Are you aware of your company’s security risks? Do you know if you have adequate protection in place to stop cyber threats? Are you certain that you’re in compliance with all applicable security rules that apply to your business?
If you answer “no” to any of these questions, you need to make cyber security a priority and implement regular IT audits to identify and address security vulnerabilities. Discover more about this process below.
What Is an IT Audit?
An IT audit is a thorough checkup and assessment of your IT infrastructure. The purpose is to make sure that all the systems and solutions are working correctly, the management and operation of the systems are in alignment with best practices, company policies, and applicable regulations, and that data is collected, used, and protected appropriately.
More specifically, the process includes:
- Evaluating hardware and software to ensure that it’s working efficiently and identify opportunities for upgrades
- Assessing system performance and capacity and identifying areas for efficiency improvement
- Conducting compliance checks to ensure your company is following the rules of HIPAA, PCI-DSS, Security and Exchange Commission, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or any other applicable standards
- Confirming documentation of IT processes, policies, and procedures to ensure they are complete, compliant, and up-to-date
Of course, regular IT audits also address security, identifying security vulnerabilities or loopholes that a cyber criminal could exploit to attack and harm your business.
What You Gain From Regular IT Audits
A thorough IT audit is an important risk management tool. Much like a regular visit to your doctor allows them to catch minor concerns before they become a major health issue, checking up on your IT infrastructure ensures you identify small issues before they become big and expensive headaches.
The process of the audit itself requires planning, gathering data, and analysis. The insights that come from this effort become recommendations for improvement, and guide action plans moving forward. Although the process can be time-consuming, it offers your business a long list of benefits.
A More Secure IT Environment
Security audits help protect your business from malware, data breaches, and other threats. The process evaluates logical and physical security, data integrity and security, incident management procedures, and more, ensuring your company is doing everything possible to address threats.
Improved Efficiency and Cost Savings
IT audits identify areas of improvement that can help your business be more productive and efficient and, ultimately, save money. For example, a detailed review of the infrastructure and its capabilities may reveal areas that allow for automation or processes that could benefit from streamlining.
Better Compliance
Regular IT audits help you stay abreast of constantly changing compliance standards and industry standards. Prioritizing compliance helps you gain the trust of key stakeholders and enhance your company’s reputation.
Comprehensive Planning
The insights you gain from a comprehensive IT audit can support more strategic planning to support the future of your company. You can plan ahead for investments in equipment or capabilities that support your growth goals and future expansion.
Keep your business running smoothly and prepare for the future by implementing a program of regular IT audits.
