Every 39 seconds a cyber attack occurs. Even more startlingly, 95% of these attacks are the result of human error.
With businesses relying on the private cloud, including Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, and more, the risk of cyber attacks is more prevalent than ever. Seeing as only 5% of company files and folders are adequately protected, confidential information is at risk.
Is your business prepared for its next cybersecurity audit?
There are several tips every business should be mindful of, from reviewing security policies to creating detailed lists of security personnel. This cyber security audit checklist explains the best way to prepare your business.
1. Review Your Policies
Your information security policy encompasses set rules that establish the way you handle sensitive data. This is for your employees and customers.
This allows auditors to assess the sensitivity of specific assets. it helps them determine if your present control measures are sufficient enough.
It’s best to consolidate any of your cybersecurity policies. This keeps all policies in one centralized location, making them easily searchable. This assists your auditors, as they’ll better identify your security posture without having to search for key information.
Here are the most common cyber security policies to have available for your cyber security auditing:
- Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
- Email/Communication Policy
- Access Control Policy (ACP)
- Incident Response (IR) Policy
- Remote Access Policy
- Change Management Policy
These policies show auditors how employees utilize electronic communication. They also show auditors how remote employees access your business’s network. Additionally, it shows auditors who have access to secure passwords.
2. Create a Network Structure
When auditors have a network diagram, they have a clearer picture of your infrastructure. You can provide auditors with logical and physical network diagrams.
Logical network diagrams show auditors the way information circulates through your network. This includes (but isn’t limited to):
- Subnets
- Services
- Domains
- Routers
- Network segments
Physical network diagrams include your network’s physical components. This includes ports, servers, racks, cables, and other hardware.
3. Understand Compliance Standards
It doesn’t matter if you are collecting email addresses or relying on cookies to keep tabs on user activity — you need to understand compliance laws. These laws explain how you use cookies or collect names for newsletters.
Your auditor needs to be informed of relevant data privacy laws. Looks for specific requirements for each specific regulation. Let your auditor know during your cyber security audits how you’ve taken steps toward fulfilling each need.
4. List Your Security Personnel
It’s advisable to create a list of your security team members and their unique responsibilities. Auditors may need to interview these individuals, so have their information readily available. This lets auditors know how you’re protecting sensitive data, especially cloud security information.
Prepare for Your Cyber Security Audit
As your cyber security audit approaches, follow the tips listed in this helpful guide. This will help your internal and cyber security audit. You’ll have a better understanding of your security policies and procedures and their effectiveness.
Pegasus Technologies assists businesses in Kennett Square, Wayne, and Media, PA. We offer a variety of managed IT solutions, including 24/7 support and services. Speak with one of our experts today about our cyber security audit services.
