Cyber Security Audits: Everything You Need to Know

20 min readAug 7, 2023

Regular, comprehensive cyber security audits are critical for managing escalating risks in today’s digital landscape. This in-depth guide gives you a comprehensive overview of various audit types, methodologies, best practices, costs, and trends. It synthesizes information from leading cyber security standards and frameworks like NIST and PCI DSS and research reports and industry analysis.

I share the fundamentals of cyber security audits including their importance for identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in costly cyber attacks. It provides readers clear guidance on performing audits internally versus leveraging external auditors. Detailed sections outline the steps involved in audit planning, discovery, analysis, reporting, and follow up. Audit tooling, certifications, frequency, checklists, and tips for presenting findings to management are also covered. Common audit findings, recommended fixes, and mistakes to avoid are discussed to help organizations mature their audit practices. Trends shaping the future of cyber security audits are also explored.

With breaches on the rise, comprehensive and regular audits empower organizations to get ahead of threats. This guide provides extensive insights and best practices to help security leaders implement effective audit programs.

Here are the things we are going to look at on this guide:

1. What is a Cyber Security Audit?

2. Why are Cyber Security Audits Important?

3. Types of Cyber Security Audits

⦁ Vulnerability Assessment

⦁ Penetration Testing

⦁ Risk Assessment

⦁ Compliance Audit

⦁ Physical Security Audit

⦁ Social Engineering Testing

⦁ Red Team Exercises

4. Cyber Security Audit Methodology

⦁ Planning

⦁ Discovery

⦁ Analysis

⦁ Reporting

⦁ Follow-up

5. Performing an Internal Cyber Security Audit

6. Hiring an External Auditor

7. Questions to Ask Potential Auditors

8. Cyber Security Audit Certifications

9. Cyber Security Audit Tools

10. How Often to Conduct Audits

12. Cyber Security Audit Checklist

13. Cyber Security Audit Best Practices

14. Common Audit Findings and How to Fix Them

15. Cyber Security Audit Reports

16. Presenting Audit Results to Management

17. Integrating Audits into Your Information Security Program

18. Cyber Security Audit Costs

19. Cyber Security Audit Trends and Outlook

20. Conclusion

21. Q&A

⦁ What are the benefits of a cyber security audit?

⦁ What are the differences between an external and internal audit?

⦁ How often should you conduct audits?

⦁ What are some common audit findings?

⦁ How much do audits cost?

What is a Cyber Security Audit?

Cyber security audits examine an organization’s IT infrastructure, policies, and procedures to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and evaluate security controls. The goal is to determine how well your security practices align with established best practices and regulations.

These audits take a holistic approach, reviewing your entire security posture to find gaps and make recommendations for improvement. By proactively evaluating your defenses, you can uncover issues before they lead to cyber attacks and data breaches.

Audits are performed by either internal IT and security teams or by hiring external consultants and auditors. In some cases, audits are mandated by industry regulations. For example, companies that process credit cards must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) which requires annual audits by a Qualified Security Assessor.

No matter the purpose, cyber security audits are a key component of an effective information security program. Regular audits allow you to take a step back and scrutinize the big picture, helping ensure your critical systems and data stay protected.

Why are Cyber Security Audits Important?

With cyber attacks on the rise, cyber security audits provide several important benefits:

Identify vulnerabilities and close security gaps. Audits dig into technical controls and test systems for weaknesses that hackers could exploit that hackers could exploit. Discovering and addressing vulnerabilities is one of the main advantages of audits.
Meet compliance requirements. Many regulations and cyber security frameworks require audits regularly. Audits verify you have the right controls in place and that you comply with standards.
Improve security programs. Audits provide an independent assessment of your security posture. The findings help you understand where your program needs strengthening so you can improve policies, processes, and defenses.
Prevent security incidents. By proactively uncovering issues, audits allow you to fix problems before they lead to security events, cyber attacks, and data breaches.
Demonstrate due diligence. Having an audit shows regulators and customers that you take security seriously and are committed to identifying and reducing risks.

In today’s threat landscape, cyber security audits are more important than ever for managing risks and protecting critical assets. Regular audits should be a core component of your defense strategy.

Types of Cyber Security Audits

There are many different types of cyber security audits, each with a specific purpose and scope. The most common types of audits include:

1. Vulnerability Assessment

A vulnerability assessment searches for security holes and weaknesses in your networks and systems that could be exploited by attackers. It is one of the most common cyber security audits.

