A security audit can include testing a computer’s software for vulnerabilities.
A security audit is an analysis of the adequacy of security in an information technology system. Types of general security audits include an IT audit for all of the company’s IT systems or a computer security audit for a partial IT system or process. These types of internal audit processes are done to ensure that security is sufficient for any type of IT system within a company.
A security audit is an analysis of the adequacy of security in an information technology system.
Those who conduct a security audit may examine encryption or other online or computerized security elements. They can interview computer users to determine if the human factor is a weak link in terms of security. A security auditor may perform a penetration test or other type of security assessment to judge how secure an IT system can be.
As part of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act enacted by Congress, security audits can be used as part of an overall business audit process.
Some types of security audits are required by business leaders as part of protecting a company’s bottom line. Other security audits are performed to comply with federal, state, or local laws when corporate data includes an element of public risk. In such cases, government agencies may require regular security audits to prove that a company is protecting public data.
A security audit at a medical practice can ensure that HIPAA rules are followed regarding the privacy of patient files.
Legislation known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA is the primary driver of security audits for medical businesses. HIPAA rules provide strict security of patient data, and all medical facilities or businesses must comply with HIPAA regulations. Security audit tasks may include specific attention to ensuring that HIPAA is followed within the company or network.
Financial or other companies may conduct a security audit in accordance with the standards imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Although Sarbanes-Oxley is designed as a safeguard against corrupt accounting practices, its legislation may include elements such as security audits as part of an overall audit process. In other cases, consumer protection legislation may require a company to conduct a security audit.
Often a company may have a security policy that dictates when and how a security audit should be performed. Security auditing can also involve checking for “checks and balances” in a department or business system. All of this effort is directed toward the overall goal of protecting data and providing competent security for any type of business. Professional auditors are trained in the precise metrics that show whether a security system is reliable and reasonably protected against external attacks.