90-Day Cybersecurity Roadmap
Practical security foundation for small businesses
Complete 90-day cybersecurity implementation roadmap for small businesses using Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and proven network solutions. Build practical, sustainable protection without overwhelming complexity.
Start Where You Are: Effective Security Without Complexity
Most small businesses already possess the foundation for strong cybersecurity. Rather than overwhelming yourself with dozens of security tools, this roadmap focuses on maximizing your existing investments while building practical, sustainable protection.
Whether you use Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, this 90-day plan transforms your current tools into a comprehensive security foundation. We'll show you how to secure your network with proven solutions and protect your endpoints with focused, effective tools.
Maximize Existing Investments
Most small businesses already possess the foundation for strong cybersecurity. Rather than overwhelming yourself with dozens of security tools, this roadmap focuses on maximizing your existing investments while building practical, sustainable protection.
Platform-Focused Approach
Whether you use Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, this 90-day plan transforms your current tools into a comprehensive security foundation. We'll show you how to secure your network with proven solutions and protect your endpoints with focused, effective tools.
Practical Implementation
This roadmap emphasizes effective security without complexity. Instead of replacing everything, we build on what you already have and add targeted enhancements that provide maximum protection with minimal disruption to your business operations.
Before You Begin
Take our 5-minute cybersecurity assessment to understand your current security posture before starting your 90-day implementation. This baseline assessment will help you track your progress and identify your highest-priority security gaps.
Foundation Philosophy
Build on existing investments: Maximize the security features already included in your current subscriptions
Practical over perfect: Focus on sustainable security that your team can actually maintain
Phased implementation: Spread changes over 90 days to avoid overwhelming your business operations
Measurable progress: Clear milestones and success metrics to track your security improvements
The 90-Day Security Foundation Plan
Days 1-30
Maximize Your Existing Tools
Unlock the security features you're already paying for
Most small businesses use either Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, yet few realize these platforms include powerful security features. This phase focuses on configuring what you already have.
Days 31-60
Secure Your Network Foundation
Create a secure, manageable network infrastructure
Your network is the foundation that connects everything. This phase provides three approaches based on your budget and technical requirements.
Days 61-90
Essential Endpoint Protection
Protect all devices with focused, effective solutions
Endpoint protection is your final layer of defense. Choose one solution based on your specific needs and budget.
Phase 1: Maximize Your Existing Tools (Days 1-30)
Objective: Unlock the security features you're already paying for
Most small businesses use either Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, yet few realize these platforms include powerful security features. This phase focuses on configuring what you already have.
Week 1: Identity & Access Foundation
Enable 2-Step Verification Organization-Wide
Navigate to Admin console → Security → 2-step verification. Require for all users (not optional). Use Google Authenticator app for consistent experience.
Configure Advanced Password Protection
Set strong password requirements (minimum 12 characters). Enable password reuse prevention. Block common passwords and variants.
Set Up Essential Admin Alerts
Enable suspicious login notifications. Configure data sharing alerts. Set up mobile device security alerts.
Week 2: Communication Security
Secure Gmail Configuration
Enable advanced phishing protection. Configure external sharing warnings. Activate attachment scanning for all file types.
Protect Google Drive
Set default sharing to 'restricted'. Enable access transparency logging. Configure external sharing controls.
Week 3: Enhanced Protection (Business Plus Plans)
Activate Security Center Features
Review security health recommendations. Configure security insights dashboard. Set up investigation tools.
Deploy Device Management
Require device enrollment for email access. Set device security policies. Enable remote wipe capabilities.
Week 4: Monitoring & Maintenance
Establish Activity Monitoring
Review audit logs weekly. Monitor file sharing activities. Track login anomalies and locations.
Phase 1 Success Checklist
Phase 2: Secure Your Network Foundation (Days 31-60)
Objective: Create a secure, manageable network infrastructure
Your network is the foundation that connects everything. This phase provides three approaches based on your budget and technical requirements. For advanced network security implementation with monitoring integration, see our detailed UniFi + Wazuh security stack guide.
