Experts estimate that cybercrimes could end up costing $6 trillion. This makes an information security audit more important than ever.
Data breaches cause huge financial and reputational damages to companies. Hackers target all organizations regardless of their size. As long as you possess data, your business is a target by hackers.
An information security audit ensures that your computer systems are running the way they are designed. Furthermore, this systematic system evaluation saves your organization money. For instance, an information security audit might reveal compliance issues. This prevents paying huge fines and reputational damages.
Hence, security audits ensure that you protect your company’s data. In this article, let’s find out the four types of information security audits.
Types of Information Security Audit
There are many types of security audits. They serve different purposes. For instance, some of those audits ensure that your organization complies with legal requirements. Furthermore, some audits focus on recognizing weaknesses in your IT systems. Yet, you should regularly conduct these audits to keep your business safe from threats.
Risk Assessment
From the words themselves, this type of audit identifies the potential risks for your organizations. You may follow specific security criteria in risk assessment. Moreover, this helps your business comply with regulations mandated by different governing bodies.
Vulnerability Assessment
Chances are high that your security has flaws. A vulnerability assessment uncovers those flaws. This is critical since those weaknesses can cause a security breach once triggered. An IT expert examines your systems.
They might do it by running specific software to scan for vulnerabilities. Furthermore, they might test the inside of your network. Approved remote access is also a way to determine vulnerabilities in your system.
Compliance Audit
Each industry must comply with the laws required for information security. A compliance audit ensures that your company meets those legal requirements.
Otherwise, you are prone to get penalized. Moreover, negligence in legal requirements might cause clients to look elsewhere for their needs. A compliance audit examines your company policies and access controls. Businesses in the European Union should make a compliance audit to ensure they comply with the GDPR.
Penetration Test
This type of information security audit is unique. This involves an expert called ‘ethical hacker’ attempting to “hack” your security systems. This uncovers the holes in your systems. Furthermore, an ethical hacker uses the latest hacking methods to expose weak points in your organization.
There are three types of penetration tests, namely:
- Internal penetration – for internal systems
- External penetration – for publicly exposed systems
- Hybrid penetration – this is the combined internal and external penetration. It provides your company with maximum insight on potential loopholes
Best Practices for Information Security Audit
First, you must inform your employees about the audit. This provides transparency in your company.
Also, ensure that all relevant and accurate data are available to auditors. Furthermore, do this on time.
If your company has sufficient resources, hiring an external auditor is a great idea. This avoids biases that may lead to issues and oversights.
Lastly, ensure that you conduct an information security audit regularly. New threats arise periodically. A consistent information security audit is a great way to uncover those new threats.
