Spring isn’t just for clearing out closets, it’s also the perfect time to clean up your business’s digital environment. For California business owners, this means more than updating software. It’s about improving performance, reducing risk, and staying ahead of evolving cyber threats and compliance requirements.
Here’s your spring cybersecurity checklist:
1. Audit Your Systems for Risk, Waste, and Compliance Gaps
Start by reviewing your full technology stack:
- Retire aging hardware before it becomes a liability.
- Eliminate unused software subscriptions and streamline tools.
- Check for compliance gaps, especially with regulations like CCPA, CPRA, HIPAA, and FTC Safeguards.
⚠️ Upcoming deadline: Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. Make a transition plan now to avoid security vulnerabilities.
2. Clean Up Your User Accounts and Access Controls
Unused accounts and excessive permissions are open doors for attackers.
- Disable old employee accounts.
- Restrict access to sensitive data using the principle of least privilege.
- Document all changes for easier audits and continuity.
California’s privacy laws require you to protect access to consumer data, not just store it securely.
3. Strengthen Your Remote Work Infrastructure
Hybrid work isn’t going away, especially in California’s tech-forward economy. Use this opportunity to assess your setup:
- Ensure your VPN is secure and up-to-date.
- Audit bandwidth usage and network traffic.
- Implement encrypted file sharing.
- Review third-party vendor access to reduce supply chain risk.
Your responsibility for cybersecurity extends to the vendors who access your systems and data.
4. Test Your Backup and Disaster Recovery Readiness
Backups alone aren’t enough, you need to test them.
- Run a full restore to verify your backups actually work.
- Measure how long it takes to recover critical systems.
- Fix any weak points before an incident strikes.
From wildfires to ransomware, California businesses face real-world threats that demand resilience.
5. Refresh Your Cybersecurity Strategy
Cyber threats evolve constantly. So should your defenses.
- Check endpoint protection, especially for employee devices.
- Update your incident response plan.
- Train your team on current scams, phishing tactics, and breach protocols.
- Implement MFA and passphrases instead of outdated password practices.
Many businesses must now report breaches under the FTC Safeguards Rule — make sure you’re ready.
Ready to Go Deeper?
A spring refresh is a great start, but real cybersecurity requires a strategic approach. For California businesses ready to assess their risk posture, Cybersecure California recommends working with a trusted local partner.
One of those partners is Synergy Computing, Inc., a Santa Barbara-based IT and cybersecurity firm with over 30 years of experience helping California businesses secure their operations and meet compliance requirements.
🔍 Schedule a FREE Cyber Risk Assessment with Synergy Computing
They’ll evaluate your environment, identify vulnerabilities, and provide actionable recommendations at no cost.