New and Improved: The Updated Cyber Readiness Playbook Is Here

At the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI), we’re committed to empowering small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to build strong, practical cyber ready foundations. That’s why we’re pleased to announce the launch of our updated Cyber Readiness Playbook—a fresh, streamlined version designed with you in mind.

Cybersecurity is no longer a “nice to have;” it’s a business imperative. Yet we know that for many SMBs, time and resources are limited, and navigating cybersecurity best practices can feel overwhelming. That’s where the Playbook comes in. And thanks to feedback from business owners, managers, and IT leads across the globe, we’ve taken your insights and reimagined the Playbook to be more practical, more actionable, and easier to use.

What’s New?

The updated Cyber Readiness Playbook has been split into two separate, user-friendly documents that work together to help you put essential cybersecurity practices in place:

  1. The Cyber Readiness Playbook: This core document includes customizable templates that help you implement key policies and plans. It covers CRI’s Core Four—Password Policies, Software Updates, Phishing, and Secure File Sharing and Storage—as well as a Business Continuity Plan to prepare for potential cyber incidents. These templates are ready to use and easy to adapt to your organization’s needs, saving you valuable time while ensuring critical protection.
  2. The Cyber Readiness Playbook Guide: This companion document is your step-by-step instruction manual. It walks you through how to complete each template, providing clear explanations and practical advice along the way. Whether you’re a small business owner with no IT staff or a team member responsible for operations, the guide makes it easier than ever to follow through on best practices.

Together, these tools are designed to reduce risk, build resilience, and help your organization work toward Cyber Readiness Certification—a CRI recognition that shows your commitment to cybersecurity leadership.

A Companion to the Cyber Readiness Program

The updated Playbook is a companion to CRI’s free online Cyber Readiness Program, a comprehensive, self-paced course that guides SMBs through the key steps to becoming cyber ready. The Playbook and Guide align directly with the Program’s curriculum, offering tangible, fill-in-the-blank templates and guidance to put what you learn into immediate action.

Why It Matters

Cyberattacks are a growing threat to businesses of all sizes, but SMBs are particularly vulnerable. Without the budgets or technical staff of larger organizations, many small companies struggle to keep pace with evolving cyber risks. And cybercriminals know it.

The good news? You don’t need a cybersecurity degree—or a big IT team—to protect your business. What you need is the right framework, with tools that are simple, accessible, and effective.

That’s exactly what the Cyber Readiness Playbook offers. It helps you:

  • Identify and address common vulnerabilities
  • Train employees in essential cyber readiness practices
  • Develop policies that prevent mistakes and minimize threats
  • Respond quickly and effectively in the event of an incident

Best of all, everything is available for free, thanks to CRI’s mission to support SMBs across the globe.

Designed for Real-World Use

This update was driven by you—our users. We listened to your feedback and redesigned the Playbook with usability and practicality at the forefront. Whether you’re just starting out on your cyber readiness journey or fine-tuning your existing protocols, this version is designed to meet you where you are.

With simple language, adaptable templates, and step-by-step guidance, the Playbook makes it easier than ever to embed good cybersecurity habits into daily business operations.

Start Your Journey to Cyber Readiness Today

Taking proactive steps now can prevent costly incidents later. The updated Cyber Readiness Playbook and Guide are here to help you take those steps with confidence.

Download the Playbook and Guide today and take the first step toward becoming a Cyber Ready organization. Because in today’s digital world, preparation isn’t just protection—it’s a competitive edge.