Companies today face a lot of cyber threats. So, they do a cybersecurity audit to avoid these threats. But what is it and how do you prepare for one?
Read on to know more.
What is a Cybersecurity Audit?
A cybersecurity audit is also called a cybersecurity assessment. This is a vital process for companies to know and find any flaws in their network.
Then, these audits aid companies to see any parts of the network that need protection. Or which ones they can better.
So, to make it faster and easier, companies to be audited need to give auditors access. To what? To a few cybersecurity audit tools.
Meaning, the auditee needs to prepare earlier for the audit to come. But only a few companies are well prepared for them.
What do they need to do?
Preparing for a Cybersecurity Audit
Make a Diagram of Network Assets
Part of the audit’s aim is to find any unknown assets. But while that is the case, it’s better to give them a headstart by giving them a diagram of assets.
A network diagram is a chart that shows a company’s whole structure or network. Its assets, connection, and protection.
With this in hand, the auditor can better adjust their cybersecurity framework. And match them with the company’s network.
Know Who the Auditor Needs to Talk to
Auditors will need to talk about a subject to an expert or to. So, asking them before the audit starts can help key people to prepare beforehand.
Also, these people need to be present at the audit. And show up at the meeting with all the needed tools.
Review Information Security Policy
Information security policy is vital to have in every company and organization. This will ensure there are rules in handling sensitive data.
In general, this policy focuses on three key areas of data management:
- Confidentiality
- Integrity
- Availability
Then, the policy needs to be able to list down classifications of data stored. In general, there are three:
- High-Risk Data
- Confidential Data
- Public Data
So, everyone in the company needs to have proper knowledge of this. Because the auditor may review their information security policy.
Then, they may quiz random employees about cybersecurity risks.
Organize and List Cybersecurity Policies
Companies need to organize and list down their cybersecurity policies. And ensure it is in a single and easy to read list.
This will help the auditors to have a bigger picture of what the auditee’s policies are. And see their cybersecurity awareness and spot possible gaps needed to fill.
Do an Internal Audit
Doing an internal audit is a good idea for companies to do. Aside from finding any slip-ups, this can prepare employees for what to expect in the actual one.
Also, this can help them prepare for any on the spot quiz of the auditor and ease their nerves. Then, the company still has time to fill the gaps they found.
So, if companies do these steps, they can be more prepared for their upcoming audit. And ensure it is a success.
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