A security audit is now a critical component of modern business. As organizations embrace cloud computing, data analytics and workplace mobility, they have to navigate through an increasingly complex world of data privacy mandates and legislature and sophisticated attack vectors.

In the current threat landscape, enterprises face a monumental task to maintain security and regulatory compliance. Not only do they need to protect themselves from cybercriminals, but they also have to contend with nation-states (with unlimited resources) that actively engage in cyberattacks.

Last year, almost 60% of British consumers were affected by data breaches. This makes it critical for enterprises to focus on security controls deployed around data assets, infrastructure and connected third-party ecosystems.

However, according to Gartner’s Audit Plan Hot Spots Report, more than half the global organizations surveyed lacked a dedicated budget or a formal data governance framework. But with the strict enforcement of fines for compliance violations, we can expect companies to start taking cybersecurity seriously.

So how do you successfully mitigate risk and strengthen enterprise resilience? Let’s take a look.

Implement Foundational Security Measures

In the real world, not everyone has the technological expertise or budgets to deploy robust security protocols. But they can still implement foundational security measures to address known vulnerabilities.

At a minimum, you must actively engage in cybersecurity training. Human error continues to be the primary culprit in data breaches. Enhance security awareness through regular training workshops. This process also awards an opportunity to delegate responsibility.

You should also actively prepare to respond to the inevitable cyberattack. Having a robust plan in place can help contain the security incident. It also allows businesses to engage in damage control, quickly.

Companies should also regularly evaluate and refine the following protocols:

• Privileged access control policies
• Overall network security mechanisms
• Operational infrastructure
• Mature vulnerability identification

Conduct Internal Audits and Cyber-Risk Assessments

If you have the resources, you should conduct an internal risk assessment to ascertain your current risk exposure and your organization’s ability to manage it.

When cyber-risk management is at the forefront of your day-to-day operations, you will make better decisions. It can also help improve and maintain a robust security posture. Conducting regular internal risk assessments result in robust security protocols.

However, this can only be achieved with security professionals who are equipped with in-depth knowledge of the current risk environment. Knowledge coupled with technical prowess results in highly efficient and effective incidence response.

Leverage Security Audit Tools To Find and Fix Vulnerabilities

Regular security audits help companies test and assess their overall security posture. This approach provides an opportunity to identify and resolve new vulnerabilities. It also goes a long way in helping businesses stay a step ahead of threat actors while avoiding hefty fines.

Depending on the system, cybersecurity tools work well separately or together. However, you have to be careful in selecting the right tools to ensure that they don’t conflict with each other.

Threat actors don’t rest, so neither should you. As cybersecurity threats evolve rapidly, organizations need to take a proactive role in protecting their sensitive digital assets.