What is a cybersecurity audit, and does your business need one? If you’re an SME, and you’ve never had a cybersecurity audit before, then the answer is likely a resounding yes.
It’s not only governments and huge corporations that cybercriminals tend to target. They also have a history of targeting small and medium businesses. Businesses that might not have the same cybersecurity resources at their disposal as their larger counterparts.
Reports show that small business owners may not be worried about cyber threats. But they are very real.
Cyber attacks can not only cost a business its customers and its reputation but large amounts of money, too. In fact, cyber-attacks cost small businesses targeted on average $25,000 each last year.
If you’d like to learn how you can lessen this risk for your business, taking stock of your cybersecurity plans is a great place to begin. Read on to find out how you can do just that.
What Is a Cybersecurity Audit?
The aim of a cybersecurity audit is to examine the plans and processes pertaining to cybersecurity you have in place and see how you can improve them.
Such audits are usually carried out by a cybersecurity expert who will be able to make recommendations and point out potential flaws in your current system. It is possible to carry out your audit yourself, however, this is not usually advisable. It’s better to get the perspective of external cybersecurity professionals.
Carrying Out Your Audit
The first step in your audit will be to take a look at the plans and measures you currently have in place—if any. It will also look at the security of your digital presence. Everything from the way you store data to how you send emails will come under scrutiny.
Physical security, network security, and employee digital literacy will also be examined. A cybersecurity audit takes a sweeping overview of all things digital at your company, to see how they can be made safer and more secure. This article by https://www.cyberpion.com/solutions/external-attack-surface-reduction/ explains the process in greater detail.
Taking Action on the Findings
After the audit has been completed, the cybersecurity expert will present their findings to you. These will likely include recommendations about what you can do to improve cybersecurity within your business.
This may include things like using 2-factor authentication, training your employees in best practices, making sure your files are backed up and secure, and strengthening your network security.
No business is perfect, and there will always be things you can improve upon. Implementing these changes, and educating yourself and your employees about cybersecurity can help to greatly reduce your chances of falling victim to a devastating cyber attack.
Start Your Cybersecurity Audit Today
Hackers are constantly becoming more sophisticated and new types of attacks are being created all the time. As such, conducting a cybersecurity audit on a regular basis is a prudent idea for any business.
In need of more information on this topic? If so you can peruse the rest of our articles now.
