivate ex-employee accounts immediately upon departure to prevent data leaks.
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Password Management Tools: Ditch the Post-It notes and implement a secure password manager.
7. IT Support & Monitoring
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Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM): Detect issues before they cause downtime.
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Helpdesk Support: Who do your employees call when the printer dies or they can’t log in? (Hint: It shouldn’t be you.)
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Quarterly Tech Reviews: Make sure your IT setup evolves with your business needs, not after something breaks.
Bonus: Cyber Insurance
With cyberattacks on the rise, many insurance carriers now require businesses to meet minimum IT standards before issuing coverage. Use this checklist to prepare—and potentially save thousands.
Need Help? NetConnect Has Your Back
If this checklist made your head spin—or reminded you how much you’ve been putting off—you’re not alone. NetConnect is NYC’s trusted IT partner for small businesses. We help you handle everything from day-to-day support to long-term strategy, so you can focus on growing your business (not fixing the Wi-Fi).
Ready to upgrade your IT game? Schedule a call with us today.
About NetConnect:
NetConnect provides IT support, cybersecurity services, and cloud solutions for small businesses across the NYC tri-state area. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, our team ensures your tech is secure, compliant, and headache-free.