This analysis typically involves:

Network discovery — Identifying devices, servers, and endpoints on the network.
Port and service scanning — Checking for open ports and detecting what services are running.
Vulnerability scanning — Using automated tools to detect vulnerabilities in operating systems, applications, and services.
Manual testing — Attempting to exploit vulnerabilities to confirm which ones represent real risks.

The goal is to find and document vulnerabilities so they can be addressed before criminals discover and abuse them.

2. Penetration Testing

Also known as pen testing, this audit simulates cyber attacks to evaluate how well your security controls stand up. Authorized testers attempt to circumvent defenses and penetrate deep into your network by exploiting vulnerabilities.

Penetration testing provides real-world insight into how hackers could breach perimeter defenses and move laterally to access critical systems and data. It complements vulnerability assessments by showing which vulnerabilities are most dangerous in the hands of a malicious actor.

3. Risk Assessment

A risk assessment analyzes threats, vulnerabilities, and potential business impacts to determine probabilities and overall levels of cyber security risk. You can perform focused risk assessments on specific assets or a comprehensive review of organization-wide risks.

The analysis considers factors like:

Threat actors motivated and capable of attacking your systems
Vulnerabilities that could be exploited
Consequences of loss or disclosure of sensitive data
Likelihood that threats will materialize and vulnerabilities will be abused
Effectiveness of existing security controls and countermeasures

Quantifying risks allows you to prioritize which cyber security measures deserve more investment for the greatest impact. It also facilitates risk management planning.

4. Compliance Audit

These audits verify you comply with cyber security regulations, laws, and industry standards that apply to your business. Some examples include:

PCI DSS — For companies handling credit card payments
HIPAA — For healthcare and medical organizations
SOX — For public companies documenting internal controls
GDPR — For companies processing data on EU citizens

Compliance audits can be performed by internal resources or by accredited external auditors. They are required by many regulations.

5. Physical Security Audit

A physical security audit examines the protections in place for facilities, resources, and sensitive information stored on premises. This includes reviewing:

Perimeter controls like fencing, gates, and guards
Facility access and authorization policies
Surveillance camera coverage
Computer and equipment locks
Server room and data center security
Policy for visitors and deliveries

Robust physical protections prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining physical access and exploiting vulnerabilities.

6. Social Engineering Testing

This audit tests the susceptibility of employees to social engineering attacks such as phishing and pre-texting. It involves:

Simulated phishing emails mimicking common attacks
Voicemails impersonating vendors or IT staff requesting information
Attempts to tailgate employees into secured areas
Other deceptions aimed at tricking staff into divulging sensitive data

The goal is to measure human vulnerabilities and identify training opportunities to improve security awareness.

7. Red Team Exercises

Red teaming involves cyber security professionals mimicking a real-world attacks to test defenses. The “red team” acts as adversaries leveraging techniques like social engineering and network infiltration to breach systems and access data.

The covert attacks determine if existing controls can withstand persistent and skilled attackers. Red teaming provides insight beyond what penetration testing offers and helps strengthen incident response capabilities.

Cyber Security Audit Methodology

Cyber security audits follow a standardized methodology consisting of planning, discovery, analysis, reporting, and follow-up phases:

Planning

In the planning stage, auditors work with key stakeholders to determine the scope, budget, resources required, and timing for the audit. Key activities include:

Defining audit objectives and the systems in scope
Developing project plans and timelines
Collecting background information and documentation on in-scope systems
Coordinating with IT teams to ensure proper access and monitoring

Thorough planning sets the audit up for success.

Discovery

The discovery phase involves gathering detailed information on the security posture of systems within the audit scope. Auditors use interviews, scans, observations, and hands-on testing to collect evidence.

Typical discovery activities include:

Meeting with stakeholders to learn about controls
Reviewing policies, procedures, and documentation
Performing vulnerability scans to identify security holes
Analyzing configurations for compliance with standards
Attempting unauthorized access or hacking into systems
Examining physical access controls and monitoring

The goal is to develop an accurate understanding of security practices.

Analysis

Collected audit evidence is compared against established best practices, compliance requirements, and other criteria during analysis. Auditors identify where security controls are effective and where gaps exist.

Key analysis activities include:

Evaluating findings and determining root causes of deficiencies
Performing risk analysis for identified vulnerabilities
Prioritizing issues based on severity and risks
Considering remediation options and steps to improve security
Documenting results and developing recommendations

The end result is a detailed set of prioritized findings and suggested actions for improving security.

Reporting

Auditors summarize their methodology, findings, analysis, recommendations, and overall conclusions in a formal audit report. Interactive presentations are also commonly used to communicate results to key stakeholders.

Audit reports provide a roadmap for enhancing defenses and meeting compliance mandates. Presenting compelling reports is critical for driving remediation.

Follow-up

Following up is essential to realizing actual security improvements from audits. Key follow-up steps include:

Developing remediation plans and roadmaps based on audit recommendations
Tracking and validating completion of remediation items
Testing fixes to ensure vulnerabilities are fully addressed
Keeping stakeholders updated on progress

Follow-up and retesting verifies that identified risks have been properly mitigated.

Performing an Internal Cyber Security Audit

Many organizations choose to conduct audits using internal IT and security staff. Leveraging your own personnel has some advantages:

Lower costs — Avoiding expensive external resources reduces overall audit costs.
Increased schedule control — Relying on internal teams allows greater flexibility in setting audit timelines.
Better contextual awareness — Internal auditors have insight into systems and the unique threat landscape facing your organization.
Builds skills — Audit activities provide great learning opportunities for junior security staff.

However, there are also downsides to consider:

Resource constraints — Internal teams may lack availability given other responsibilities.
Lack of independence — Internal auditors can be influenced by personal or political factors.
Insufficient expertise — Your staff may lack audit experience or credentials in the latest techniques.

To maximize success, provide internal auditors with training, tools, and support from external experts when needed. Also consider rotating staff across audit cycles to maintain objectivity.

Hiring an External Auditor

Seeking help from qualified third-party auditors is a common approach for cyber security assessments. Key advantages include:

Independence — External auditors are unbiased and conduct more objective audits.
Expertise — They possess extensive hands-on experience performing many audits across different industries.
Efficiency — Their expertise and focus on audits alone reduces the time investment for your internal teams.
Credibility — Results from renowned auditors hold more weight with regulators and customers.
Regulatory mandates — Some regulations only allow audits from accredited external auditors to demonstrate compliance.

When hiring external help, go with experienced firms or consultants with certifications, references, and a proven specialty in your industry.

Questions to Ask Potential Auditors

If you opt to use third-party auditors, ask the following questions during your selection process:

What credentials and certifications do you hold?
How many years has your firm been performing audits?
What industries and clients have you worked with in the past?
What is your methodology and what steps does it include?
How do you maintain independence and objectivity?
What tools and techniques will you utilize during audits?
How long will the audit take and what is the estimated cost?
Can you provide sample audit reports?
Who from your team will be assigned to our audit? What are their qualifications?
Will you provide retesting and follow-up support after the audit?
What support will you need from our internal teams?
Do you carry cyber insurance coverage?

Thorough vetting ensures the auditors have the right skills, experience, and approach to meet your needs.

Cyber Security Audit Certifications

There are many credentials professionals can earn to demonstrate their auditing expertise. Common cyber security audit certifications include:

CISA — Certified Information Systems Auditor: Issued by ISACA for IT and security audit professionals. Focuses on information systems audit, governance, and security skills.
CISM — Certified Information Security Manager: Also from ISACA, for managers developing and overseeing information security programs.
CISSP — Certified Information Systems Security Professional: Premier certification from (ISC)<sup>2</sup> recognizing extensive security expertise.
CGEIT — Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT: Validates capabilities governing enterprise IT systems and delivering value through alignment with objectives.
CRISC — Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control: Demonstrates assessment and management proficiency for IT risks.
CEH — Certified Ethical Hacker: Licensed pen testers earn this to exhibit knowledge of hacking techniques, tools, and mitigations.
QSA — Qualified Security Assessor: Professionals certified by the PCI Council to perform PCI DSS audits and attest to compliance.
GIAC Auditor Certifications: Specialized auditor credentials focusing on critical audit areas like cloud security, penetration testing, forensics, and more.

Look for auditors holding relevant certifications for the type of audit you need. The credentials provide assurance of their skills.

Cyber Security Audit Tools

A variety of software tools are leveraged during cyber security audits. They automate audit tasks and provide deeper insight than manual reviews alone. Common tool categories include:

Network Discovery Tools

These find devices connected to networks and map out architectures. Examples include:

Nmap — Open source network scanner that discovers hosts, ports, services, and configurations.
Wireshark — Network protocol analyzer useful for analyzing traffic patterns.
SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper — Automatically maps network topologies and relationships.

Vulnerability Scanners

These scan networks and systems for known security weaknesses and misconfigurations. Leading options include:

Nessus — Comprehensive vulnerability scanner with deep vulnerability knowledgebase.
OpenVAS — Popular open source vulnerability assessment framework.
Qualys VM — Cloud-based vulnerability management platform that scales.

Web App Scanners

Designed to detect weaknesses in web applications and APIs. For example:

Burp Suite — Powerful web app pen testing framework.
OWASP ZAP — Leading open source web app scanner maintained by OWASP.
Acunetix — Automated web vulnerability scanner that finds XSS, SQLi, and more.

SAST Tools

Static application security testing (SAST) tools analyze source code for security flaws and bugs. These include:

SonarQube — Leading open source SAST tool.
Checkmarx — Commercial SAST tool for securing development pipelines.
Veracode — SAST as a service with focus on developer workflows.

DAST Tools

Dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools scan and attack running applications. Examples include:

OWASP ZAP — Mentioned previously, ZAP also provides DAST capabilities.
PortSwigger Burp Suite — Can perform DAST scans of applications within its ecosystem.
Contrast Security — Commercial DAST solution built specifically for complex applications.

Cloud Security Tools

These examine cloud environments, configurations, access controls, and vulnerabilities. Popular options:

Prowler — Open source AWS security assessment tool based on CIS benchmarks.
ScoutSuite — Multi-cloud security tool supporting AWS, Azure, GCP, and more.
Netskope — Full-featured cloud access security broker (CASB) platform.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

SIEM tools aggregate and analyze log data to detect attacks and monitor for threats. Examples include:

Splunk — Industry leading SIEM solution.
IBM QRadar — Full-featured commercial SIEM.
AlienVault OSSIM — Open source SIEM managed by AT&T Cybersecurity.

Password Crackers

Used to assess the strength of passwords by attempting to crack them. Leading tools are THC Hydra and John the Ripper (JtR).

The right combination of tools provides auditors visibility into vulnerabilities, compliance, and overall security posture.

How Often to Conduct Audits

Organizations should perform cyber security audits on a regular schedule, at minimum annually. However, more frequent auditing is recommended for higher risk environments.

Annual audits — Conduct baseline audits at least once a year. Schedule them to align with budget planning cycles.
Major project or architecture changes — Audit when making significant changes like a new system launch, data center move, or cloud migration.
Acquisitions and mergers — Assess infrastructure and ensure proper integration of security controls following M&As.
Compliance mandates — Perform audits in accordance with any regulatory or contractual obligations. PCI DSS requires audits annually and after any major changes affecting cardholder data.
Increased risks — Shorten intervals and audit more frequently if threat intelligence indicates elevated risks for your industry or new attack activity.
Post-incident response — Audit affected areas following any successful cyber attacks to check for other undetected issues.

Cyber Security Audit Checklist

A cyber security audit checklist helps ensure all critical areas get reviewed. While checklists are tailored for specific systems and environments, some key items to include:

Review information security policies, standards, and procedures
Analyze roles, responsibilities, and access controls
Examine network architecture and segmentation
Scan for open ports, vulnerabilities, and misconfigurations
Assess authentication methods and password policies
Check for unpatched systems and outdated software
Review logging, monitoring, and alerting capabilities
Analyze web and email gateways, anti-malware, and filtering
Evaluate wireless networks and remote access methods
Test incident response plans via simulations
Verify data backup and recovery processes
Review physical security and access controls
Examine third-party connections and data exchanges
Analyze employee security training and awareness
Check firewall, IPS, and endpoint security controls
Validate encryption for data at rest and in transit
Review access to regulated, confidential, and sensitive information
Confirm compliance with applicable laws and regulations

Comprehensive checklists are vital for a successful audit with consistent coverage.

Cyber Security Audit Best Practices

Follow these best practices to help ensure your audits are as effective as possible:

Involve stakeholders early — Engage teams early to gain buy-in, set expectations, and obtain knowledge critical for audit planning.
Define scope carefully — Be specific in defining audit scope and priorities aligned to business risks. Avoid overly broad scopes.
Use standards as guidelines — Leverage established frameworks like NIST Cybersecurity Framework or CIS Controls to guide audits.
Follow principles of least privilege — Only provide auditors the minimum access needed to prevent unnecessary exposure.
Create thorough documentation — Document all aspects of the audit extensively, especially for compliance audits where documentation is critical.
Utilize credentialed auditors — Leverage certified professionals like CISAs, CISM, and experienced firms to perform audits.
Provide recommendations, not just findings — Offer specific prioritized actions on how to address each finding.
Establish follow-up process — Have a plan to track remediation and validate fix of security gaps.
Report periodically to leadership — Keep senior management and the board informed of audit outcomes.

Common Audit Findings and How to Fix Them

Audits frequently uncover similar issues across organizations. Some of the most common findings include:

1. Out-of-Date Software

Description: Failure to patch and update operating systems, applications, and network devices with the latest vendor fixes in a timely manner.

Fix: Establish a regular patch management program. Prioritize and test patches quickly based on risks. Automate patching where possible.

2. Weak Passwords

Description: Allowing short, simple, default, and reused passwords leaves accounts susceptible to guessing and cracking attacks.

Fix: Enforce strong password policies with complexity requirements, frequent rotation, and multi-factor authentication for critical accounts.

3. Improper Access Controls

Description: Overly permissive access permissions and lack of least privilege lead to unauthorized high-risk system and data access.

Fix: Implement role-based access controls and reevaluate rights regularly to limit access to only what is needed.

4. Vulnerable Services

Description: Running outdated versions of platforms like OpenSSL and Apache Struts with known vulnerabilities.

Fix: Harden configurations and keep platforms, libraries, and code like web servers, databases, and frameworks updated.

5. Insecure Network Protocols

Description: Older insecure network protocols like SNMPv1, Telnet, and FTP remain enabled.

Fix: Modernize network configurations and disable legacy unsafe protocols if not required.

6. Unencrypted Data

Description: Sensitive data transmitted and stored without adequate encryption safeguards.

Fix: Implement encryption technologies like TLS, database encryption, and file/disk encryption.

Cyber Security Audit Reports

The audit report is the formal deliverable summarizing findings, analysis, recommendations, and other audit details. Well-constructed reports should include:

1. Executive Summary

Briefly summarize the key takeaways, critical findings, and high priority recommendations for leadership.

2. Audit Scope and Methodology

Outline the systems, locations, and processes covered under the audit. Describe the standards followed and tools/techniques used in conducting testing and analysis.

3. Assessment of Compliance

Detail how systems align with any regulatory or contractual standards within audit scope. Include pass/fail status and risks of non-compliance.

4. Detailed Findings

Provide comprehensive descriptions of each discovered security vulnerability or control weakness with supporting evidence and proof of concepts. Organize by severity and priority.

5. Risk Analysis

Discuss the risks findings may pose to the organization if exploited by threat actors. Reference potential impacts and likelihoods.

6. Prioritized Recommendations

Present specific remediation actions to address each finding according to priority and ease of implementation.

7. Conclusions

Summarize the overall security posture based on audit results. Include strengths, areas for improvement, priorities going forward, and estimated timelines.

8. Appendices

Any supplementary audit information like vulnerability scan reports, interview notes, configuration audits, and compliance mapping.

Well-constructed audit reports drive remediation by providing stakeholders detailed roadmaps for strengthening defenses in alignment with business risks.

Presenting Audit Results to Management

Effectively presenting audit findings to executives and managers is crucial to mobilize remediation of security gaps uncovered. Consider these tips when briefing leadership teams:

Translate tech details into business risks — Avoid technical jargon and discuss findings in terms of potential business impacts like costs, operations, legal risks, and reputational damage.
Focus on the “so what” — Explain the implications of findings and why they merit attention and investment.
Put risks in financial context — Provide dollar figures associated with cyber incidents to convey tangible potential impacts.
Bring risks to life with real examples — Reference recent breaches and cyber attacks as concrete examples of what could happen.
Prioritize ruthlessly — Only highlight the most critical 2–3 findings rather than overwhelming with a long list.
Propose specific solutions — Provide options for remediation with timeframes and costs including ROI. Don’t leave next steps open-ended.
Emphasize compliance — Note any audit deficiencies jeopardizing compliance to emphasize the urgency for remediation.
Leverage dashboards and visualizations — Use compelling graphics to illustrate risks and trends for maximum impact.

Getting leadership actively engaged in cyber security audits is vital for allocating resources needed to mature defenses.

Integrating Audits into Your Information Security Program

To gain maximum long-term value, organizations should ingrain audits into core security program activities. Ways to integrate audits include:

Make audits a recurring event on the annual program calendar rather than one-off projects.
Designate permanent budget and staffing for audit functions rather than temporary reallocations.
Develop dedicated audit plans mapping out target systems, types of audits, and frequency.
Maintain a current audit inventory of all historical and upcoming planned audits.
Follow formal risk-based methodology for determining audit scopes and priorities.
Establish centralized tracking and reporting of audit findings and remediation.
Provide ongoing training to build audit skills and knowledge within the team.
Review audit outcomes as part of annual security program reviews and ensure lessons learned are incorporated into strategies.
Leverage compliance requirements as opportunities to obtain funding and priority for audits.

