Ransomware Prevention and Response Readiness Checklist [FREE PDF]

This ransomware prevention and response readiness checklist ensures compliance with CISA Ransomware Guide (2023) requirements. IT security and compliance teams use this checklist to assess controls, identify gaps, and demonstrate regulatory compliance to customers and auditors.

  • Industry: Technology / Corporate
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
  • Role: Security Auditor
  • Total Items: 17
  • Compliance: CISA Ransomware Guide (2023), NIST SP 800-184 Cybersecurity Recovery, FBI Ransomware Prevention Guidance, NIST CSF 2.0 Respond/Recover

Documentation and Policy Review

Verify foundational documentation and policy compliance.

  • Relevant security policy documented and approved by management?
  • Policy reviewed and updated within past 12 months?
  • Procedures documented for all policy requirements?
  • Roles and responsibilities clearly assigned?

Technical Control Assessment

Evaluate technical controls implementation.

  • Primary technical controls implemented and operational?
  • Monitoring and alerting configured for this control domain?
  • Access controls appropriately restrictive?
  • Audit logging enabled and logs retained per policy?
  • Sensitive data encrypted at rest and in transit?

Testing and Validation

Verify controls are tested and functioning as designed.

  • Controls tested within past assessment period?
  • Test results documented and reviewed?
  • Control exceptions formally documented with risk acceptance?
  • Third-party assessment or audit findings reviewed?

Findings and Remediation

Document gaps and remediation actions.

  • All control gaps logged in risk register?
  • Remediation timelines assigned based on severity?
  • High-severity findings escalated to CISO/management?
  • Ransomware Prevention and Response Readiness Checklist findings and next steps

Related IT & Data Security Checklists

Related Incident Response Checklists

Why Use This Ransomware Prevention and Response Readiness Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This ransomware prevention and response readiness checklist [free pdf] helps technology / corporate teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for security auditor professionals, this checklist covers 17 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.

Ensures compliance with CISA Ransomware Guide (2023), NIST SP 800-184 Cybersecurity Recovery, FBI Ransomware Prevention Guidance, NIST CSF 2.0 Respond/Recover. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Ransomware Prevention and Response Readiness Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 17 inspection items across 4 sections: Documentation and Policy Review, Technical Control Assessment, Testing and Validation, Findings and Remediation. It is designed for technology / corporate operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Who should use this Ransomware Prevention and Response Readiness Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Security Auditor professionals in the technology / corporate industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists