You might have cybersecurity systems and processes in place, but are you reviewing them regularly to make sure you don’t have any holes in your network security, and to make sure you’re compliant with the latest security regulations? Here are some key things to consider when taking on a cybersecurity audit:
1. Determine the scope of your audit
You might not need to review every aspect of cybersecurity in one audit – it can be overwhelming to tackle everything from IT infrastructure to data protection to physical protection in one go. Instead, consider what is most urgent. For example, maybe new regulations are coming in so you need to prepare for compliance. That would be a good place to start.
2. Review current plans and documentation
Starting with a documentation review can quickly help you see whether your policies and procedures are up to date, and compliant, or if there are any that are missing currently. It’s important to make sure that each has a purpose, with defined roles and responsibilities.
3. Identify threats
These could be new threats that require new systems or policies, or it might be existing ones that have evolved since your last audit. And they can range from additional vulnerabilities due to the use of new third-party apps or servers, to malware.
4. Plan a response
Are the current systems and tools you have in place enough to tackle these new threats? Is the team up-to-speed on the current methods used by hackers? It’s crucial to have a procedure in place, with documentation and a communication plan, of how to respond to these threats.
5. Make your plans actionable
It’s great to have everything planned in theory, but actioning it is more important. Make sure the right people have access to the right information when they need it most. And, prepare for – perhaps consider simulating – a live threat and how the team would respond to it in real-time.
This is something that should be done on a regular basis to ensure you stay on top of the latest threats.