How to Perform Successful Security Audits

One of the most important security measures in Information Technology is web application security audits. They are not just one-time measures, but something that should be done by an organization at least annually. Even if your network security was perfect last year, it is not necessary for it to remain the same way, as hackers keep coming up with new tools and there may be a new mistake that your company made. In some industries, the audit requirements are spelled out by the federal regulations. You can decide how you want to run the audit, in case no regulations apply. 

 Following are some of the best ways you can conduct a security web application security audits :

Hire an Auditor

Hiring an outside auditor is one of the best ways of going about a security check. An outsider may be able to spot weaknesses that your in-house IT staff missed out. Experienced computer-security professionals who are aware of exactly what to look for, prove to be good auditors. You should set specific goals in order to get the maximum out of an auditor. An annual audit will be able to pick up every possible vulnerability. During audits, you may also be able to accomplish smaller objectives such as examining a new firewall's performance.

Prepare for an Audit

A big part of making an audit successful is preparing for the audit. The cost of an audit has to be build into the budget and it has to be scheduled for a time when critical operations will not be interfered with. Someone on your staff should be able to take responsibility of the project, work with the auditor and stay informed about the audit regulations of your firm. Once the auditor arrives, present her with all the documentation – IT procedures, policies and flow diagrams in a single docket.

Making an Assessment and Finding Solutions

Assessing your security, identifying the problem and analyzing them properly, is the first step in the audit process. This includes looking at network weaknesses, as well as weaknesses in the operating system and software. The assessment also includes looking at the security of your network when employees have access to it from home, and also if someone sets up a convenient network bypass.

A good auditor will not only identify problems, but will also tell you the solution. The solution can differ from replacing your firewall, to changing the password policies. Critical issues need to be fixed at once, other changes are not urgent and can be fixed slowly.

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