Budget-Conscious with ISP Security
Leverage your internet service provider's security features for basic network protection
For Comcast Business Customers:
- Enable Comcast SecurityEdge - Advanced threat protection at network level
- Web filtering and malware blocking
- Real-time threat intelligence updates
- Cost: Included with most business internet plans
For AT&T Business Customers:
- Activate AT&T ActiveArmor - Network-level threat blocking
- Fraud call protection
- Basic identity monitoring
- Cost: Included with Fiber 300M-500M plans; $7/month for advanced features
Professional Setup with UniFi
Enterprise-grade network infrastructure with comprehensive security features
Equipment List:
- UniFi Dream Machine Pro ($379) - Router, firewall, controller
- UniFi Switch 24 PoE ($379) - Managed switch with power for devices
- UniFi Access Points ($150-200 each) - 1-3 depending on office size
- Professional installation ($300-600) or DIY (8-12 hours)
Week 1: Planning & Procurement
- • Conduct site survey - Map current network layout and requirements
- • Order equipment and schedule installation window
Week 2: Installation & Basic Configuration
- • Physical installation of Dream Machine Pro and switch
- • Mount and position access points
- • Configure internet connection and wireless networks
Week 3: Security Configuration
- • Advanced firewall configuration
- • Network segmentation with VLANs
- • VPN setup for remote workers
Week 4: Monitoring & Optimization
- • Establish network monitoring and analytics
- • Configure security event notifications
- • Optional: Enable CyberSecure by Proofpoint ($99/year)
Enhanced UniFi with CyberSecure
Advanced threat intelligence with real-time signature updates
- UniFi network foundation (as above)
- UniFi CyberSecure by Proofpoint - Advanced threat intelligence
- Real-time signature updates - 30-50+ new threats weekly
- Local processing: All threat detection happens on-premises
Phase 2 Success Checklist
Phase 3: Essential Endpoint Protection (Days 61-90)
Objective: Protect all devices with focused, effective solutions
Endpoint protection is your final layer of defense. Choose one solution based on your specific needs and budget.
Malwarebytes Business
Excellent detection rates, minimal system impact
For Teams - $49.99/endpoint/year; Endpoint Protection - $52.49/endpoint/year
2 hours for 20 devices
Cloud-based console with automated updates
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security
Multi-layered protection, advanced threat detection
Starting at $2.15/endpoint/month for basic plans
3 hours for 20 devices
Centralized console with detailed reporting
ESET Protect Business
Cross-platform support, lightweight performance
$3.50/endpoint/month
2.5 hours for 20 devices
Cloud or on-premise console options
Deployment Process (Universal for All Options)
Week 1: Planning & Preparation
- • Device inventory and compatibility check
- • Software procurement and testing
- • Deployment planning
Week 2: Phased Deployment
- • Remove conflicting software
- • Install new protection systematically
- • Configure policies and schedules
Week 3: Configuration & Training
- • Policy configuration and automation
- • User training and support procedures
- • Documentation and processes
Week 4: Validation & Monitoring
- • Comprehensive testing and validation
- • Central management verification
- • Alert and response testing
Phase 3 Success Checklist
Optional Phase 4: Privacy Enhancement with Proton Suite
For businesses prioritizing maximum privacy
Proton Business Suite Components:
- • Proton Mail Essentials ($7.99/user/month) - Encrypted email
- • Proton Business Suite ($12.99/user/month) - Complete encrypted ecosystem
- • Individual services available separately
Migration Considerations:
- • Complexity: Moderate to high, depending on data volume
- • Timeline: 30-60 days for complete transition
- • Professional services: $2,000-5,000 for full migration support
- • Training requirements: 2-4 hours per user
Budget Planning by Business Size
Your cybersecurity investment should scale with your business size and risk profile. These budget frameworks provide realistic cost expectations for each phase of implementation.
Micro Business
$240-540
Essential protections, basic monitoring, fundamental training
Optimize existing Google/Microsoft tools
Basic network security (ISP solutions)
Essential endpoint protection
Small Business
$1,800-3,600
+ $99/year for enhanced network security
Comprehensive protection, network segmentation, advanced monitoring
Advanced cloud security optimization
Professional UniFi network infrastructure
+ $99/year for CyberSecure optional
Business endpoint protection
Growing Business
$4,200-7,200
+ $99/year for enhanced network security
Enterprise-grade tools, automation, comprehensive threat protection
Enterprise cloud security features
Advanced network with CyberSecure enhancement
+ $99/year for CyberSecure
Comprehensive endpoint protection
Budget Planning Considerations
Cost Factors to Consider:
- Existing subscriptions: Maximize Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 features you're already paying for
- Network infrastructure: One-time investment with long-term benefits
- Endpoint protection: Ongoing monthly costs that scale with team size
- Professional services: Optional but recommended for complex implementations
ROI Expectations:
- Risk reduction: 90% reduction in successful phishing attacks with MFA
- Incident prevention: 70% fewer successful breach attempts
- Cost avoidance: Average small business cyber incident costs $120,000-$1.24M
- Business continuity: Avoid the 60% of small businesses that close after a cyberattack
Budget Planning Tips
Success Measurement & Monitoring
Effective cybersecurity requires continuous monitoring and measurement. Track your progress with specific metrics and regular assessments to ensure your investment delivers real protection.
