It doesn’t matter what size or type of business you are, you will use some form of IT and therefore be subject to the risks associated with using that IT and operating online.
But a system audit is not only important for safeguarding, as far as possible, your online security, and the safety and integrity of the data you hold, it’s crucial for your forward business planning strategy.
A system audit fixes the ‘I don’t know where to start’ problem
We always say at Cultrix, that if you have the feeling things could be done better, then the chances are, they probably can. But what? You may ask. If you don’t know what’s wrong you don’t know how to fix it.
With a system audit that tests many aspects of your IT systems, you will gain the knowledge of your business’s IT that points to what could be done better. This could be anything from systems not speaking to each other, backups not happening, holes in your compliance to do with data handling, and potentially more serious security risks and vulnerabilities in the way you operate online, particularly if you trade online, or the fact you have no business continuity plan should a disaster happen.
With an IT audit you will always get a picture of what’s happening – so it can be fixed.
If you have an audit, you have a business strategy
The great advantage with a system audit, is that you then have a ready-made strategy for what to do next. Imagine the improvements you can go about making.
Improve security
Approximately 43% of cyberattacks are targeted on small businesses. With an IT audit, you get an evaluation of your information systems and the safeguards present within these systems, or not. The IT audit will look at the processing and communication infrastructure including software applications, operating and security systems, web services and client-server networks and systems.
If there are holes in your IT, an audit will identify them, giving you strategic direction for what to go about putting in place.
Increase efficiency
Although essentially an evaluation of IT integrity, security and systems, an IT audit will also evaluate the reliability and effectiveness of your systems, giving extremely helpful pointers for increasing your organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency.
In short – helping your business to save money.
By looking at all aspects of your IT, and pinpointing vulnerabilities, perhaps to fraud, or areas of potential data loss, the financial risks to your business are minimised. And the measures put in place mean the different aspects of your business have the job of speaking to each other better.
Communication and efficiency are always improved when putting the corrective measures, and internal controls, in place suggested by a full IT system audit.
Prevention is better than cure
An audit in itself won’t protect your business from cyber threats or loss of data, but it will give you the knowledge to put preventative measures in place.
A reputation for diligence
If your organisation is known to be diligent in its approach to security and compliance, by carrying out regular audits, a malicious employee, supplier or customer may think twice about attempting to defraud it.
Why wait for a system audit?
There are no downsides to having a full IT system audit. All Cultrix IT support clients regularly receive system audits to keep them on track with best practice when it comes to safety and integrity of systems.
You can improve your security and compliance, starting today, as well as get the direction you need for your ongoing business strategy, by claiming your free system audit.
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