When was the last time your business had an IT security audit?
If your answer is "never" or "I'm not sure," it's time to change that. In today's digital landscape, cyber threats aren't a question of if—they're a matter of when. An IT security audit is your business's first line of defense, offering a clear-eyed view of your vulnerabilities and the roadmap to fix them before something goes wrong.
At TotalBC, we've worked with businesses of all sizes who were surprised at what they didn't know about their own systems. That's where a thorough audit comes in—not to shame, but to prepare.
In this post, we're breaking down exactly what happens during an IT security audit and why it's a crucial step toward protecting your business—and your reputation.
What Is an IT Security Audit?
An IT security audit is a comprehensive review and analysis of your business's information systems. The goal is simple: identify potential weaknesses in your security setup and provide actionable recommendations to close the gaps.
It covers everything from your network infrastructure and hardware to software configurations, user access policies, and even employee behavior.
Think of it like a health check-up for your business technology—except instead of looking for high blood pressure, we're looking for outdated software, weak passwords, and improperly configured firewalls.
What Happens During a Security Audit?
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect from a professional IT security audit:
1. Initial Consultation & Goal Setting
First, we sit down with you to understand your business operations, goals, compliance requirements (like HIPAA or PCI-DSS), and current IT concerns. This helps tailor the audit to your specific needs.
2. Network Scan & Vulnerability Assessment
Next, we perform automated scans and manual reviews of your entire network infrastructure. This includes:
- Identifying all connected devices
- Detecting unpatched software or operating systems
- Finding open ports or misconfigured firewalls
- Checking for unauthorized access points
This step is where many hidden risks come to light.
3. User Access & Password Policy Review
Do your employees share passwords? Do former employees still have access to your systems? We review:
- Active Directory and account permissions
- Password strength and expiration policies
- Privileged user access
Proper access management is one of the most overlooked—and most exploited—areas of business security.
4. Endpoint & Device Security Check
Laptops, mobile devices, and workstations all represent potential entry points for cyber threats. We ensure:
- Antivirus and antimalware protections are up to date
- Endpoint protection software is installed and functional
- Devices are encrypted where necessary
5. Backup & Disaster Recovery Evaluation
If your system were hit by ransomware tomorrow, how quickly could you recover? We evaluate:
- Backup frequency and integrity
- Data recovery processes
- Off-site or cloud storage solutions
6. Employee Awareness & Training Review
Human error is still the #1 cause of security breaches. We assess:
- Phishing email simulations (if applicable)
- Security awareness training protocols
- Policy enforcement practices
7. Audit Report & Action Plan
After the audit, we compile a detailed report outlining:
- Vulnerabilities found
- Risk levels
- Recommended next steps
- A roadmap for improving your security posture
This report becomes your playbook for moving forward—and if you're working with TotalBC, we help you execute it.
Why You Need an IT Security Audit
Still on the fence? Here are a few compelling reasons to schedule your audit today:
- Stop Threats Before They Start: Security audits uncover issues you may not even know exist. Fixing them now can prevent data breaches, ransomware attacks, and costly downtime later.
- Stay Compliant: If your business is in healthcare, finance, or retail, compliance isn't optional. An audit ensures you meet regulatory requirements and avoid hefty fines.
- Reduce Risk, Reduce Costs: Recovering from a cyberattack costs far more than preventing one. A small investment in an audit now can save tens of thousands in potential losses.
- Make Informed Decisions: An audit gives you clear data, not guesswork. Know where your business stands, what's working, and what needs improvement.
- Gain Peace of Mind: When you know your systems are secure, you can focus on growing your business—not worrying about hidden vulnerabilities.
Take the First Step Today—with a Free Network Assessment from TotalBC
At TotalBC, we believe every business deserves to operate securely and confidently. That's why we're offering a FREE Network Assessment to help you get started.
We'll review your current infrastructure, identify areas of risk, and provide a clear path forward—no pressure, no obligations. Just solid advice from a team that's been protecting businesses like yours for over two decades.
Ready to uncover what's hiding in your network?
Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment with TotalBC today.
Don't wait for a breach to happen. Get ahead of the threats—with TotalBC by your side.
