In recent years, security breaches impacting millions have revealed just how important an increased focus on cybersecurity truly is. Introduced by the Trump administration in 2017, new regulations have boosted cybersecurity measures to the highest point in US history. While necessary and effective, new cybersecurity compliance audits have forced companies across the country to ramp up their security to meet new requirements outlined in the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA).
In short, higher expectations for cybersecurity means more measures have to be taken.
Generally, compliance audits analyze system access, business activity monitoring, adding or removing users from the environment, equipment maintenance, environment management, security, and the acquisition and sharing of information. While technology can sometimes encourage (or force) users to adopt stricter security through more complex passwords or additional two-step authentication, not all protection can be automated. The majority of security measures still come down to making sure that company personnel have been properly trained and understand their responsibility to protect the company’s data – and their own.
While security does start with employees, it’s equally important to analyze the organization as a whole. By auditing operational security, the policies and methods that are just simply “done because that’s how we do it” are scrutinized, often revealing glaring security issues that can then be fixed. Even when an organization sticks by a method that’s tried and true, a review to make sure it still holds up never hurts. If a security flaw is found, it’s important to remember that only means the system is working as intended. Even in the event of failure, the entire process is designed to improve cybersecurity measures to protect your company, its employees, and its clients well into the future.
In conclusion, cybersecurity compliance audits are important for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, they’re required by the US government – a highly compelling argument. But below that point, lackluster security practices have the ability to leave even the most notable organizations open for attacks that could land a devastating blow on not only the company, but its clients and customers. Following the rules is well and good, but ensuring that your organization is complying with the newest requirements in the cybersecurity field makes sure that both you and the people that depend on you are safe in today’s digital world.
