An IT security audit is an important process that should be performed regularly in order to protect your business from potential cyber threats.
In this blog post, we will explore what an IT security audit is, why it’s important, and the top 5 IT security audit companies. We’ll also take a look at the steps involved in an IT security audit and best practices for protecting your business’ information.
IT security audit: What Does It Mean?
An IT security audit is a thorough examination of the information system’s security in order to determine how well it meets set standards. A complete evaluation typically examines the physical configuration and setting of the system, as well as software, data handling procedures, and user practices.
Why is IT Security Auditing Necessary?
Businesses should conduct regular cybersecurity audits to prevent cyber-attacks. Security checks are essential since they aid businesses in defending against potential cyber-attacks. By uncovering flaws, firms may take precautions to minimize risk and avoid costly data breaches.
Top 5 IT Security Audit Company — Key Services
When choosing an IT security audit company, it’s important to consider the scope of their services, their experience, and their reputation. The top 5 IT security audit companies are:
- Astra: Automated & Manual Penetration Testing, Website Protection, Compliance Reporting
- Intruder: Cloud security, Vulnerability assessment, Penetration testing, Network security
- Cipher: Cyber Intelligence Services, Cyber Technology Integration, Managed Security Services,
- IBM: Cognitive Security, Mobile Security, Situational awareness and response
- McAfee: Network security, Server security, Anti-virus, Database security, Endpoint protection
What Systems Does an IT Security Audit Cover?
An IT security audit can cover a variety of systems, including:
- Physical security systems, such as CCTV cameras and alarm systems
- Components such as Firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems
- Access control systems, such as passwords and biometrics
Steps in an IT Security Audit
Conducting an IT security audit doesn’t have to be complicated – there are just a few steps you need to follow:
- Define the Objectives — The first step is to define the objectives of the audit. What do you want to achieve?
- Plan the Audit — Once you know what you want to achieve, you can start planning the audit. This includes deciding who will conduct the audit, what systems will be covered, and how long it will take.
- Perform the Auditing Work — The next stage is where you actually perform the audit. This involves assessing your company’s information systems and identifying vulnerabilities.
- Report the Results — After conducting the audit, it’s time to report the results. Documenting any flaws discovered and proposing mitigation strategies is one of the most important aspects of an IT security audit.
- Take Necessary Action — The ultimate step is to take action based on what you’ve derived from the findings of the audit. This may include implementing new security measures or updating existing ones.
Exploring the Top 5 IT Security Audit Companies
Now that we’ve gone over what an IT security audit is and why it’s important, let’s take a closer look at the top five IT security audit companies.
- Astra
Astra is a world-class provider of IT security solutions. They offer a wide range of services, including external and internal security audits, risk assessments, and vulnerability assessments. Astra’s PENTEST suite is a flexible solution for businesses seeking either automated vulnerability scans or manual penetration testing. They assess your assets against the OWASP top 10, SANS 25, and all of the necessary ISO 27001, SOC2, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance tests with 3000+ tests.
- Intruder
Intruder is a cybersecurity firm that works across the world and assists businesses in lowering their attack risk with an easy cyber security solution. Intruder’s product, a cloud-based vulnerability scanner, looks for security flaws throughout the entire digital infrastructure.
Intruder is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution that provides enhanced controls, continuous monitoring, and an easy-to-use platform to help organizations of all sizes secure themselves against hackers. Over the last two years, Intruder has won numerous awards and was chosen for GCHQ’s Cyber Accelerator since its inception in 2015.
- Cipher
Cipher is a cybersecurity company that provides comprehensive white-glove services to companies to secure them from intruders. Cipher, a Prosegur subsidiary that specializes in cybersecurity, combines a thorough understanding of cyber and physical security with an awareness of IoT security.
- IBM
IBM is a computer hardware, software, middleware, hosting and consulting company that serves a variety of industries, including mainframe computers to nanotechnology. IBM is one of those IT security companies that offer IT security services to the US federal government.
- McAfee
The security offered by McAfee includes not just computers and cloud computing. Both individuals and businesses can benefit from their security products. McAfee provides services to three distinct business sectors: financial, healthcare, and public administration.
Scope of IT Security Audit
An information technology security audit is an examination of your company’s computing systems and procedures. It is used to detect vulnerabilities and offer remediation strategies. The scope of an IT security checkup may be restricted by the size and complexity of your firm’s information technology assets.
10 Best Practices for IT Security Audit
There are a few best practices you should follow when conducting an IT security audit:
- Define the objectives of the audit upfront
- Plan the audit carefully
- Conduct the auditing work thoroughly
- Report the findings in a concise and easy-to-understand manner
- Take action based on what you’ve found from the audit
- Regularly review and update your security policies and procedures for best security
- Conduct regular security training for employees
- Implement security controls to mitigate risks
- Keep monitoring your systems on a regular basis
- Stay informed on the newest IT security threats.
IT Security Plan
A thorough IT security audit is an indispensable component of any IT security plan. It is important to conduct an audit at least once a year to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate risks.
When choosing an IT security audit company, it’s important to consider the scope of their services, their experience, and their reputation.
The top IT security audit companies should also be able to provide a detailed report with recommendations for mitigating risks.
