Most data-driven businesses rely on a cybersecurity audit to ensure that they have the proper policies. Security controls and procedures are in place, and they are working effectively. These audits will keep your business compliant with laws and regulations, while also solving any security issues that your business may face. Audits play a vital role in protecting your business against cyberattacks. They highlight any weaknesses or vulnerabilities that your security may have, so you can avoid any harmful attacks. This blog explains what a cybersecurity audit is and why it is essential for your business.

What is a Cybersecurity Audit?

A cybersecurity audit is basically a thorough review of your company’s IT infrastructure. They are designed to detect any weaknesses or threats to your company’s security. They also help to ensure your company has the proper policies and procedures that comply with relevant laws. The auditor will access your company’s compliance posture as part of their review. This audit will effectively highlight any weak spots that your business has to help you avoid any potential cyber threats.

What Does an Audit Evaluate?

A cybersecurity audit plays a crucial role in ensuring your company is compliant with your local laws and regulations. These audits can ensure that the appropriate procedures and policies are implemented and working correctly. The main purpose of a cybersecurity audit is to identify any possible vulnerabilities your company may have that could result in a data breach. Specifically, an audit evaluates:

• Network Security (a review of network and security controls)
• Physical Security (a review of biometric data, disk encryption, and multi-factor authentication)
• Data Security (a review of network access control, and encryption use)
• System Security (a review of patching processes, management of privileged accounts, and network access control)
• Operational Security (a review of procedures, policies, and security controls.)

Benefits of a Cybersecurity Audit

The main purpose of a cybersecurity audit is to identify and address any security or compliance weaknesses that your company may have. An audit is equipped to fully improve your security. Specifically, these are some benefits of performing a cybersecurity audit:

• Compliance
• Control testing
• Improving security
• Staying ahead of cyber threats
• Confidence in your security measures
• Increasing your technology and security performance
• Identify weaknesses
• Assurance to vendors, employees, and clients.

How Often Should You Conduct a Cybersecurity Audit?

Many businesses should conduct a cybersecurity audit at least once a year. In some cases, more frequent audits could be necessary for some businesses, depending on several factors. A company’s size and resources available are one of those factors. Audits often are extensive processes and could end up costing a lot of money. Because of this, smaller businesses aren’t able to perform regular audits. However, larger businesses are able to conduct frequent audits. If you plan on making large operational changes to your organization, then you should conduct a cybersecurity audit.

Conclusion

If you’re wanting to audit your business’s cybersecurity practices, Protech Services Group can help. Protech has a layered security approach that is specifically designed to work with a variety of services to create a plan to protect you from potential cyber threats. ProTech offers a variety of security assessment services designed to provide clients with an understanding of their business’s vulnerability to attacks. Identifying threats helps mitigate risks. We’re also familiar with various compliance codes and have helped several clients prepare for exams and assess their current compliance status.

• Vulnerability Assessments
• Penetration Testing
• Wireless Penetration Testing
• Website Vulnerability Assessment
• Physical Security Assessment
• SOC Examinations
• ISO Certifications
• HITRUST Assessment
• HIPAA Assessment
• FISMA Certifications
• Compliance Program Assessment

If you want to learn more about the holistic, proactive services that we have to offer, then connect with us today!