Compliance and Audit
The Interplay of Compliance and Audits
Compliance and audit are essential components of cyber security infrastructure. Compliance refers to adherence to specific rules, standards, or laws that are designed to protect data and information systems. These could be industry-specific regulations, international standards, or company policies. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, including fines and damage to an organisation’s reputation. On the other hand, an audit is an independent, systematic review of an organisation’s information systems, applications, and processes to ensure they comply with these rules and regulations. Audits are intended to identify vulnerabilities and areas of non-compliance, providing opportunities for improvement. Together, compliance and audits form a check-and-balance mechanism that promotes integrity, accountability, and security in an organisation’s information systems.
- NIST 800-53 (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
- ISO 27001 (International Organisation for Standards)
- PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards)
- CPS234 (Prudential Standard CPS 234)
- PSPF/ISM (Protective Security Policy Framework/Information Security Manual, Essential 8)
- IRAP (Information Security Registered Assessors Program)
Scoping and Planning
The first step to performing an effective compliance audit is scoping and planning. Our expert analysts will work closely with your team to understand your organisation’s specific needs, identify the regulatory frameworks applicable to your operations, and determine the scope of the audit. This includes identifying all systems, data, processes, and personnel that fall under these regulations. We will then develop a comprehensive audit plan detailing the steps to be followed, the key areas to be reviewed, and the criteria for evaluating compliance.
Audit Execution
Once the planning is complete, our team will execute the audit in line with the established plan. We will review your organisation’s policies, procedures, and controls, scrutinising systems and processes, interviewing relevant personnel, and analysing necessary documentation. This step is not just about finding areas of non-compliance, but also about identifying opportunities for improvement and efficiency.
Reporting & Remediation
We will provide a detailed audit report outlining areas of compliance and non-compliance, highlighting potential risks and offering recommendations for improvements. But our work doesn’t stop there. We will also assist your organisation in developing and implementing remediation plans to address any issues identified. Our team will provide ongoing support to ensure these improvements are effectively integrated into your operations, supporting your journey towards stronger cyber security and regulatory compliance.