The Role of Audit In Protecting Company Data
By Space Coast Daily // August 29, 2023
Network security is a key factor in today’s business, as the increasing use of various devices, technologies, and applications for storing and transmitting data makes companies more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
If you are interested in reliable data protection in a company and are looking for a cybersecurity compliance company to increase the competitiveness of your business, this article is for you. You will learn why network security is an important aspect for companies and the role of audit in ensuring cyber protection.
Why Network Security Is Important For Companies
Investing in network security allows companies to minimize risk, improve customer and partner trust, ensure business continuity, and comply with legal requirements. Let’s see what consequences companies can expect if modern cybersecurity compliance requirements are neglected.
- The complexity and modernity of technology.
Due to the constant development of technology, traditional security methods may become outdated and insufficient to protect the company. Today’s threats can be hidden and appear inconsistently, making them more difficult to detect and stop without proper software and network device settings.
- Data loss.
A company can suffer significant material and reputational damage if confidential information is leaked through a disrupted network. Theft of customer identities or valuable technology can result in financial damage to the company, as well as violation of the law, which may affect its reputation among customers and partners.
- Business interruption.
A cyberattack and security breach can lead to business interruption, which can be catastrophic for the business as a whole. This is due to the loss of business opportunities, expiring deadlines, and dramatically reduced staff productivity.
- Legal consequences.
In addition, failure to comply with the requirements for the protection of confidential information can lead to the imposition of fines and sanctions on the company, which entails significant financial losses and legal problems.
In this regard, companies must ensure that their network is well protected in order to reduce the impact of loss, damage, and business interruption.
- Security risks in company networks.
The security of company networks is exposed to various types of risks, as the work environment requires connection to internal and external networks using various devices and applications. The main causes and consequences of business network security breaches and various online and offline threats will be discussed below.
- Offline and online risks.
Offline risks are associated with common human errors, such as the loss or theft of devices that store sensitive data and passwords, and unauthorized access to the premises where equipment is stored.
Online risks are associated with Internet threats, including viruses, network attacks, phishing, key attacks, network protocol attacks, and other direct and indirect attacks.
Main Causes And Consequences of a Security Breach
One of the main causes of security breaches is insufficient protection of devices and connections. Employees may flout rules, violate password policies, install insecure software, and store special keys and passwords in the public domain.
Most often, a security breach leads to the following consequences:
- Leakage of confidential information and violation of legislation on the protection of personal data.
- Reduced productivity and business interruption.
- Loss of business opportunities and serious financial loss.
- Reputational risk and reduced trust of customers and potential partners.
- Imposition of fines, sanctions, and litigation.
Companies must take care of network security by taking appropriate risk management measures, staff training, choosing the best protections, and regular security audits. This will help minimize risks and keep business assets from depleting.
Prevention of Security Breaches In Company Networks
Prevention of security breaches is an important aspect of protecting company networks from potential threats. Taking the right steps can help increase network security and prevent future threats. Let’s look at a few techniques that can help prevent security breaches.
- Safety instructions for employees.
An information security policy must be developed and implemented in your business. Thus, each employee will know what to do in case of a threat, as well as comply with the rules related to the use of communications on the network. These rules may include password policy, the use of multi-factor authentication, and additional security measures such as firewalls and antiviruses.
- Security personnel training.
It is important to provide security training and education to all staff so that everyone can take part in protecting the company network. Participants must be trained in the principles of information security, be able to recognize cases of fraud and know how to build and update passwords. Personnel training should be carried out periodically, as needed.
- Regular penetration testing.
Penetration testing is a procedure in which the security of networks is tested. Over the course of a certain period of time, a remote specialist, an ethical hacker, tries to penetrate the company’s network, checking for a hole or access to confidential data. The test results are useful information, knowing about which it is possible to update the security system and improve its effectiveness.
In conclusion, the prevention of security breaches is outside the category of the time period, this area borders on the ability of the company to work in a mode of continuous improvement and identify potential and improve current risks. However, careful preparation and deployed measures will help protect networks and ensure that the consequences of security breaches are prevented.
Security Audit
Security auditing is an important part of the prevention and protection of company networks. The audit checks current security policies for vulnerabilities and possible risks. Below we will look at some of the features associated with security auditing.
What Is the Place of The Company Network Security Audit?
A security audit is a procedure that is carried out on a regular basis and is carried out to determine what a company has and how it is effectively using it. It includes an analysis of existing risks and the identification of recommendations to improve the counteraction to possible threats.
A security audit should cover all aspects of a company’s security, including access control, password policy, data backup systems, and malware protection. The results of the audit may reveal important details that may require changes in the protection process and increase its effectiveness.
What Additional Recommendations Can Be Obtained From The Audit?
A security audit can provide many useful recommendations for companies to implement the highest security technologies. Such recommendations may include:
- Increased log storage time
- Password policy improvements
- Adding multi-factor user authentication
- Physical protection
Final Thoughts
Information security is an extremely important aspect of any company. However, finding the right defenses and effectively assessing threats is an extremely complex process. We recommend contacting UnderDefense, which is also a reliable provider of cybersecurity compliance services.