Free Checklist Templates for Information Technology
Information Technology
Data Backup Checklist
Data Backup Checklist
Ensure data backup is enabled
Verify that data backup is working as expected
Test data restoration periodically
Verify data backup is encrypted
Set up a backup schedule
Ensure data backup is stored off-site
Ensure data backup is properly documented
Set up an alert system for backup errors
Implement a system for tracking backup history
Monitor storage space
Set policies for data retention and disposal
Desktop Configuration Checklist
Hardware
PC
Keyboard
Mouse
Monitor
Printer
Scanner
External Storage
Software
Operating System
Office Suite
Utilities
Antivirus & Security
DNS & Networking
Development Tools
User Setup
User Account Creation
Groups & Permissions
File & Folder Access
Desktop Settings & Preferences
Security
Firewall Configuration
Password Policy
Data Encryption & Backup
Software Updates & Patches
Maintenance
Documentation & Logs
Troubleshooting & Support
Monitoring & Reporting
Disaster Recovery Checklist
Safety
Ensure all personnel are safe
Preserve evidence for investigation
Assessment
Identify the source of the disaster
Assess the scope of the damage
Identify critical systems and applications
Recovery
Restore data from backups
Repair hardware and software
Reconfigure systems
Test systems for functionality
Communication
Notify key stakeholders
Provide updates to stakeholders
Documentation
Document the event
Document the recovery process
Document the lessons learned
Incident Response Checklist
Pre-Incident Preparation
Establish a team of key personnel
Establish procedures and protocols for incident response
Ensure appropriate tools are in place
Regularly test the incident response plan
Ensure the incident response team is adequately trained and prepared
Document the incident response process
Identification
Identify the incident
Validate the incident
Determine the scope of the incident
Establish the timeline of the incident
Collect system and network logs
Containment, Eradication and Recovery
Contain the incident by isolating the affected systems
Eradicate the incident by removing the malicious code or hardware
Take steps to ensure the incident is not repeated
Recover lost or damaged data
Repair any system or network damage
Post-Incident Activities
Notify impacted parties
Document incident details
Perform post-incident reviews
Implement changes to existing processes/procedures
Review/update incident response plan
Monthly Server Maintenance Checklist
Having a comprehensive server maintenance checklist can help you ensure that your servers are always up and running smoothly. Setting up a routine for monthly server maintenance is especially important if you have a team of people who manage multiple servers; by working together to go over the entire list each month, they can ensure that all of their servers remain secure and performant.
Preparation
Name of Server
The static IP address of server computer
MAC address of server computer
Maintenance Date
Data, Software and System checks
Check backups are working
Check and update OS
Update your control panel
Check and update applications
Run database maintenance
Make sure backups are up to date.
Check for database corruption.
Make sure indexes are updated.
Check remote management tools
Remote console
Remote reboot
Rescue mode
Check Disk usage
Check CPU usage
Check RAM usage
Check Network usage
Free up server storage space
Security Checks
Change server passwords
Download and install the patches
Test the patches
Confirm that the patches are installed correctly
Review User accounts
Perform a server malware scan
Hardware Checks
Check fans and power supplies
Check RAID fault tolerance
Check cable integrity
Check A/C unit at the facility
Monthly Server Maintenance Checklist
Server Environment
Check the environment in the server room for temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
Check the power supply, UPS, and any other power-related components.
Check the cooling system, and ensure that all fans are working properly.
Check the server and any other equipment to make sure they are running properly.
Software
Check the operating system, and ensure that it is up to date.
Check the system logs for any errors or warnings.
Check for any security patches or updates that need to be installed.
Check the system configuration and make sure all settings are correct.
Check the disk space and make sure there is enough free space.
Database
Check the database for any errors or inconsistencies.
Check the database backups, and ensure they are running correctly.
Check the database performance and make sure it is running optimally.
Check the database security, and make sure it is up to date.
Network
Check the network connections, and make sure they are functioning properly.
Check the network security, and ensure that all ports are secure.
Check the network performance, and make sure it is running optimally.
Check the firewall security, and ensure that all settings are correct.
Security
Check the security settings, and ensure that all settings are correct.
Check the antivirus software, and make sure it is up to date.
