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22 August 2023
At a Glance
Cybersecurity risks often stem from overlooked weaknesses such as outdated software, poor password practices and inadequate data backup procedures. Regular IT security audits help organisations identify vulnerabilities, strengthen security controls and reduce the likelihood of cyber attacks, data loss and operational disruption before they become serious business threats.
For reliable IT audits and findings, contact Redpalm today.
Identifying the Main Risks in Your IT Security
If you own a business today, there may be a high probability that your company’s sensitive information is stored in the cloud. This shift towards digital storage and technology has undoubtedly made your business operations convenient and efficient, but it has also exposed your business to increased risk of cyber threats.
Every month, new application updates are released to stay ahead of the cybercriminals’ tactics. Identifying main risks in your IT security system is the first step towards tackling these threats before they become bigger problems.
A comprehensive audit of your IT security can help you identify weak spots and vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure, check your security controls and ensure you’re following regulations.
If you want to strengthen your organisation’s IT security, consider having an IT audit check by experts like Redpalm. This allows you to find specific gaps and take proactive steps to keep your business secure.
In this guide, we explore 3 typical examples of IT audit findings and how you can take back control.
Let’s get started!
1. Outdated Software
The Risk
Just as cars lose their value and efficiency over time, software can also become outdated. Without regular maintenance and updates, software accumulates security vulnerabilities, putting your business and data at risk of cyberattacks. This makes it one of the main risks to IT security.
To avoid this, software developers frequently release new software updates, which can be addressed in IT audit findings. Staying on top of these updates enables you to improve your business’s performance and protect it from potential threats.
Best Practices
Automating Software Updates
Make sure to automate your software updates by integrating and using a Unified Endpoint Management Solution, which allows you to monitor, manage and secure all end-user devices such as laptops, smartphones and any other connected devices.
Apply Patch Management
Create a well-structured patch management process that ensures you stay current and up to date. Having this will allow you to quickly apply security patches when they are released by software vendors. This practice will form a strong line of defence and protect your software from risks.
2. Poor Password Security
The Risk
Poor password security may be one of the most common IT risks and neglected issues in cyber security. However, it is also the easiest way for a cybercriminal to hack your systems and misuse your business data. For instance, if you have no access management system or a weak one, a hacker can easily log in to your network.
Findings from an IT audit, following thorough assessments, shed light on this problem and allow you to develop a comprehensive plan to strengthen your digital security. As a result, you can implement appropriate access management systems and technical defences, such as password deny lists, to enhance security.
Best Practices
Protect Your Access Management System
Cyber criminals may attempt to gain access to your system through unlawful practices such as modifying password policies or stealing tokens. By taking steps to protect your internal access management systems, you can prevent these attackers from gaining unauthorised access.
Use Multi-factor Authentication
Having MFA allows for an extra layer of protection. This involves setting up an authentication email or text message to an account or number of your choice, making it even more difficult for hackers to access your data.
Set Up Password Deny Lists
Password deny lists are a particularly effective method to prevent common (or easily guessed) passwords from being used. This list can be created from published lists of common passwords or tailored to your organisation.
3. Insufficient Data Backup
The Risk
Data is the lifeline of your business, and without it, you lose customer insights and valuable information that aids your decision-making. If your business doesn’t have proper data backups, it becomes vulnerable to data loss due to cyberattacks, hardware failures, or other unforeseen incidents.
IT audit findings uncover these loopholes by carefully examining your backup system. Experts’ keen eye assesses the frequency of backups and the methods used for data storage, enabling you to understand the effectiveness of your recovery strategies. If the measures are not effective enough, they suggest changes to address the issues.
Best Practices
Carry Out Backup Restoration Tests
Unexpected factors can cause data loss, but this can be avoided with regular test restores. Set up reminders to perform monthly test restores of your backups to ensure they are always working as expected.
Data Storage at Multiple Sites
Storing the data in multiple locations maximises safety. This way, if one location is compromised, you haven’t lost anything.
Educate Your Team
Training your employees about data backup and disaster recovery is a proactive and great way to minimise damage done in an emergency
Contact Redpalm for Meticulous Security Audits
Identifying these common risks is crucial to keeping your business protected and scaling it effortlessly. To reduce data breaches and ensure a seamless IT system, contact the team at Redpalm to conduct thorough cybersecurity audits.
We are specialists in delivering unrivalled, meticulous IT audits and reporting findings. Our experts can help you to keep your business secure while taking steps to stay ahead of the competition.
We also provide services in cyber security, technology procurement, managed IT and data backup and disaster recovery to keep your business safe. If your business needs an IT audit, cybersecurity support, or more, feel free to contact us.
