Moving your business to Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace brought productivity, but it also introduced complex security burdens.
With the aggressive threat landscape and non-negotiable adherence to the ACSC Essential Eight framework in Australia, relying on default vendor security is no longer adequate. Geeks on Tap’s cloud security checklist provides the strategic roadmap, developed by our certified Australian team, to help you stop managing security manually and protect your vital data with confidence.
Who Is This Checklist For?
This checklist is built for Australian business owners and managers who rely on Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace to run day to day operations.
It is especially helpful for teams who do not have in house IT support, as well as businesses with an IT provider who want a clear way to sense check their current setup.
No technical background is needed. The checklist focuses on the essentials every business should have in place to reduce cyber risk, avoid common mistakes, and stay protected as threats continue to evolve.
Pillar 1: Fortifying Identity & Access
Your user accounts are the first line of defence in the cloud. Most security breaches start with weak or stolen passwords, which makes proper access control essential.
We help Australian businesses put the right protections in place so data stays secure and local security requirements are met. The steps below should be applied to every user account.
The following actions must be enforced for all user accounts:
1. Make Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Mandatory
It requires two different methods for every login. Use app-based methods (like Microsoft or Google Authenticator) or physical Security Keys, as they are much harder for hackers to bypass than SMS codes.
Our cybersecurity services in Australia handles the full setup enforcement of MFA, so you don’t have to.
2. Restrict Access by Location and Device
Stop stolen passwords from working by restricting access based on where someone is logging in from or what device they are using.
We set up Conditional Access (M365) or Context-Aware Access (Google Workspace) to enforce geo-restrictions and ensure access only comes from verified, managed devices.
3. Separate Admin Accounts
Create completely separate, unique accounts reserved only for high-level administrative tasks (like managing settings).
This separation is a crucial, non-negotiable step our team takes to drastically reduce the risk of your entire cloud environment being compromised by a simple phishing email.
We configure and manage all administrative accounts according to best practices as part of our service.
4. Enforce Least Privilege Access
Regularly review who has high-level admin rights. Grant only the minimum permissions necessary for a user to do their job, and remove admin roles immediately when a user’s duties change.
We limit admin access to only when it is needed in Microsoft 365 and carefully manage and review all admin roles in Google Workspace.
Discover how our proactive, end-to-end IT services for small businesses can simplify your identity and access management and ensure you meet security compliance standards.
Pillar 2: End-to-End Device and Endpoint Security
Today’s teams work from many locations and use different devices to access company data. These devices are often the easiest way for security threats to get in.
Geeks on Tap outlines the key steps to secure, update, and manage every device so issues are prevented before they turn into breaches.
1. Mandatory Device Management (MDM)
All company-owned and essential personal devices must be enrolled in Mobile Device Management (MDM) to enforce baseline security settings (e.g., complex passwords, automatic screen lock).
We enforce security rules across all devices so only compliant devices can access company systems.
2. Proactive Patching and Updates
Outdated operating systems and applications are the easiest way for cybercriminals to gain entry. Systems must be patched immediately as vulnerabilities are discovered.
We keep Windows, macOS, and essential apps updated automatically without disrupting work.
3. Next-Gen Endpoint Protection (EDR)
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) actively monitors device behavior to stop zero-day and sophisticated attacks in real time.
We use advanced security monitoring to detect and stop threats quickly as your business grows.
4. Full Disk Encryption
Protect sensitive data stored on hard drives, ensuring that if a device is lost, stolen, or improperly disposed of, the data is unreadable.
We encrypt all devices and securely manage recovery keys so data stays protected everywhere.
Tired of navigating complex cloud security risks alone? Explore our advanced features for cyber resilience and learn how Geeks on Tap provides proactive, end-to-end IT protection for your entire environment.
Pillar 3: Data Protection and Resilience
Your business data is valuable, and having proper backups protects it from ransomware, mistakes, and system failures.
These best practices make sure your data is backed up securely, checked regularly, and can be restored quickly so your business stays up and running.
1. Implement the 3-2-1 Backup Rule
Adopt the gold standard: at least three copies of your data, stored on two different types of media, with one copy stored off-site or in the cloud.
Geeks on Tap use enterprise backup tools to keep your data securely backed up across multiple locations.
2. Ensure Immutable Backups
Backups must be protected against modification or deletion by cybercriminals and ransomware. This is achieved through WORM (Write Once, Read Many) technology.
We lock backups so they cannot be changed, even during an attack.
3. Verify Recovery Procedures (RTO/RPO)
Regular recovery drills must be performed to ensure data can be restored quickly and reliably, meeting your target Recovery Time Objective (RTO).
We test backups every quarter to confirm data can be restored when needed.
4. Secure Cloud/SaaS Application Data
Cloud providers manage uptime, but you are responsible for data loss prevention. You need third-party backup for M365 (Exchange, SharePoint, Teams) and Google Workspace.
We back up Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace data for fast, point in time recovery.
The Proactive Difference: Security That Adapts
Geeks on Tap offers a unique approach tailored to the needs of growing Australian small businesses:
- Dedicated Local Expertise: Bring a deep understanding of Australian regulatory requirements, allowing your cloud strategy to meet local compliance standards while utilising global best practices.
- True Multi-Cloud Mastery: Secure your entire modern cloud footprint for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, providing unified protection from one expert source.
- Proactive, Ongoing Management: Provide continuous 24/7 monitoring and adaptive management to proactively detect threats and keep your defenses always optimised and ready.
Ready to Close Your Security Gaps? Start Your Review.
Geeks on Tap is here to help to identify your biggest security gaps and how to efficiently implement these cybersecurity best practices.
Our team offers a free, no-obligation strategy session. We’ll assess your existing cloud setup against these exact best practices, provide an action plan, and show you exactly how we can simplify everything, including cloud identity management and 24/7 proactive defense.
It’s time to stop reacting to threats and start building genuine, proactive resilience.