Start here Why this matters Small teams often share passwords through text messages, spreadsheets, sticky notes, or old documents. That makes it difficult to know who has access and impossible to safely remove access later. Use this resource when Employees share logins or passwords. Passwords are stored in spreadsheets or messages. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is optional or inconsistent. You need a basic password policy that people can follow. What to review Which systems use shared passwords. Which accounts have Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enabled. Where passwords are currently stored. Who has access to shared vaults or administrative accounts. How passwords are removed when an employee leaves.
Step by step Practical checklist List the systems your team logs into each week. Identify shared passwords and replace them with named accounts where possible. Choose a password manager for business use. Create shared vaults based on roles instead of giving everyone everything. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for email, finance, cloud storage, and administrator accounts. Document the process for adding and removing password access.
Avoid these issues Common mistakes Using one shared login for the whole team. Letting browsers save business passwords on shared devices. Sending passwords through email or text messages. Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) only for administrators. Forgetting to remove password vault access during offboarding.
Microsoft 365 Security Checklist for Small Businesses Use this checklist to review the Microsoft 365 settings that most small businesses depend on every day. It is designed for business owners and office managers who need a practical way to reduce account, email, and access risk.
How to Prepare for a Basic Microsoft 365 Security Assessment A Microsoft 365 security assessment does not need to be overwhelming. The goal is to understand what accounts exist, who has access, what protections are enabled, and which settings need cleanup.
Phishing Readiness Checklist for Small Businesses Phishing emails try to trick employees into sharing passwords, opening malicious links, sending payments, or changing account information.
