Business IT Readiness Checklist

Ten practical checks for Houston business owners and office managers. Mark each item ready, needs review, or unsure. Use your notes to guide an IT conversation; this checklist is not a security or compliance audit.

1. Know who owns each system

List your business-critical applications, devices and service providers. Assign a person who owns each relationship and renewal.

Ready / Needs review / Unsure

2. Review account access

Check who can access email, files and key applications. Remove accounts that no longer need access, especially for former staff.

Ready / Needs review / Unsure

3. Protect sign-ins

Identify where multi-factor authentication is enabled and where it is missing. Give administrator accounts extra attention.

Ready / Needs review / Unsure

4. Check update coverage

Confirm who keeps computers, servers, firewalls and business applications updated. Note systems that no longer receive updates.

Ready / Needs review / Unsure

5. Know what is backed up

List the information your business depends on and verify that backups cover it. Know who can restore it.

Ready / Needs review / Unsure

6. Review a recovery test

Ask when a backup was last restored successfully. Record what was tested and who will coordinate recovery during an interruption.

Ready / Needs review / Unsure

7. Find connectivity trouble spots

Note Wi-Fi dead zones, unreliable connections and slow applications. Include offices, clinics, warehouses and production areas.

Ready / Needs review / Unsure

8. Check physical access

Review who holds keys or access credentials. Confirm camera access is limited to appropriate people and retained recordings match your needs.

Ready / Needs review / Unsure

9. Make support easy to reach

Keep support contacts and an escalation path accessible. Confirm office hours and any separately agreed emergency coverage.

Ready / Needs review / Unsure

10. Plan the next change

Write down upcoming hires, moves, equipment changes and new locations. Review how each could affect capacity, security and budget.

Ready / Needs review / Unsure

Discuss Your IT Priorities