Five signs your company needs a cybersecurity audit

In today’s digital first world, cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem, it’s a boardroom priority. At Crowe, we understand that businesses face unprecedented threats from cyberattacks, regulatory scrutiny, and operational vulnerabilities. Proactive risk management is critical, and a cybersecurity audit serves as a foundational step to safeguard your organization. Below are five key indicators that your business may need an audit, along with actionable insights to evaluate your exposure. 

1. Rapid Organizational Growth Has Outpaced Security Protocols

As businesses scale operations, onboard remote teams, or integrate third-party vendors, they often introduce new vulnerabilities. If your access controls, data governance policies, or employee training programs have not evolved alongside your growth, your risk profile could be significantly increasing.

Key Questions:

• Are permissions consistently reviewed and updated across departments?
• Do contractors and remote employees adhere to the same security standards as on-site staff?

A cybersecurity audit can help identify gaps in access management and ensure that security frameworks are scalable and aligned with your growth trajectory.

2. Increased Phishing Success Rates Indicate Human or Systemic Weaknesses

Phishing remains one of the most effective methods for cyber breaches despite advancements in email security. When employees fall victim to phishing attempts, it highlights critical vulnerabilities—such as outdated training programs and weaknesses in technical defenses.

Human error accounts for 82% of breaches (IBM, 2022). An audit can evaluate both technological defenses (like multi-factor authentication) and workforce readiness through simulated phishing exercises.

3. Regulatory Compliance Demands

Expanding into regulated industries (e.g., healthcare or finance) or operating across borders increases compliance obligations under frameworks like ISO, GDPR or HIPAA. Noncompliance can lead to severe penalties and repetitional damage.

Considerations:

• Are your data retention policies aligned with current regulations?
• Have third-party vendors undergone compliance assessments?

A cybersecurity audit helps map your controls to relevant standards, ensuring compliance and mitigating regulatory risks.

4. Legacy Systems Introduce Unpatched Vulnerabilities

Outdated software and hardware can create exploitable weaknesses that cybercriminals target. In fact, 43% of attacks target small and midsize businesses (Verizon’s 2023 DBIR).

Recommendation:
An IT audit provides a comprehensive inventory of assets, prioritizes critical patches, and guides modernization strategies to reduce your attack surface.

5. Your Last Audit Predates Current Threat Landscapes

Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort; it requires ongoing vigilance. If your organization has not undergone an audit in the last three years or if you have never conducted one you lack visibility into emerging risks like ransomware or AI-driven attacks.