Fortify Your Security

A security assessment is a test or evaluation of security measures to make sure they are working correctly and meeting the requirements to protect an information system or organisation. A security assessment offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of security controls and practices. It identifies weaknesses that may expose the organisation to cyber threats, data breaches, and regulatory issues. By understanding these risks, leaders can make informed decisions and allocate resources to address them.

An assessment may uncover outdated firewalls or unpatched systems that could lead to cyber attacks. By addressing these vulnerabilities, leaders can prevent data breaches and operational disruptions. Similarly, an assessment can reveal flaws in application security, such as insecure coding or weak access controls. Addressing these weaknesses reduces the risk of data and financial loss. Additionally, a security assessment ensures compliance with regulations and industry standards. By identifying compliance gaps and policy deficiencies, leaders can protect their reputation and maintain competitiveness.

• Examine physical infrastructure security measures like access controls, surveillance systems, and environmental controls.
• Analyse network infrastructure for vulnerabilities/unauthorised entry points, including firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless networks.
• Evaluate application and software security, including coding errors, configuration weaknesses, and access controls, to identify vulnerabilities.
• Analyse data encryption, backups, leakage prevention, and retention.
• Evaluate security policy compliance including best practices, regulations, and user training.
• Test resilience against manipulative attacks/social engineering. Test for sensitive information or unauthorised access.

The duration of a security assessment varies based on the organisation’s size, complexity, and specific requirements. It can range from a few days to several weeks, considering the assessment scope. Factors like the organisation’s size, technology environment, and assessment type influence the assessment duration. Engaging with a qualified security professional at NSP can help determine the appropriate timeframe.

To prepare for a security assessment, start by documenting your security policies and procedures, ensuring they are up to date. Familiarise yourself with relevant compliance requirements and gather information about your IT infrastructure. Assess the effectiveness of your security controls and conduct regular vulnerability assessments. These steps will help you prepare effectively for the assessment and enhance your organisation’s security posture. Consider engaging a qualified security professional at NSP to ensure a thorough assessment.

Created in 2014 in response to an Executive Order, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is based on established standards and divides cybersecurity controls into five functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Widely adopted, it provides a strategic view of an organization’s cybersecurity risk management. Implementing and maintaining a strong cybersecurity standard is complex, and adopting recognized frameworks like NIST is essential for success. Our IT Security Risk Assessments fully align with this framework.

While they share a connection, they are not identical. A cybersecurity audit provides a comprehensive view of your cybersecurity status and highlights any existing gaps—often referred to as a cybersecurity health check. Our IT risk assessments go beyond this by evaluating risks specific to your business, identifying threats, assessing vulnerabilities, and pinpointing critical assets. We then offer guidance on implementing security controls to mitigate these risks.