Why is a security audit in a company crucial? Prevention of human error

One factor should always come first when running a company (regardless of the industry): security in the broadest sense. First of all, the security of yourself, your employees, customers and data. Unfortunately, in the digital age, every organisation struggles with threats resulting from human errors – unintentional or sometimes conscious. The human factor remains the main source of security problems. How can you better protect against them? A security audit helps you detect weaknesses before attackers exploit them.

What is a security audit? Definition

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

How can human error compromise security?

While technology can be the main line of 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 not be fully effective if an organisation’s employees do not follow security rules or make simple mistakes.

Human errors in the context of security

Human errors can occur on many levels, including:

• 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 organisation has the latest security measures in place, an attacker can easily use employee inattention to launch cyberattacks, such as phishing (impersonating trusted institutions or individuals to extort sensitive information, such as login credentials or passwords) or brute force attacks (attempts to guess a password by systematically checking all possible combinations). An example is the case study of the security audit for BNP Paribas Faktoring, where special attention was paid to accurately identifying risks on the part of the key system supplier.

Threat of cyberattacks

There is no denying that technology is developing more and more every year. This also makes cyberattacks increasingly advanced. Hackers use various methods that can cause huge financial and reputational losses. Cybercriminals increasingly target organisations that have not secured their systems properly or have neglected employee education.

While these attacks may be technologically advanced, humans are the most commonly targeted. Cybercriminals know that they are the weakest link in the security system. They often use so-called social engineering, manipulating employees’ emotions and behaviours to gain access to sensitive data. That is why a security audit should also include education and training on how to respond to threats.

In a GDPR audit, an organisation can also check whether personal data protection processes are properly implemented and secured against leaks.

Why is it worth performing a security audit?

Regular audits allow organisations to assess the state of IT systems and detect weaknesses that may result from employee ignorance or negligence early on.

Training and internal procedures

One of the most important elements of a security audit is assessing internal procedures, including clear rules for system access, password management, and handling sensitive data. Security audits often recommend regular employee training to increase awareness of potential threats.

Exorigo-UPOS offers IT audit and consulting services that provide comprehensive solutions for education and IT system security. This gives you a complete picture of the company’s IT hardware and software. What is more, you will learn how to improve and develop IT systems – so that they bring real benefits to your company.

Identify vulnerabilities

A security audit allows a thorough analysis of the protection tools used, detecting vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Although many organisations use modern security technologies, their incorrect or outdated implementation can pose a serious threat. With a security audit, an organisation can identify these irregularities and take appropriate corrective action. Such an audit should also assess the security policy, which shows how the company responds to security incidents.

How is a security audit conducted?

Conducting a security audit is a complex process that requires detailed analysis, careful planning, and the right tools. Such an audit includes several stages that

allow for a comprehensive assessment of IT security, operational procedures, and employee awareness. Remember, however, that a security audit is not a one-size-fits-all form—its scope and focus depend on many factors, such as the industry, organisational structure, and the threats involved.

1. Preparation and planning

The first step in the security audit process is usually preparation, which involves defining the audit scope and goals. Security auditors work with company management or seconded employees to determine which areas need special attention. This can include auditing information systems, data protection policies, access management, and incident response procedures. Identifying threats specific to a particular industry or organisation is also an important part of this stage.

2. IT Infrastructure Assessment

Once auditors prepare an audit plan, they conduct a detailed assessment of the organisation’s IT infrastructure. At this stage, auditors analyse hardware, software, networks, and operating systems to identify potential vulnerabilities. A security audit also assesses system access controls, data encryption methods, and protection against unauthorised access. Auditors verify that the technologies used align with security best practices and are kept up to date.

3. Analysis of security policies and procedures

A security audit is not only a technical check of systems, but also an assessment of an 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. At this stage, auditors also analyse compliance with regulations such as GDPR, which is important for protecting personal data. During a security audit, auditors also evaluate employee education and training processes, as security awareness is critical to preventing incidents.

4. Vulnerability testing and attack simulations

The next stage of the audit is to test IT systems for vulnerabilities, which may include various types of penetration tests (so-called pentests). Auditors try to find security vulnerabilities by simulating cybercriminal activities. These tests allow them to assess the effectiveness of implemented protection solutions and verify how systems respond to different types of attacks.

5. Reporting and recommendations

After completing the security audit, auditors prepare a detailed report with the results and recommendations to improve security. The report includes both detected security vulnerabilities and imperfections in operational procedures or employee awareness.

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

6. Follow up on the implementation of recommendations and monitor security

The final stage is to monitor the effectiveness of the changes made. A security audit does not end with preparing a report and recommendations. After implementing patches, systematic monitoring is necessary to ensure the new security measures are effective and actually protect against threats.

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