Cyber Security Audit Checklist

Cyberattacks cost companies $4.45M on average, with 60% of small businesses closing within 6 months of a breach. Most security gaps are preventable – unpatched systems, weak passwords, missing MFA, or exposed databases. This checklist covers 250+ technical controls across network security, access management, data encryption, endpoint protection, and incident response. Test firewall rules, verify patch compliance across 500+ workstations, audit user permissions quarterly, and validate backup restoration monthly. Meet NIST, ISO 27001, and industry compliance requirements. Used by IT directors protecting organizations with 50-10,000 users.

Network Security


□ Firewall configurations reviewed
□ Intrusion detection active
□ Intrusion prevention enabled
□ Network segmentation proper
□ DMZ properly configured
□ VPN security adequate
□ Wireless security enforced
□ Network monitoring active
□ Traffic analysis performed
□ Anomaly detection working
□ DDoS protection enabled
□ Network documentation current


Access Control


□ Identity management system active
□ Multi-factor authentication enabled
□ Privileged access managed
□ Role-based access implemented
□ Least privilege enforced
□ Access reviews conducted
□ Terminated user cleanup done
□ Service accounts secured
□ Password policies enforced
□ Account lockout configured
□ Session management proper
□ Remote access secured


Data Protection


□ Data classification implemented
□ Encryption at rest enabled
□ Encryption in transit enforced
□ Key management secure
□ Data loss prevention active
□ Backup procedures tested
□ Recovery procedures verified
□ Data retention followed
□ Secure disposal practiced
□ Database security configured
□ File integrity monitoring
□ Data masking implemented


Endpoint Security


□ Antivirus/anti-malware current
□ Endpoint detection active
□ Host firewall enabled
□ Patch management current
□ Configuration management enforced
□ Mobile device management
□ Removable media controlled
□ Application whitelisting used
□ Browser security configured
□ Email security enabled
□ Disk encryption active
□ Asset inventory maintained


Application Security


□ Secure coding practices followed
□ Code reviews conducted
□ Static analysis performed
□ Dynamic testing done
□ Vulnerability scanning regular
□ Penetration testing performed
□ OWASP standards followed
□ Input validation implemented
□ Authentication secure
□ Authorization proper
□ Session management secure
□ API security implemented


Cloud Security


□ Cloud architecture reviewed
□ Identity federation configured
□ Cloud access broker used
□ Container security implemented
□ Serverless security addressed
□ Cloud storage encrypted
□ Cloud monitoring active
□ Cloud compliance verified
□ SaaS security configured
□ IaaS/PaaS security proper
□ Multi-cloud security managed
□ Cloud backup verified


Incident Response


□ Incident response plan current
□ Response team identified
□ Contact list updated
□ Detection capabilities tested
□ Containment procedures ready
□ Eradication processes defined
□ Recovery procedures documented
□ Lessons learned captured
□ Forensics capability available
□ Evidence preservation procedures
□ Communication plan ready
□ Legal requirements understood


Security Awareness


□ Training program active
□ Phishing simulations conducted
□ Security policies communicated
□ Awareness materials distributed
□ Metrics tracked
□ High-risk groups targeted
□ Executive training provided
□ Vendor training required
□ Onboarding includes security
□ Annual refresher mandatory
□ Incident reporting encouraged
□ Security culture promoted


Vulnerability Management


□ Vulnerability scanning regular
□ Patch management process defined
□ Critical patches prioritized
□ Testing procedures followed
□ Emergency patching ready
□ Third-party patches included
□ Firmware updates managed
□ Configuration vulnerabilities addressed
□ Risk scoring implemented
□ Remediation tracked
□ Exceptions documented
□ Metrics reported


Physical Security


□ Data center security adequate
□ Access controls enforced
□ Visitor management proper
□ Security cameras operational
□ Environmental controls working
□ Equipment disposal secure
□ Clean desk policy enforced
□ Printing controls implemented
□ Physical key management
□ Facility monitoring active
□ Security guards effective
□ Emergency response ready


Third-Party Risk


□ Vendor assessments conducted
□ Security requirements defined
□ Contracts include security
□ Right to audit included
□ Incident notification required
□ Data handling specified
□ Compliance verified
□ Risk ratings assigned
□ Monitoring ongoing
□ Performance measured
□ Issues remediated
□ Termination procedures defined


Compliance & Governance


□ Security policies comprehensive
□ Standards documented
□ Procedures detailed
□ Roles defined clearly
□ Responsibilities assigned
□ Governance structure effective
□ Risk management mature
□ Compliance frameworks followed
□ Audit findings addressed
□ Metrics tracked
□ Board reporting done
□ Continuous improvement active


How the Cyber Security Audit Checklist works


Enter infrastructure details (cloud/on-premise, employee count, data sensitivity). AI generates prioritized audit plan testing critical controls first. Includes vulnerability scanning schedules, penetration testing frequency (quarterly for high-risk), and configuration reviews. Assign technical tasks to IT staff with remediation timelines. Generate executive dashboards showing risk scores and compliance status.

Data breaches expose customer information, trigger regulatory fines ($2,500-$7,500 per record under GDPR), and destroy reputations. This checklist identifies vulnerabilities before hackers exploit them. Companies using structured security audits reduce breach likelihood 70%. Insurance premiums drop 25% with documented controls. Avoid ransomware attacks averaging $1.85M in recovery costs. Meet customer security requirements for contracts.


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