We recommend all our clients to have an IT and Cyber Security Audit, but many business people are not sure what that involves or whether it is even necessary, particularly if the business is very small. In times of economic uncertainty, it is logical that business owners will look for value for money and an audit can feel like an expensive luxury. However, it does not matter how small your business is, it can still be a target for a cyber security attack. We will always tailor an audit to the size of the company and its budget – there is no one-size-fits-all all! So – what is involved?
Here are the key steps involved in conducting a cybersecurity audit:
Define the Scope and Objectives
Decide which systems, networks, and data will be included in the audit, and what the audit aims to achieve, such as vulnerability identification.
Gather Documentation
Collect existing security policies, procedures, and standards, network architecture diagrams, the inventory of all hardware and software assets, and information on user access levels and permissions.
Conduct a Risk Assessment
Determine potential internal and external threats to the organisation. Assess each identified threat’s potential likelihood and impact.
Perform Technical Testing
Assess for known vulnerabilities in systems and networks, then conduct controlled attacks to test the defences and identify weaknesses. Compare system configurations to best practice and verify that access controls and permissions are appropriate.
Review Policies and Procedures
Check that security policies are being followed. Evaluate current procedures for compliance with relevant regulations and standards (e.g. GDPR) and for their effectiveness in mitigating risks.
Evaluate Incident Response and Recovery
Review the incident response plan to ensure it is comprehensive and up-to-date. Analyse any past incidents for patterns and areas for improvement. Evaluate the disaster recovery plan.
Analyse Security Awareness and Training
Assess the cyber security training for team members. Conduct tests (e.g. phishing simulations) to evaluate staff reactions to social engineering and general security awareness.
Compile Findings and Recommendations
Create a detailed report of findings and make recommendations.
Present Audit Report
Provide a high-level summary of critical issues and proposed actions to key stakeholders, along with a comprehensive report containing detailed findings and recommendations.
Follow-Up
Develop an action plan to implement the recommended changes and improvements. Schedule a follow-up audit to ensure that issues have been resolved and improvements are effective.
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement
Conduct regular reviews and audits to ensure ongoing compliance and security. Implement continuous monitoring tools to detect and respond to new threats. Regularly review and update policies and procedures.
This blog may seem a little dry compared to others, but it was important to be clear on what is involved in a cyber security audit. Mention has been made of some documents which your organisation may not have – if so, we can help you to develop them.
An audit is not only a good idea, it also gives you peace of mind, and there is no price on that! Contact us for more information on 01522 797520.
DEC June 2024
Further Reading
The Principle of Least Privilege and Authentication, Authorisation and Accountability – A Primer
