Why Is a Security Audit in a Company Crucial? Preventing Human Error

One factor that should always come first when running a business (regardless of the industry) is broadly understood safety. First is your security, your employees, customers, and data. Unfortunately, in the digital age, every organisation faces threats from human error—unintentional or sometimes deliberate. The human factor remains the primary source of security problems. How can you take better care of them? A security audit is a tool that allows you to detect weaknesses before they are exploited during a cyberattack. 

What is a security audit? Definition

A security audit systematically reviews a company’s processes, procedures, information systems, and employee awareness to identify risks and assess whether the organisation meets security requirements. It can be described as “diagnostics” that early detect weaknesses in the IT infrastructure that can lead to data leaks, unauthorised access or cyberattacks. In other words, a security audit in a company is a process that allows you to identify both existing and potential risks, including those related to human error, which are still one of the most common sources of threats.

How can human error threaten safety?

While technology can be considered the primary defence against cyber threats, the human factor is often the weakest link in the security chain. Even the best security systems, such as firewalls, antivirus software, or data encryption, will be ineffective if the organisation’s employees do not follow security rules or make simple mistakes.

Human error in the context of security

• Human errors can occur on many levels, e.g.:
• employees may unknowingly share passwords to systems,
• Open suspicious emails.
• ignore software updates,
• use passwords that are too simple.

In such cases, even if the organization has the latest security measures in place, the attacker can easily take advantage of employees’ distraction to carry out a cyberattack, such as phishing (impersonating trusted institutions or individuals to obtain confidential information, e.g., login credentials or passwords) or “brute force” attacks (attempts to guess the password by systematically checking all possible combinations).

An example of this is the situation described in the case study of the security audit for BNP Paribas Faktoring, in which particular attention was paid to the precise identification of risks by the Supplier of the key system.

The threat of cyberattacks

Undoubtedly, technology is developing more and more every year, making cyberattacks increasingly sophisticated. Hackers use various methods that can cause substantial financial and reputational losses. Cybercriminals increasingly target organisations that have not sufficiently secured their systems or neglected employee education.

While these attacks may be technologically advanced, humans are the most commonly used targets. Cybercriminals know that they are the weakest link in the security system. They often use social engineering, manipulating employees’ emotions and behaviours to gain access to sensitive data. That is why it is so essential that a security audit also includes education and training on responding to threats.

In a GDPR audit, the organisation can also check whether personal data protection processes are correctly implemented and protected against leaks.

Why is it worth performing a security audit?

Regular audits allow us to assess the condition of IT systems and detect weaknesses that may result from employees’ ignorance or carelessness.

Training and internal procedures

One of the most essential elements of a security audit is assessing internal procedures, including detailed rules for system access, password management, and handling sensitive data. Regular employee training is often recommended in security audits to increase employees’ awareness of potential risks. 

Exorigo-Upos offers IT auditing and consulting, which focuses on providing comprehensive solutions for education and securing IT systems. With it, you will have a complete picture of the company’s IT hardware and software. What’s more, you will learn how to improve and develop IT systems to bring tangible benefits to your company. 

Identifying vulnerabilities

A security audit allows for a thorough analysis of the protection tools used, detecting vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. While many organisations use modern security technologies, their incorrect or outdated implementation can pose a serious threat. The organisation can identify such irregularities and take appropriate corrective actions thanks to a security audit. Such an audit should also include an assessment of the security policy, which shows how the company acts during security incidents.

How is a security audit conducted?

A security audit is a complex process requiring detailed analysis, precise planning, and appropriate tools. It includes several stages for a comprehensive IT security assessment, operating procedures, and employee awareness. Remember, however, that a security audit does not have a universal form—its course and areas depend on many factors, such as the industry, organisational structure, or threats.

1. Preparation and planning

The first step in the security audit process is usually preparation, which consists of defining the scope of the audit and the goals to be achieved. Safety auditors work with management or seconded employees to determine which areas require special attention. This may include auditing information systems, data protection policies, access management, and incident response procedures. An essential element of this stage is identifying threats specific to a given industry or organisation.

2. Assessment of IT infrastructure

Once the audit plan is prepared, a detailed assessment of the organisation’s IT infrastructure occurs. Auditors analyse this stage’s hardware, software, networks, and operating systems, identifying potential vulnerabilities. The security audit also includes checking the level of security of access to systems, data encryption methods and protection against unauthorised access. Auditors check whether the technologies used align with the best security practices and whether they are correctly updated.

3. Analysis of security policies and procedures

A security audit is a technical check of systems and an assessment of the organisation’s internal policies and procedures. Auditors check whether the company has properly defined policies for managing access to systems, data storage, password management and responding to security incidents. Compliance with regulations, such as the GDPR, is also analysed at this stage, as it is essential in protecting personal data. Employee education and training processes are also evaluated during a security audit, as their security awareness is paramount in preventing incidents.

4. Vulnerability testing and attack simulations

The next stage of the audit is to conduct tests on the vulnerability of IT systems, which may include various types of penetration tests (so-called pentests). Auditors try to find weaknesses in security by simulating the actions of cybercriminals. These tests allow you to assess the effectiveness of the implemented protection solutions and verify how the systems react to various attacks.

5. Reporting and recommendations

After the security audit, the auditors prepare a detailed report containing the audit results and recommendations for improving safety. The report covers detected security vulnerabilities and imperfections in operational procedures or employee awareness. 

Usually, auditors also prepare a corrective action plan to strengthen the organisation’s systems and procedures and protect the company against future threats.

6. Tracking the implementation of recommendations and monitoring safety

The last stage is to monitor the effectiveness of the changes introduced. A security audit does not end with preparing a report and recommendations. Once patches are deployed, systematic monitoring is needed to ensure that the new protections are adequate and truly protect against threats.