Check for any unauthorized access, and make sure there are no security breaches.
Backups
Check the backup system, and make sure it is running correctly.
Check the backup logs, and make sure there are no errors or warnings.
Check the backup storage, and make sure there is enough free space.
Hardware
Check the hardware components, and make sure they are functioning properly.
Check the hard drives, and make sure they are running optimally.
Network Maintenance Checklist
Network Maintenance Checklist
Ensure all devices and systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches and bug fixes
Check for any security threats or vulnerabilities
Test the performance of the network and make adjustments as needed
Check for any unauthorized access or suspicious activity
Check system logs for errors or warnings
Check network connections and performance
Verify data backup and recovery processes
Perform regular malware scans
Update network documentation with any changes
Monitor network traffic and usage
Onboarding a New Software Developer
Before Day One
Enter start date
Brand new step
Review internal wikis to ensure all tool and internal process explanations are up to date.
Prepare physical equipment the developer will need, such as:
Create accounts for the developer on any external services, such as:
Create accounts for the developer on any internal services, such as:
Send the developer invites to team meetings
Assign a developer or project manager to guide and mentor the new developer
Day One (and possibly Day Two)
Gather employee information for payroll and other benefits
Introduce the developer to everyone on their team (the whole team, if it’s small, or their specific product team), including remote members, and make sure they know what each person does
Introduce the developer to any company resources, such as tech support and human resources
Introduce the developer to daily standups or scrums and explain how to participate
Take the developer out to lunch with their team (the whole team, if it’s small, or their specific product team) or arrange a team bonding time over video call
Patch Management Checklist
Patch Identification
Identify patches that need to be applied
Research patch requirements
Identify patch dependencies
Patch Testing
Test patch in a non-production environment
Ensure patch is compatible with other applications
Ensure patch will not cause unexpected downtime
Patch Installation
Install patch on production systems
Schedule patch installation
Monitor patch installation
Patch Management
Monitor patch installation progress
Validate patch installation
Document patch installation
Test patch functionality
Monitor system performance after patch installation
Patch Follow-up
Monitor system performance
Document patch installation results
Re-test patch functionality
Document patch issues
Re-schedule patch installation if needed
Performance Monitoring Checklist
System Performance Monitoring
Check the hardware and software components for proper functioning
Verify network bandwidth and latency
Perform system updates and patches
Test system functionality and performance with stress testing
Check system logs for errors or issues
Monitor system utilization
Check system availability
Application Performance Monitoring
Monitor application usage and performance
Track application requests and response times
Identify and investigate application errors
Check application logs for errors or issues
Test application functionality and performance with stress testing
Monitor application resource utilization
Check application availability
Database Performance Monitoring
Check database queries for performance
Monitor disk and memory usage
Identify and investigate database errors
Check database logs for errors or issues
Test database performance and functionality with stress testing
Check database availability
Network Performance Monitoring
Check network performance and utilization
Monitor and analyze network traffic
Identify and investigate network errors
Check network logs for errors or issues
Test network performance and functionality with stress testing
Check network availability
Security Performance Monitoring
Check security policies and procedures
Monitor user access and permissions
Identify and investigate security issues
Check security logs for errors or issues
Test security performance and functionality with stress testing
Check security availability
Security Checklist
Security Governance
Ensure security policies and procedures are in place and up to date
Establish organizational roles and responsibilities for InfoSec
Develop an incident response plan
Conduct regular security audits and risk assessments
Network Security
Implement firewalls and IDS/IPS
Protect data in transit with encryption protocols
Secure wireless networks
Utilize network segmentation
Application Security
Implement application security best practices
Perform security testing on applications
Ensure applications are regularly patched and updated
Data Security
Encrypt data at rest
Implement access control measures
Establish data backup and recovery plans
Endpoint Security
Deploy endpoint security software
Enforce least privilege access
Enable multifactor authentication
Conduct regular vulnerability scans
Employee Security
Provide security awareness training
Conduct background checks for employees
Implement secure BYOD policies
Enforce strong password policies
Server Configuration Checklist
Hardware Requirements
Operating System
CPU
Memory
Storage
Network Connectivity
Power Supply
Software Requirements
Database
Application Software
Scripts and Automation Tools
Backup and Recovery Software
Security Requirements
Firewall
