Cybersecurity Checklist for New IT Infrastructure

Cybersecurity Checklist for New IT Infrastructure Deployments

04 June 2025 Ganesan D Category: Cyber Security

1. Governance & Policy

Define a cybersecurity policy aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements.
Assign roles and responsibilities for IT and security teams.
Perform a risk assessment for the new deployment.
Establish an incident response plan.
Implement data classification and handling policies.

2. Network Security

Segment networks using VLANs or firewalls.
Implement intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
Use firewalls at the perimeter and internal segmentation points.
Disable unused ports and services.
Apply egress filtering to control outbound traffic.

3. Endpoint and Server Security

Harden operating systems based on best practices (e.g., CIS Benchmarks).
Deploy antivirus/EDR/XDR solutions on all endpoints and servers.
Disable unnecessary default accounts.
Ensure endpoint encryption is enabled.
Configure secure boot and BIOS/UEFI settings.

4. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Implement least privilege access principles.
Enforce strong password policies.
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all critical systems.
Regularly audit user accounts and access rights.
Integrate centralized identity management (e.g., AD, Azure AD).

5. Data Protection

Encrypt data at rest and in transit.
Back up critical data regularly with offsite storage.
Use secure protocols (e.g., HTTPS, SFTP, SSH).
Implement DLP (Data Loss Prevention) solutions.
Validate data integrity with hashing where applicable.

6. Cloud Security (if applicable)

Follow the shared responsibility model.
Use identity and role-based access in cloud platforms.
Enable logging and monitoring (e.g., AWS CloudTrail, Azure Monitor).
Encrypt cloud storage buckets/volumes.
Review security groups and network ACLs regularly.

7. Application and Patch Management

Deploy a patch management system.
Scan for vulnerabilities regularly (e.g., Nessus, Qualys).
Secure software development practices (if building in-house apps).
Disable default credentials on all applications and appliances.
Validate and sanitize input to prevent injection attacks.

8. Monitoring and Logging

Enable centralized logging (e.g., SIEM solutions).
Monitor for unauthorized access and anomalies.
Retain logs according to compliance needs.
Regularly review audit logs.
Configure alerting for critical incidents.

9. Testing and Validation

Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
Perform regular configuration audits.
Test the incident response plan.
Validate disaster recovery and backup restoration processes.
Review third-party software/hardware for security standards.

10. Compliance and Training

Ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, HIPAA).
Train staff on cybersecurity awareness.
Conduct phishing simulations and security drills.
Document all processes and controls.
Review and update policies annually or when infrastructure changes.

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