The Importance of Regular IT Audits

Are you aware of your company’s security risks? Have you installed adequate protection to stop cyber threats? Are you sure that you comply with all applicable security rules?

If you answer “no” to these questions, you must prioritize cyber security and implement regular IT audits to identify and address security vulnerabilities. Learn more about this process below.

What Is an IT Audit?

An IT audit is a thorough checkup and assessment of your IT infrastructure. The purpose is to ensure that all systems and solutions are working correctly, that the systems’ management and operation align with best practices, company policies, and applicable regulations, and that data is collected, used, and protected appropriately.

More specifically, the process includes:

• Evaluating hardware and software to ensure that it’s working efficiently and identify opportunities for upgrades
• Assessing system performance and capacity and identifying areas for efficiency improvement
• Conducting compliance checks to ensure your company is following the rules of HIPAA, PCI-DSS, Securities and Exchange Commission, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or any other applicable standards
• Confirming documentation of IT processes, policies, and procedures to ensure they are complete, compliant, and up-to-date

Of course, regular IT audits also address security, identifying security vulnerabilities or loopholes that a cybercriminal could exploit to attack and harm your business.

What You Gain From Regular IT Audits

A thorough IT audit is an important risk management tool. Much like regular visits to your doctor, it allows them to catch minor concerns before they become major health issues. Checking your IT infrastructure helps identify minor problems before they become big and expensive headaches.

The audit process itself requires planning, gathering data, and analysis. The insights gained from this effort become recommendations for improvement and guide action plans moving forward. Although the process can be time-consuming, it offers your business many benefits.

A More Secure IT Environment

Security audits help protect your business from malware, data breaches, and other threats. The process evaluates logical and physical security, data integrity and security, incident management procedures, and more, ensuring your company does everything possible to address threats.

Improved Efficiency and Cost Savings

IT audits identify areas of improvement that can help your business be more productive and efficient and, ultimately, save money. For example, a detailed review of the infrastructure and its capabilities may reveal areas that allow for automation or processes that could benefit from streamlining.

Better Compliance

Regular IT audits help you stay up-to-date with the constantly changing compliance and industry standards. Prioritizing compliance permits you to gain the trust of important stakeholders and enhance your company’s reputation.

Comprehensive Planning

The insights you gain from a comprehensive IT audit can support more strategic planning to enhance the road to success in your company. You can plan for investments in equipment or capabilities that support your growth goals and future expansion.

Keep your business running smoothly and prepare for the future by implementing a program of regular IT audits.