Antivirus & Anti-malware
User Access Controls
Audit Logging
Encryption
Monitoring & Maintenance
System & Network Monitoring
Performance & Capacity Monitoring
Software Updates & Patches
Backup & Disaster Recovery Procedures
Server Maintenance Checklist
Hardware
Check fan and power cables
Check disk drive and space
Check RAID configuration and disk status
Check memory, CPU, and other components
Software
Check system log
Check system updates
Check installed programs
Check application versions
Security
Check antivirus and malware software
Check firewall settings
Check security patches
Check network configuration
Backups
Check backup system
Check data integrity
Verify backup storage
Test restore process
Software Installation Checklist
System Setup
Check System Requirements
Check Storage Requirements
Check Network Connectivity
Software Installation
Download Software Package
Install Software Package
Verify Installation
Post-Installation Tasks
Run System Configuration Scripts
Update Software Settings
Configure User Accounts
Software Update Checklist
Pre-Update
Identify the software version to be updated
Identify dependencies of the software
Back up the system for recovery purposes
Conduct a system review to identify potential compatibility issues
Identify stakeholders in the update process
Establish a timeline for the update
During Update
Install the software update
Test the new version to verify it operates as expected
Monitor the system performance
Troubleshoot any issues that arise
Post-Update
Document the update process
Conduct a post-update system review
Monitor system performance to ensure stability
Verify that the update was successful
Notify stakeholders of the update completion
User Access Control Checklist
Access Request
Obtain an Access Request Form and complete it with the required information
Obtain appropriate approval
Verify the user's identity
Check the user's background and credentials
Assess and document the user's need for access
User Identification and Authentication
Establish and document a user's identity
Create and assign a unique user ID
Establish and document the user's authentication credentials
Create and assign a secure password
Issue and document any additional authentication materials such as tokens, smart cards, etc.
Access Control
Assign appropriate roles and privileges
Configure access rights
Monitor user access
Audit user access
Periodically review and update user access
Implement access control mechanisms
Enforce separation of duties
System Security
Implement security policies and procedures
Protect system resources
Monitor system activity
Detect and respond to security incidents
Perform regular system scans
Perform regular vulnerability assessments
Train users on security best practices
Data Protection
Protect data from unauthorized access
Protect data from unauthorized modification
Protect data from unauthorized deletion
Encrypt data when necessary
Implement data backup and recovery procedures
Monitor data access
Audit data access
Periodically review and update data access
The importance of checklists in Information Technology
Reduce Risk of Human Error
Checklists are an important tool in reducing the risk of human error in information technology. By following a standard, step-by-step list of instructions, people can reduce the risk of making mistakes that could have a significant impact on the performance of the system. For example, when setting up a network, a checklist can help ensure that all the hardware is properly connected and that the appropriate software is installed correctly. This can help prevent costly errors that could otherwise lead to the entire system being rendered unusable.
Ensure Consistency In Processes
Checklists are also important for ensuring consistency in processes. By having a standard set of steps to follow, it is easier to ensure that everyone is following the same process, which can help to ensure that the desired outcome is achieved. For example, when implementing a new system, checklists can ensure that all the steps of the process are followed in order, and that each step is completed correctly. This can help to ensure that the system is installed and configured properly and that the desired results are achieved.
Improve Communication
Checklists can also help to improve communication between team members working on information technology projects. By having a standard set of steps to follow, it is easier to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there is a clear understanding of the tasks that need to be completed. This can help to ensure that the project is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Provide Documentation
In addition to the practical benefits of checklists, they can also be used to provide documentation of the processes involved in an information technology project. By having a standard set of steps to follow, it is easier to provide documentation of the process as it is being completed. This can be useful for reference purposes when troubleshooting issues, as well as for auditing purposes to ensure that the process was completed correctly.
Collaboration
Using checklists can also help to facilitate collaboration in the information technology industry. By breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, it is easier to assign tasks to different team members and keep track of progress. Checklists can also provide a way to review progress and make sure that tasks are completed in a timely manner. This helps to ensure that tasks are completed correctly and on-time, which can help to improve efficiency and accuracy.
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