Monthly Security Health Check
Use Cyber Assess Valydex monthly to track improvement and identify new priorities:
Total 90-day target: +50 point security score improvement
+15 point improvement
(Foundation security)
Baseline security through cloud platform optimization
+20 point improvement
(Network security)
Infrastructure protection and network segmentation
+15 point improvement
(Endpoint protection)
Device-level security and comprehensive monitoring
Key Performance Indicators
Security Effectiveness:
Email Security
- Email threats blocked and reported
- Phishing attempts detected and prevented
- Malicious attachment detections
- Suspicious link clicks blocked
Network Security
- Network intrusion attempts detected
- Unauthorized access attempts blocked
- Suspicious traffic patterns identified
- VPN connection monitoring
Endpoint Protection
- Malware detections and successful cleanups
- Real-time threat prevention events
- System vulnerability assessments
- Device compliance monitoring
User Behavior
- User security training completion rates
- Security incident reporting frequency
- Password policy compliance
- Multi-factor authentication adoption
Business Impact:
Reduction in Security Incidents
Measurable decrease in successful attacks and security breaches
Decreased Time Spent on Security Issues
Less time required for incident response and security management
Improved Compliance Audit Results
Better performance in security assessments and regulatory compliance
Enhanced Customer Trust and Retention
Increased customer confidence in your security practices
Quarterly Review Process
Security Posture Assessment
- Complete comprehensive security review using Cyber Assess Valydex
- Analyze effectiveness of implemented solutions
- Identify gaps and improvement opportunities
Financial Analysis
- Review security investment ROI
- Compare actual vs. projected costs
- Plan budget for next quarter's improvements
Process Optimization
- Gather team feedback on usability and workflow impact
- Refine policies and procedures based on experience
- Update training materials and documentation
Success Metrics Dashboard
Monthly Tracking (Use Cyber Assess Valydex):
Long-term ROI Indicators:
Monitoring Best Practices
Consistency is key: Conduct monthly assessments at the same time each month for accurate trend analysis
Document everything: Keep detailed records of security incidents, response times, and resolution methods
Team involvement: Include your team in the review process to gather feedback on usability and effectiveness
Continuous improvement: Use metrics to identify areas for enhancement and adjust your security strategy accordingly
Implementation Support Resources
Access comprehensive resources to support your cybersecurity implementation journey. From free templates to professional services, we provide the tools and expertise you need for success.
Free Download Templates
90-Day Implementation Checklist
Track your progress through each phase
Google Workspace Security Setup Guide
Step-by-step configuration instructions
Microsoft 365 Security Checklist
Complete security feature activation guide
UniFi Network Planning Template
Site survey and equipment planning worksheet
Endpoint Protection Comparison Sheet
Features and pricing comparison
Monthly Security Review Template
Ongoing monitoring framework
How to Use These Templates
Start with the 90-Day Implementation Checklist: This master document guides you through the entire process
Choose your platform guide: Use either Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 security setup guide based on your current tools
Plan your network: Complete the UniFi planning template before purchasing equipment
Compare endpoint solutions: Use the comparison sheet to select the best protection for your environment
Establish monitoring: Implement the monthly review template to track your progress and maintain security
Professional Support Options
Quick Start Consultation
Initial assessment and implementation planning session
What's Included:
Network Design & Implementation
Complete network infrastructure setup and configuration
What's Included:
Complete 90-Day Managed Implementation
End-to-end managed cybersecurity implementation
What's Included:
Monthly Security Reviews
Continuous security monitoring and optimization
What's Included:
Getting Started with Resources
Free Resources Access:
Professional Services Benefits:
Ready to get started? Begin with your free security assessment to access all templates and receive personalized recommendations for your cybersecurity journey.
Why This Simplified Approach Works
This roadmap succeeds because it's built on practical principles that respect your business realities while delivering comprehensive protection. Here's why this approach is more effective than complex, overwhelming security strategies.
