In 2025, it’s no longer a question of if your business will be targeted — it’s when. The good news: you don’t need an enterprise budget or a full-time IT department to build a strong cybersecurity foundation.
This starter pack outlines the essential controls every Illinois small business should have in place. Many of these are included in IT LEGENDS’ managed service bundles.
1. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is one of the simplest and most effective protections you can enable. It requires a second step (like a code or app approval) in addition to a password.
Turn on MFA for:
- Email and Microsoft 365
- Banking and payroll portals
- Cloud line-of-business apps
- Any portal that touches client or patient data
2. Deploy Modern Endpoint Protection
Basic antivirus isn’t enough anymore. You need modern AV/EDR that can detect suspicious behavior, ransomware, and fileless attacks.
For every laptop and desktop, make sure you have:
- Real-time protection
- Central monitoring (not just local popups)
- Automatic updates
3. Keep Systems Patched and Up to Date
Many attacks exploit known vulnerabilities that already have fixes available. The problem is simply that updates weren’t applied.
At a minimum, you should have:
- Automatic OS updates enabled
- Regular patching for browsers and office apps
- Monitoring to confirm updates are actually installing
Managed device services from IT LEGENDS handle patching and monitoring for you so you’re not guessing.
4. Encrypt Laptops and Portable Devices
If a laptop is lost or stolen and it’s not encrypted, whoever finds it may be able to access your data. Encryption protects you — and is often required for compliance.
Windows and macOS both include built-in encryption (BitLocker and FileVault). They just need to be configured and monitored properly.
5. Implement Reliable Backups
Backups are your safety net for ransomware, hardware failures, and accidental deletions. Without tested backups, recovery becomes guesswork.
Best practices include:
- Daily backups for critical systems
- Separate backups for Microsoft 365 email and files
- Off-site or cloud copies
- Periodic restore tests
6. Filter Email and Train Your Team
Most breaches start with a user clicking something they shouldn’t. Combine technical filtering with light training so your staff knows what to watch for.
Focus on:
- Phishing and spam filtering
- Attachment and link scanning
- Short, practical awareness tips — not long lectures
7. Put Basic IT Policies in Writing
Even simple, one-page policies make a big difference. They clarify expectations and give you something to point to when onboarding new staff.
Start with:
- Password and MFA standards
- Remote work and device usage guidelines
- Data handling and storage expectations
- What to do (and who to call) if something looks suspicious
Turning the Checklist Into an Actual Plan
You don’t need to tackle everything in one week. Many Illinois businesses start by:
- Enabling MFA and tightening email security
- Standardizing devices under managed antivirus and patching
- Reviewing backups and encryption for laptops
- Adding lightweight security training for staff
From there, we build a roadmap based on your industry, budget, and risk profile. For many clients, that means a combination of our Business Essentials or Industry Plus bundles.
Want a Security Review Without the Jargon?
IT LEGENDS LLC helps Illinois small businesses build practical security — not over-engineered systems. We focus on right-sized, manageable controls that fit how you actually work.
👉 Request a free security-focused consultation
Also read: 5 Signs Your Illinois Business Has Outgrown Break-Fix IT for help deciding when to move from “call when it breaks” to a managed IT partnership.