An IT compliance audit is usually conducted by a reliable third-party vendor, such as a cybersecurity solutions provider, to test the overall security position of a firm. It is generally on a larger scale compared to internal audits and typically involves specialized services, such as vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
Here are the five essential steps of any successful security audit:
1. Defining Objectives
This involves determining the goals and objectives of the IT security audit and clarifying those goals to all involved parties so the project stays on track. Ideally, the goals of the audit should align with the company’s larger goals.
During this phase, the team will determine the systems and services that need to be evaluated, determine what the risks are, and whether disaster recovery is a concern for the firm.
2. Planning the Audit
Once the scope of the project has been outlined, it’s time to start planning the process. Work closely with the external cybersecurity experts and work out all the details with them. Determine what tools you need, and assign clear roles and responsibilities to help things run smoothly during execution.
3. Performing the Audit
The network security audit should be run in line with the plan and methodologies agreed upon during the previous phases. This may include running vulnerability scans on IT resources such as database servers, file-sharing services, and SaaS applications.
The end goal is to determine the state of network security, user access rights, data access levels, and various system configurations.
4. Reporting Results
The results of the assessment will be compiled in a formal report and presented to the management stakeholders. This will include a list of existing vulnerabilities and issues with IT system security.
The report might indicate certain high-priority areas that need immediate mitigation, followed by recommendations from the cybersecurity experts.
5. Taking Necessary Action
The final step involves reviewing the recommendations offered by the audit report and implementing them. Along with performing remediation procedures, you may also need to train employees regarding security awareness, such as signs of phishing attacks and malware. If implemented correctly, your firm will end up with a robust security system after the audit.
At CyberHunter Solutions, we provide specialized cybersecurity services and solutions to businesses and organizations in Canada, the US, and the Caribbean. Our professionals perform detailed network security audits to identify and eliminate all vulnerabilities in your system. Call our toll-free phone at 1 833 CYBHUNT to find out more about our services.
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