Build on Existing Investments
Rather than replacing everything, this roadmap maximizes the security features already included in your Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 subscription. Most businesses discover they already pay for powerful security tools they weren't using.
Focused Tool Selection
Instead of overwhelming you with dozens of options, we provide three clear choices for each category: Network security, endpoint protection, and privacy enhancement options.
Practical Implementation Timeline
The 90-day structure provides achievable milestones with immediate improvements, infrastructure investment, and comprehensive device protection.
Scalable Growth Foundation
This approach scales naturally as your business grows, from basic protections for micro businesses to enterprise-ready foundations that support advanced security tools.
The Success Framework
Four pillars that make this approach more effective than complex alternatives
Build on Existing
Maximize current investments instead of starting from scratch
Focused Choices
Clear options instead of overwhelming complexity
Practical Timeline
Achievable 90-day milestones with immediate value
Scalable Growth
Foundation that grows with your business needs
What Makes This Different from Other Cybersecurity Approaches
❌ Traditional Approach Problems:
✅ Our Simplified Approach Benefits:
Current Cybersecurity Landscape (2025)
Understanding why cybersecurity matters helps motivate consistent implementation. The threat landscape continues to evolve, but so do our defensive capabilities and knowledge of what works.
Small Business Risk Reality
of all cyber breaches impact businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees
more social engineering attacks targeting smaller organizations vs. larger enterprises
of small businesses that suffer a cyberattack close permanently within six months
of small and medium businesses say they could not continue operating if hit with ransomware
Critical Business Impact
Research consistently shows that 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyberattack close permanently within six months. This isn't just about technology—it's about business survival. The 90-day roadmap addresses this reality with practical, sustainable protection that small businesses can actually implement and maintain.
Evolving Threat Environment
Manufacturing & Financial Services
Now account for the highest percentage of targeted attacks in 2025
Supply Chain Attacks
Have increased substantially, now accounting for 15% of small business breaches
Recovery Costs
Average cost for small businesses ranges from $120,000 to $1.24 million
Positive Trends: What's Working
Multi-Factor Authentication
90% reduction in successful phishing attacks
Dedicated Cybersecurity Measures
70% fewer successful breach attempts
Regular Security Training
Significant decreases in employee-related security incidents
Network-Level Threat Intelligence
Real-time protection with 30-50 new threat signatures weekly
The Defense Advantage
While threats are evolving, our defensive capabilities are advancing even faster. Organizations implementing multi-factor authentication see a 90% reduction in successful phishing attacks, and businesses with dedicated cybersecurity measures report 70% fewer successful breach attempts.
Network-level threat intelligence services now provide real-time protection updates, with some services adding 30-50 new threat signatures weekly to combat emerging vulnerabilities. This is why the 90-day roadmap emphasizes these proven, effective defenses.
2025 Cybersecurity Reality Check
The Threat
Small businesses face increasing attacks with potentially business-ending consequences
The Defense
Proven security measures deliver dramatic risk reduction when properly implemented
The Solution
This 90-day roadmap implements the most effective defenses in a practical, sustainable way
Getting Started Today
Don't wait to begin improving your cybersecurity. These immediate actions will start protecting your business today while you plan your complete 90-day implementation.
Take Action Right Now
Take Security Assessment
Get your baseline security score and personalized recommendations
Identify Your Platform
Determine if you use Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
Enable MFA Organization-Wide
Require multi-factor authentication for all users immediately
Week 1 Priority Checklist
Complete these essential tasks in your first week to establish a strong security foundation:
Week 1 Success Target
By completing these tasks, you should see a +15 point improvement in your security assessment score and have immediate protection against the most common cyber threats targeting small businesses.
Your 90-Day Journey Overview
Foundation Setup
Key Tasks:
- Complete security assessment
- Enable MFA organization-wide
- Configure basic email security
Cloud Platform Optimization
Key Tasks:
- Follow platform-specific security guide
- Configure advanced security features
- Establish monitoring and reporting
Network Infrastructure
Key Tasks:
- Choose network security approach
- Plan and implement network solutions
- Configure advanced threat protection
Endpoint Protection
Key Tasks:
- Select endpoint protection solution
- Deploy to all devices
- Configure monitoring and response
Your Cybersecurity Journey Starts Now
Don't wait for a security incident to force action. Take the first step today with our free assessment, then follow the proven 90-day roadmap to build comprehensive, sustainable protection for your business.
Remember: 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyberattack close permanently within six months. The best time to improve your cybersecurity was yesterday. The second-best time is right now.