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Cybercrime is going into overdrive. 2022 broke breach records, and 2023 followed by shattering them even further. Ransomware, supply chain hacks, zero-day exploits - threats are multiplying faster than rabbits. Sneaky hackers are working overtime to poke holes in defenses. They've got dark web bazaars stocked with attack tools and ready-to-rent ransomware. Setting up cyber shop has never been easier for the bad guys.
The damage is huge. The average U.S. data breach inflicts around $9.4 million in costs. Worldwide, it's $4.4 million and counting. Those are steep prices to pay. One way to bypass this avoidable problem? Partnering with an IT compliance audit provider will shine a light on vulnerabilities before they strike. Consider it a routine check-up to diagnose risks early before they become costly mistakes. At ZenData, we help companies just like yours navigate the landscape of data regulation, which is why we wrote this article for anyone wondering what is a compliance audit.
Think of an IT compliance audit as your tech stack's thorough physical. An independent expert examines your entire digital health to spot any concerning lumps or rashes. The audit checks that you comply with all the legal, industry, and internal "doctor's orders" for security and privacy.
You'll get a full workup detailing gaps in your systems, policies, or procedures. Consider it a diagnosis of vulnerabilities and a prescription for treatments to get you back to peak compliance health. The audit reviews your network security, access controls, and written policies. You’ll get a roadmap to patch things up, boost immunities, and create a clean bill of compliance health.
Consider the audit your routine cyber checkup. Early detection leads to easier remedies.
There are several key reasons why organizations need to audit their tech stack, including:
Compliance is just one vital sign of digital health. Compliance audits also catch vulnerabilities before they turn into full-blown data breaches. Think of audits like preventative scans that detect risks early - spotting a suspicious mole before it becomes melanoma. Catching issues in their infancy allows for easier, less invasive treatments. Identifying weak points proactively gives you the chance to shore up defenses. It's better to reinforce barriers now rather than wait until hackers break through.
When you get a check-up, a good doctor will thoroughly check all health indicators - checking your temperature, reflexes, heart rate, and the works. A tech stack audit is just as thorough, reviewing your software, apps, docs, infrastructure, and code. Data mapping also visually traces how info flows through your systems, like dye running through veins. This highlights where data is gathered, stored, processed, and deleted, which is crucial for understanding where you stand regarding proper compliance.
You'll get a detailed audit report assessing vulnerabilities and gaps during a proper IT compliance audit, like a doctor's notes. And just like a good physician, a skilled compliance audit provider will provide proven treatments and remedies to ensure optimal health across your tech stack. More specifically, an IT compliance audit will include several key steps.
The first step is to identify individuals and teams responsible for cybersecurity compliance. Establish their roles and responsibilities and account for employees who can influence compliance efforts.
Next, you will want to examine your existing cybersecurity policies. Look for areas where policies are outdated or insufficient, given today's emerging and relentless threats—update policies where needed to reflect modern cybersecurity challenges.
Catalog hardware, software, databases, services, apps, and third-party solutions your organization uses. Account for any device that accesses your network, especially those used remotely or by customers. You need a clear understanding of what you must protect and how they integrate.
Analyze current cyber threats and identify your most critical assets. Evaluate how your defenses stack up against likely threats. Compliance audit software can automate much of this process, identifying areas where remediation is necessary and helping prioritize based on threat exposure.
Finally, address any vulnerabilities uncovered during the audit. Document your changes to help inform future policies and demonstrate a commitment to compliance.
Many companies conduct annual tech stack audits to stay proactive. However, modern cybersecurity monitoring tools can provide continuous monitoring and proactively support your tech stack health. As new rules and regulations apply to your industry, continuous monitoring lets you stay on top of evolving compliance regulations and avoid costly fines or other problems.
ZenData manages data security and risk across your entire tech stack. From public-facing apps to your underlying codebase, ZenData is a no-code solution that provides an easy-to-understand security and privacy assessment, proven strategies for remediation, and consulting to help mitigate issues.
Get started with Zen Data today. Get a complimentary assessment.
