In a world of rapidly evolving cyber threats, securing technological assets is more vital than ever. Many companies are staying one step ahead of vulnerabilities by taking preemptive steps to evaluate their system security. Cybersecurity audits and assessments are often used interchangeably, but what do these measures actually mean and how can they elevate compliance within an organization? More so, how can teams prepare for these events when and if they occur?
The unknown is the scariest part of any process. Go into your cybersecurity review with confidence and an informed perspective. The team at Trava is decoding cybersecurity audits and assessments to empower our community and make the compliance journey a little less daunting.
1. The Key Difference Between Cybersecurity Audits and Assessments
When it comes to cybersecurity, audits and assessments are not one and the same. These two processes have distinct functions and outcomes. Think of audits and assessments in terms of span and the problem each seeks to solve. A cybersecurity audit is a third-party evaluation of a company's networks and hardware, targeting adequacy, design, and operational efficacy. Audits are also wide-reaching and can take several months to over a year.
Assessments are typically shorter in scope and span. These are conducted internally, with less formality than a full audit. Internal teams or consultants provide feedback and identify areas of improvement for key decision-makers to address. Think of an assessment as a way to prep for potential audits and a checkpoint to ensure your team is meeting data security and compliance standards.
2. Breaking Down Types of Audits and Assessments
Not all audits and assessments operate via the same metrics. If you've undergone an audit or assessment in the past, chances are your next encounter with one may look a bit different. Moreover, each report and certification targets a specific area of data relevant to key stakeholders.
Auditor and cybersecurity expert, Ben Phillips, breaks it down simply;
3. Deciding Which Is Best: Cybersecurity Audits vs Assessments
So which option is best for your organization? The answer is; it depends!
Audits and assessments are typically customer and client driven. These processes may be written into contractual agreements or regulatory requirements. Additionally, as an organization grows and matures, internal operations teams may elect to begin the process. It's important to work with experts to determine which type of report or certification is most beneficial. Ultimately, routine audits and assessments ensure compliance and position businesses as industry leaders within their sectors.
4. Planning for Outcomes
Planning and setting clear expectations with auditors and assessment teams is an important step in a successful process. Discuss goals and potential outcomes prior to the beginning of an internal assessment and ensure your organization has full buy-in to implement any recommended improvements. When it comes to undergoing an external audit, consider areas your internal teams have previously flagged for improvement and be prepared to elevate your processes if recommendations are supported.
5. A Life Long Commitment to Cybersecurity
Congratulations! You've passed your audit or assessment. Now we can pat ourselves on the back and move on, right?
Wrong! As Phillips notes, "Just because triathletes are done with an intensive event, that doesn't mean they quit training and stop doing things and keep their body in tiptop shape for the next one". Audits and assessments are not one-time events. To commit to cybersecurity, we need to reframe how we think of these core processes. Rather than stressful tests to be completed, audits and assessments are opportunities for growth. These events keep organizations protected while also protecting client and consumer data. Audits typically occur once a year to ensure ongoing compliance and security in the face of evolving cyber threats, while assessments are at the discretion of the operations team.
Understanding audits and assessments as a fluid process elevates operations teams in their knowledge of cybersecurity. Take it from Trava, audits and assessments illuminate the unknown, empowering organizations to stress less and be better prepared to meet the needs of today's clients. Dynamic solutions are right around the corner for compliance and beyond. Schedule a demo with our team today!
