Cyber security audits look for the “entrances” criminals can use to gain unauthorised access to your business’s systems. They examine the systems themselves but also the routes to them – the networks you operate on.
It doesn’t stop there. All the hardware and software you use will come under the microscope, as will existing cyber security policies and procedures. In short, it’s a job that requires a deep understanding of cyber security, and the ability to think like a hacker – without being one.
The aim of the audit is to spot vulnerabilities that can be exploited, threats lurking in your systems, and other areas where you need to enhance your security. This simple description fails to capture just how complex cyber security audits can be. However, it provides an overview. Next, you may be interested in some more details.
What are the Top Things a Cyber Security Audit Covers?
Without going into too much technical jargon, we can look at the top areas covered in a cyber security audit.
Search For Network Security Loopholes
As businesses’ needs grow, they add more hardware and software. There are also legacy systems that stay in place. Both new and old security endpoints must be analysed at regular intervals to ensure that they are not introducing vulnerabilities.
Old software and hardware products may have been safe in the past but are vulnerable now. New software should have been vetted by your cyber security team but may have been installed informally without consideration for its security impact.
In addition, employees may be adding a few downloads of their own into the mix – remember smartphones also count. During the audit, all employee devices that are used for anything work-related are checked for software that may open a route for an attacker.
Checking Compliance With Laws and Industry Standards
Regulatory compliance increasingly affects the ways we work. Apart from complying with industry standards, you need to be certain that you are taking reasonable steps to safeguard sensitive systems and the treasure trove of data they may contain.
The UK’s General Protection of Data Regulations (GDPR), for example, outlines general principles and outcomes but does not stipulate methods to be employed. This is fair since all systems and organisations work differently. However, you must make sure that your organisation and its people are not inadvertently violating the principles captured in laws and regulations like this one. Serious liability issues may arise if you fail to do this.
Further complicating matters, new laws, rules, and regulations are on the horizon as industry bodies and the government strive to combat the ever-rising tide that is cybercrime. With regular audits and good governance, you can implement new requirements quickly and effectively.
Educating the Workforce
Almost every employee you have has some role in cybersecurity – even if it is just changing passwords regularly and looking out for the subtle signs of an attempted attack. Regular briefings, including real-world examples of things like phishing, impersonation, and scams, will help them keep the door closed to cyber attacks and fraud.
Workers who access networks remotely will need extra layers of security. As part of the audit, you must check that they are effective and are being used correctly.
Checking Security Patches
Security patches are constantly being released by a range of service providers. An oversight in which a patch was not implemented could become a very serious issue indeed. From operating system patches to connected devices and rarely-used software, your cyber security audit will examine your patching practices. It involves identifying overlooked vulnerabilities and addressing them.
Planning and Prioritising Risk Reduction Strategies
A cyber security audit strives to cover every possible element that might allow attacks into your systems. Unless you frequently do audits, it is almost sure to pick up a long list of possible weaknesses. You can’t always fix everything at once, but a cyber security professional can help you to set priorities and timelines. Your cyber security risk assessment forms part of your audit results.
How Often Should You Do a Cyber Security Audit?
Cyber security is a moving target. You should conduct a full audit at least once a year. In between, hold regular meetings with your cyber security team and pass on information to your staff, helping them to keep cyber security in mind.
If you experience an attack, it would be wise to conduct a cyber security audit as soon as you have addressed the attack. It will be important to know which vulnerabilities cyber criminals are attempting to exploit so that you can address them.
The risks you run if you fail to remain abreast of cyber security are simply too great to ignore. Sensitive data may be stolen, customers may no longer trust you, you could face a ransomware attack that paralyses your organisation, or you or your customers could lose substantial amounts of money to fraud.
How Grave Is the Threat, and How Can You Overcome It?
The UK government recognises the severity of cyber crime as a nationwide threat, providing guidance through its cyber security centre. The National Audit Office (NAO) says that even government IT infrastructure has vulnerabilities, citing a shortage of cyber security specialists as part of the problem.
This does not mean you should give up in despair. Instead, choose a dedicated UK cyber security provider to work with you and your team. Advantex has been recognised as one of the best managed service providers in 2025 – a position we will work hard to maintain and improve on.
Our team is ready to help you combat cyber threats. Contact us to find out more about Advantex’s cyber security services today.
