If you run a business, you’ve probably heard terms like cyber security audit and IT security audit thrown around more than ever. It can feel overwhelming, but here’s the truth… a cyber security audit isn’t something to dread, it’s a proactive step that helps you understand where your business stands and what you need to do to stay protected.

It isn’t about catching you out. It’s about giving you clarity, confidence and a plan.

So, what is a cyber security audit?

A cyber security audit is a structured look at how well your organisation protects itself from digital threats. Think of it as a health check for your IT. During a cyber security audit, specialists examine systems, networks, devices, data handling processes and user behaviour. The aim is to see what’s working, what isn’t and where improvements can be made.

It’s not quite the same as penetration testing. Pen testing is more like an authorised “attack” to see if someone could break in. A cyber security audit, or cyber risk assessment, looks more broadly at your overall approach, spotting weaknesses and helping you build stronger, long term security.

What gets reviewed during a cyber security audit?

A proper cyber security audit, or cyber risk assessment, covers several areas. Nothing is rushed and nothing is looked at in isolation. You get a holistic view of your business and its defences.

Here are some of the things Intrasource typically reviews:

Your systems & infrastructure

Servers, networks, cloud environments and software are checked for vulnerabilities, out of date configurations, inappropriate permissions and risk gaps that a cybercriminal could exploit

Policies & procedures

You might be surprised how many risks come from outdated or incomplete policies. The audit looks at how your business documents and manages security, including access controls, password practices, data handling and incident response plans.

Devices

Laptops, mobiles, WiFi equipment, POS systems and anything else used in day-to-day operations are reviewed. These are common entry points, especially if your team uses a mix of personal and company devices.

User behaviour

Human error remains one of the biggest threats to cyber security. The audit looks at onboarding and offboarding processes, staff awareness, MFA usage, remote access habits and anything else that could create weaknesses.

How do you know if your business is overdue an audit?

If you tick any of these boxes, it might be time:

• You haven’t had a formal cyber security audit, or cyber risk assessment, in the last year.
• Your system has grown or changed quickly and you aren’t sure if everything is secure.
• You’ve experienced suspicious emails, login attempts or unusual activity.
• You rely heavily on cloud services but haven’t reviewed access controls recently.
• Staff use personal devices or work remotely without clear guidelines.
• You’re gearing up for industry compliance and want reassurance you’re meeting requirements.
• You’re considering penetration testing but want to see your baseline first.

Why do cyber security audits matter?

A cyber security audit gives you a measurable, realistic view of the state of your security. It moves you away from guesswork and provides a clear roadmap for improvements.

Some of the biggest benefits include:

Compliance made simpler

Whether you work with sensitive data or just want to follow best practice, an IT security audit helps you demonstrate that you take cyber security testing seriously. It identifies gaps long before an external regulator or partner highlights them.

Reduced risk

Spotting vulnerabilities early means fewer surprises later. Preventing an incident is almost always cheaper than recovering from one.

Better decision making

With a clear report in hand, you can invest in the right tools and processes rather than guessing what your business needs.

Peace of mind

When you know your systems are being reviewed properly, you worry less. That confidence is valuable, especially for small businesses that can’t afford downtime.

Insurance consequences

Cyber Security Insurance is becoming a necessity for most businesses but premium costs and payouts are increasingly affected by what measures and controls businesses have put in place. They won’t payout after a cyber attack if a business hasn’t got adequate security measures in place.

How Intrasource carries out a cyber security audit

Intrasource takes a practical, business focused approach. We don’t overwhelm you with technical jargon. You get a clear audit, complete with realistic recommendations and straightforward explanations.

Here’s what the process usually looks like:

1. Initial discovery – we learn how your business operated, what systems you rely on and where you feel your biggest risks might be.
2. Detailed technical review – this includes system analysis, policy checks, user access reviews and cyber security testing across your environment.
3. Optional penetration testing – if you want a deeper look, penetration testing can be added to actively uncover weakness before a cybercriminal does.
4. A full breakdown of findings – you receive an easy to understand report outlining issues, risks and suggested fixes. No hidden messages or confusing language.
5. Support with remediation – unlike one off consultancies, Intrasource doesn’t leave you to figure things out alone. Our team helps you plan and implement improvements so you see real results, not just another document on a shelf.

A cyber security audit should never feel like a box-ticking exercise. It’s an investment in the stability and resilience of your business. With growing digital threats and constantly shifting risks, taking the time to review your systems properly is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

If you want clarity, reassurance and support from a team that specialises in cyber security testing, Intrasource are here to help. Get in touch with our specialist team today.