Integrating audits into foundational program activities ensures their long-term sustainability and maximizes security outcomes.

Cyber Security Audit Costs

Cyber security audits represent significant investments. Costs vary based on the following factors:

Audit Type and Scope

Limited vulnerability scans can be performed for less than $10,000 while full penetration tests simulating real attacks often exceed $50,000. Compliance audits are also on the higher end.

Use of Internal vs External Resources

External auditors are significantly more expensive, often charging $250 per hour or more. But they complete audits faster than internal staff learning on the job.

Size and Complexity of Environment

More endpoints, servers, networks, and systems take more time and tools to sufficiently audit, increasing costs. Complex global environments are far costlier.

Travel Requirements

Audits of physical locations, especially internationally, incur high travel expenses. Having to ship equipment to remote sites adds costs.

Industry and Regulations

Highly regulated sectors like finance and healthcare demand rigorous audits to meet compliance requirements, making them more expensive.

Testing Methods and Tools

The more thorough the audit capabilities needed, the higher the costs for advanced tools, tactics, and staff qualifications.

While not cheap, cyber security audits provide immense value and are investments that pay dividends in improved security, avoided incidents, and reduced compliance risks.

Cyber Security Audit Trends and Outlook

As cyber threats grow in sophistication, audits must keep pace by expanding in capabilities and frequency. Some trends shaping the future of auditing include:

Increased use of automated tools powered by AI and machine learning for greater efficiency and coverage.
More rigorous testing like advanced red team exercises that mimic real-world attacks versus just compliance checks.
Holistic focus spanning IT, cloud environments, OT systems, IoT networks, and physical locations.
Continuous assessments built into systems versus periodic point-in-time audits.
Closer correlation between cyber security and ESG-related business risks.
Emergence of cyber security auditors as an in-demand profession within organizations.
Greater integration of audits into DevSecOps pipelines and agile development.
Expanded auditing of third-parties and supply chains for risks they may introduce.

With cyber risks growing, companies will need to devote even greater focus to cyber security audits going forward.

Conclusion

Regular comprehensive cyber security audits are more important than ever for managing today’s escalating risks. Well-executed audits empower organizations to identify and remediate security gaps before they can be exploited in costly cyber incidents.

Integrating ongoing audits as a core component of your defensive strategy provides assurance your critical systems and data are protected against constantly evolving threats. But realizing the benefits requires following audit best practices, investing in qualified personnel, leveraging the latest tools and tactics, and diligently implementing remediations.

What steps will you take to implement or improve cyber security audits within your organization? The threats are increasing — make audits a priority to get ahead of risks before they become the next breach headline.

Q&A — Questions About Cyber Security Audit

1. What are the benefits of a cyber security audit?

Cyber security audits deliver many advantages, including:

Identifying vulnerabilities and security gaps that attackers could exploit.
Ensuring compliance with regulations and security standards
Improving overall security program effectiveness based on findings
Preventing successful cyber attacks and data breaches
Demonstrating due diligence to customers, regulators, and stakeholders

2. What are the differences between an external and internal audit?

Key differences between external and internal audits include:

External

Performed by 3rd party consultants
More expensive but faster completion
Increased independence and objectivity
Specialized expertise and credentials
Needed for some compliance mandates

Internal

Performed by the company’s own IT/security team
Lower costs but can take longer
Better understanding of internal systems
Valuable skills development for staff
Resource constraints may exist

3. How often should you conduct audits?

Organizations should conduct cyber security audits at least annually. Those in highly regulated industries or with elevated risks may need to audit every 6 months. Major projects, acquisitions, or security incidents also warrant audits.

4. What are some common audit findings?

Some of the most common cyber security audit findings include:

Unpatched/outdated software vulnerabilities
Weak passwords and inadequate access controls
Improper network configurations
Lack of encryption for sensitive data
Insufficient logging/monitoring capabilities
Physical security weaknesses
Non-compliance with regulatory requirements

5. How much do audits cost?

Costs for cyber security audits can range from a few thousand dollars for simple vulnerability scans to over $100,000 for full-scope audits involving sophisticated testing and external auditors. Costs vary based on audit scope, size/complexity of environment, regulations, and resources required.

Thank you for reading. It my hope that this guide was of help to you. Feel free to share your feedback in the comments.