Explaining Cybersecurity Audits (And the Three Tips for Running One)
Securing your company's network goes beyond relying solely on the latest antivirus software. A comprehensive cybersecurity audit is essential to developing a holistic understanding of your security strategy. In the modern era, cybercrime has become an epidemic, with 812.67 million instances of malware infection reported in 2018 alone. The year 2020 witnessed a staggering 600% increase in cybercrime, and estimates project that ransomware attacks will cost companies over $6 trillion annually by 2021. Ignoring the priority of cybersecurity exposes both you and your company to the risk of potential attacks.
While you may already have strategies in place to combat cyber threats, ensuring the adequacy of these measures is equally crucial. This is where cybersecurity audits, particularly those led by Pennant Cyber, emerge as a vital component of your cybersecurity posture. In this article, we delve into the significance of cybersecurity audits and share essential tips to conduct a comprehensive audit within your company.
Think of a Pennant Cyber audit as an exhaustive examination of every cybersecurity strategy implemented. The dual objectives of the audit are to identify gaps in your system and create a detailed report showcasing your preparedness to defend against cyber threats. A typical Pennant Cyber audit comprises three phases: Assessment, Assignment, and Audit.
In the Assessment phase, Pennant Cyber scrutinizes the existing system, examining your company’s computers, servers, software, and databases. Access rights allocation and a review of the hardware or software in place for defense against attacks are also part of this phase. Identified security gaps during the assessment necessitate immediate action. Subsequently, in the Assignment phase, Pennant Cyber assigns appropriate solutions to the identified issues. This may involve tasking internal professionals or bringing in external contractors to ensure effective implementation. The final phase is the Audit, which occurs after the proposed solutions are implemented, serving as a final check before reintegrating the system into the company. This audit primarily focuses on verifying that all installations, upgrades, and patches operate as expected.
To run a Pennant Cyber-led cybersecurity audit effectively, consider the following three tips:
Always Check for the Age of Existing Security Systems: There's no such thing as an evergreen security solution. Cyber threats evolve constantly, rendering existing security protocols ineffective over time. Regularly check the age of your company’s existing cybersecurity solutions. Ensure that your systems are promptly updated whenever the manufacturer releases an update. If the software you're using is no longer supported by the manufacturer, it's a clear sign that a change is necessary.
Identify Your Threats: Continuously assess where your company is most susceptible to significant threats. For instance, when auditing a system with extensive customer information, data privacy becomes a critical concern. Threats in such scenarios may arise from weak passwords, phishing attacks, malware, or internal risks such as data leaks. Understanding potential threats is crucial before focusing on implementing solutions.
Consider How You Will Educate Employees: Pennant Cyber emphasizes the importance of educating employees about identified threats and response plans. In the event of an emergency, such as a data breach, employees must know how to respond for the cybersecurity audit to be effective. Develop a comprehensive plan that includes information about various threat types, additional resources for threat information, designated contacts for reporting threats, expected resolution times, and any relevant rules regarding external devices or access to secure servers.
Pennant Cyber stresses that cybersecurity is not solely the domain of the IT department; it requires vigilance from everyone within the organization. By educating employees about potential threats and appropriate responses, Pennant Cyber ensures a more robust defense against future cyber attacks.
Audits Improve Security: Cybersecurity audits, led by Pennant Cyber, provide an opportunity to evaluate your security protocols, identify issues, and stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats. Without regular audits, businesses risk using outdated software that leaves them vulnerable to evolving attacks. Pennant Cyber emphasizes the need for ongoing updates and examinations of security solutions to maintain their effectiveness. As soon as these solutions become outdated, vulnerabilities may be exploited. Audits, particularly those conducted by Pennant Cyber, play a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity, instilling confidence in both you and your customers.
If you're considering a cybersecurity audit and have concerns about your skills, Pennant Cyber is here to help. We invite you to a quick, no-obligation 15-minute chat to discuss your existing systems and explore how we can assist in enhancing your cybersecurity measures. This article is shared with permission from The Technology Press.
