So, you have decided that your business needs a cybersecurity risk assessment? A very smart move.
But what happens next? How do you prepare for it to make sure you get the best possible results?
If you are feeling a little unsure, do not worry. Preparing for a cybersecurity risk assessment does not have to be complicated. With a little planning and a clear idea of what to expect, you can make the process smooth, straightforward, and incredibly valuable for your business.
Let’s walk you through it.
Why Preparation Matters
A cybersecurity risk assessment is all about finding vulnerabilities before someone else does. But to find the weak spots, your cybersecurity partner will need a good understanding of your systems, your processes, and your data.
The better prepared you are, the more accurate and useful the results of the assessment will be. Good preparation can also help avoid delays, minimise disruption to your business, and ensure you get tailored advice that truly fits your needs.
1. Take Stock of Your IT Assets
Before the assessment begins, it helps to know exactly what technology your business is using day-to-day.
Start by making a list of every device and system your team relies on. This could include computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, servers, networking equipment, printers, and any specialised equipment linked to your industry. It is easy to forget about devices that are rarely used but still connected to your network.
You should also list any software or cloud services you depend on, such as your email platform, accounting software, CRM systems, website hosting, or file storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox.
Ask yourself:
- What hardware and software do we rely on to run our business?
- Where is our critical business data stored — on devices, servers, or in the cloud?
Having this information upfront allows your cybersecurity expert to assess the full picture, rather than only part of it.
2. Identify Your Sensitive Data
Next, think carefully about the type of data your business collects, stores, and processes.
Not all data carries the same level of risk. Losing access to a marketing brochure might be inconvenient, but losing customer payment information or confidential contracts could be devastating.
Spend time identifying:
- Customer details (names, addresses, emails, payment information)
- Employee records (personal details, payroll data, contracts)
- Financial records (invoices, banking details, tax documents)
- Intellectual property (designs, trade secrets, business strategies)
- Contracts and supplier information
Ask yourself:
- What information would a cyber criminal find valuable?
- What data would harm our reputation or operations if it was leaked, lost, or stolen?
This step ensures the assessment focuses on protecting your most important assets, not just your technology.
3. Review Your Current Security Measures
Understanding your current level of protection will help your cybersecurity partner identify gaps and suggest improvements that fit your business.
Make a note of what security you already have in place. You might have antivirus software installed, a firewall configured on your router, regular data backups, or staff trained in password best practices. Or you might simply rely on the default settings that came with your devices.
Be honest. This is not about being judged. It is about knowing where you stand.
Ask yourself:
- Do we have any cybersecurity measures already in place?
- Are our systems and software regularly updated?
- How do we manage and store passwords?
- Do we back up important data, and if so, how often?
If you are not sure about the answers, that is fine too. Your cybersecurity expert can help you uncover them during the assessment.
4. Think About How Your Team Works
Your employees play a huge role in your cybersecurity posture. Even the best technical systems can be undermined if the people using them are not properly trained or monitored.
Take some time to think about how your team operates:
- Do they work remotely, in the office, or a mixture of both?
- Are personal devices used for work tasks? This is called BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).
- How is access to systems managed when people join or leave the business?
- Are there clear rules about creating strong passwords, sharing files, or reporting suspicious activity?
Ask yourself:
- How do our people interact with technology and data?
- Where could human behaviour increase our risks?
A good cybersecurity risk assessment will not just look at your hardware and software, it will consider how people use them, and whether better policies or training could strengthen your defences.
5. Be Ready to Discuss Your Business Goals
Cybersecurity is not just about defending what you have now. It is also about protecting the business you are building for the future.
The best cybersecurity strategies are aligned with your business objectives. That is why your cybersecurity expert will want to understand your plans, challenges, and any industry compliance requirements you need to meet.
Think about:
- Are we planning to expand into new markets, open new offices, or launch new services?
- Are we adopting more digital technologies, such as moving systems to the cloud?
- Are we bound by regulations or sector-specific data protection rules?
Ask yourself:
- Where do we want the business to be in one, three, or five years?
- What new risks could those changes introduce?
Sharing your growth ambitions allows your cybersecurity provider to build a flexible, scalable plan that evolves with you.
Final Checklist for Your Risk Assessment Preparation
Here’s a quick summary to help you feel organised:
- List your devices, software, and cloud services
- Identify your sensitive or valuable data
- Outline your current cybersecurity tools and policies
- Understand how your employees interact with your systems
- Be ready to share your business goals and challenges
You do not have to have everything perfect. A good cybersecurity expert will guide you through any gaps. Preparation simply helps make the process faster, clearer, and more productive.
Why Working with a Cybersecurity Expert Makes All the Difference
You might be tempted to run a basic cybersecurity risk assessment yourself, especially with all the free tools available online. While some checks are better than none, working with a cybersecurity expert brings huge advantages.
A professional will have the tools and knowledge to dig deeper, spotting risks that free software or basic internal checks often miss. They also know how to prioritise those risks properly, helping you focus your efforts (and your budget) where it really matters.
Experts also stay up to date with the latest threats and compliance requirements, ensuring your assessment is thorough, up-to-date, and aligned with best practices.
Most importantly, they will not just identify problems. They will give you a clear, jargon-free action plan — and if needed, work alongside you to put the improvements into place.
Partnering with a cybersecurity expert means peace of mind that your business is properly protected, not just ticking a box.
Next Steps
Preparing for a cybersecurity risk assessment is a lot like preparing for an important meeting. A little time spent gathering information beforehand makes all the difference when it comes to getting the best advice and results.
The more open and organised you are, the better equipped your cybersecurity partner will be to build a solution that protects your business today and supports your success tomorrow.
If you are ready to take the next step and book your cybersecurity risk assessment, we are here to help. Get in touch and we will make it simple, straightforward, and tailored just for you.
Interested in making cybersecurity one less thing to worry about?
Contact us today for help that fits your business perfectly.
