Cybersecurity Checklist for Maine Campgrounds and Small Businesses
A practical cybersecurity checklist for Maine campgrounds and small businesses covering MFA, admin access, email security, devices, backups, and staff training.
Enable MFA everywhere it is available
- Start with email accounts. This is the most common attack target.
- Enable MFA on financial accounts, payroll systems, and any software holding customer data.
- Use an authenticator app rather than SMS when possible for stronger protection.
- Have a backup method documented for each user in case their primary device is unavailable.
Limit and review admin access
- Only give admin access to people who need it for their role.
- Use separate admin accounts for administrative tasks rather than using the same account for daily work.
- Remove access promptly when someone leaves or changes roles.
- Review admin access quarterly. Accounts tend to accumulate permissions over time.
Secure email and communications
- Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to protect your email domain from spoofing.
- Enable external email warnings so staff can quickly identify messages from outside the organization.
- Configure anti-phishing and anti-malware protections available in your email platform.
- Train staff to recognize phishing emails, especially urgent payment requests and fake invoice scams.
Keep devices and software updated
- Enable automatic updates on computers, phones, and network equipment.
- Replace devices that no longer receive security updates from the manufacturer.
- Maintain a list of all business devices and when they were last updated or reviewed.
- Guest and seasonal worker devices should be on separate networks or have limited access to business systems.
Back up your data and test it
- Make sure critical business data is backed up automatically, not manually.
- Store backups separately from the primary data. Cloud backup or an offsite copy protects against local incidents.
- Test a restore at least twice a year. A backup that cannot be restored is not a backup.
- Include reservation systems, accounting data, customer records, and operational documents in your backup scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cybersecurity really a concern for a small campground or seasonal business?
Yes. Small and seasonal businesses are frequent targets because attackers know they often have weaker security. Email compromise, ransomware, and fraudulent payment requests can cause significant financial and operational damage regardless of business size.
How do I handle cybersecurity for seasonal workers?
Create separate accounts for seasonal staff, limit their access to only what they need, disable accounts when the season ends, and make sure they have basic training on recognizing phishing and suspicious activity.
What is the first thing I should do to improve cybersecurity today?
Enable MFA on all email accounts and financial system accounts. This single step provides the most protection for the least effort and can be completed in less than an hour for most small organizations.
Need help?
Maine CyberTech helps Maine campgrounds and small businesses review their cybersecurity posture, enable MFA, secure email, and train staff. Contact us for a cybersecurity assessment.
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