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Cybercrime is going into overdrive. 2022 broke breach records, and 2023 followed by shattering them even further. Ransomware, supply chain hacks, zero-day exploits - threats are multiplying faster than rabbits. Sneaky hackers are working overtime to poke holes in defenses. They've got dark web bazaars stocked with attack tools and ready-to-rent ransomware. Setting up cyber shop has never been easier for the bad guys.
The damage is huge. The average U.S. data breach inflicts around $9.4 million in costs. Worldwide, it's $4.4 million and counting. Those are steep prices to pay. One way to bypass this avoidable problem? Partnering with an IT compliance audit provider will shine a light on vulnerabilities before they strike. Consider it a routine check-up to diagnose risks early before they become costly mistakes. At ZenData, we help companies just like yours navigate the landscape of data regulation, which is why we wrote this article for anyone wondering what is a compliance audit.
Think of an IT compliance audit as your tech stack's thorough physical. An independent expert examines your entire digital health to spot any concerning lumps or rashes. The audit checks that you comply with all the legal, industry, and internal "doctor's orders" for security and privacy.
You'll get a full workup detailing gaps in your systems, policies, or procedures. Consider it a diagnosis of vulnerabilities and a prescription for treatments to get you back to peak compliance health. The audit reviews your network security, access controls, and written policies. You’ll get a roadmap to patch things up, boost immunities, and create a clean bill of compliance health.
Consider the audit your routine cyber checkup. Early detection leads to easier remedies.
There are several key reasons why organizations need to audit their tech stack, including:
Compliance is just one vital sign of digital health. Compliance audits also catch vulnerabilities before they turn into full-blown data breaches. Think of audits like preventative scans that detect risks early - spotting a suspicious mole before it becomes melanoma. Catching issues in their infancy allows for easier, less invasive treatments. Identifying weak points proactively gives you the chance to shore up defenses. It's better to reinforce barriers now rather than wait until hackers break through.
When you get a check-up, a good doctor will thoroughly check all health indicators - checking your temperature, reflexes, heart rate, and the works. A tech stack audit is just as thorough, reviewing your software, apps, docs, infrastructure, and code. Data mapping also visually traces how info flows through your systems, like dye running through veins. This highlights where data is gathered, stored, processed, and deleted, which is crucial for understanding where you stand regarding proper compliance.
You'll get a detailed audit report assessing vulnerabilities and gaps during a proper IT compliance audit, like a doctor's notes. And just like a good physician, a skilled compliance audit provider will provide proven treatments and remedies to ensure optimal health across your tech stack. More specifically, an IT compliance audit will include several key steps.
The first step is to identify individuals and teams responsible for cybersecurity compliance. Establish their roles and responsibilities and account for employees who can influence compliance efforts.
Next, you will want to examine your existing cybersecurity policies. Look for areas where policies are outdated or insufficient, given today's emerging and relentless threats—update policies where needed to reflect modern cybersecurity challenges.
Catalog hardware, software, databases, services, apps, and third-party solutions your organization uses. Account for any device that accesses your network, especially those used remotely or by customers. You need a clear understanding of what you must protect and how they integrate.
Analyze current cyber threats and identify your most critical assets. Evaluate how your defenses stack up against likely threats. Compliance audit software can automate much of this process, identifying areas where remediation is necessary and helping prioritize based on threat exposure.
Finally, address any vulnerabilities uncovered during the audit. Document your changes to help inform future policies and demonstrate a commitment to compliance.
Many companies conduct annual tech stack audits to stay proactive. However, modern cybersecurity monitoring tools can provide continuous monitoring and proactively support your tech stack health. As new rules and regulations apply to your industry, continuous monitoring lets you stay on top of evolving compliance regulations and avoid costly fines or other problems.
ZenData manages data security and risk across your entire tech stack. From public-facing apps to your underlying codebase, ZenData is a no-code solution that provides an easy-to-understand security and privacy assessment, proven strategies for remediation, and consulting to help mitigate issues.
Get started with Zen Data today. Get a complimentary assessment.
