Technology audits are an important part of any organization’s risk management program. These audits involve a comprehensive review of a company’s IT infrastructure and operations. This helps them identify and manage the risks associated with their use of technology.

Conducting regular technology audits helps organizations:

Reduce risk

The main purpose of a technology audit is to identify risks and vulnerabilities in a company’s IT infrastructure. By identifying these risks, the company can take steps to mitigate them. For instance, if an audit finds that mission-critical data is not being backed up regularly, the organization can put in place a data backup plan to reduce the risk of data loss.

Bolster controls and improve security

Technology audits can also help companies improve their security posture by identifying weaknesses in their security controls. With this information, they can make necessary changes to their security controls to improve their overall security.

For example, if an audit finds that an organization’s password policy is lax, the organization can update its policy to require stronger passwords or the use of a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for different accounts. It can also implement multifactor authentication to add an extra layer of security.

Boost efficiency

Another purpose of technology audits is to assess the efficiency of a company’s IT infrastructure. This includes looking at how well the infrastructure is being used and whether there are areas where the company is using outdated or inefficient technology.

For instance, an audit may find that an organization’s server utilization is low, which means that the organization is paying for more server capacity than it needs. In this case, it can downsize its servers or consolidate its data to reduce costs.

Enhance compliance

Industries such as finance and healthcare are subject to stringent regulations pertaining to data privacy and security. Technology audits can help these organizations ensure that they are complying with all relevant regulations.

For example, an audit may find that an organization is not encrypting its confidential data, which could lead to hefty fines if the data were to be breached. By conducting regular technology audits, companies can make sure that they are taking all the necessary steps to protect their data and stay compliant.

Improve IT governance

IT governance is the responsibility of management to ensure that the company’s IT resources are being used effectively and efficiently to support the company’s business objectives. Technology audits can help organizations improve their IT governance by providing insights into how their systems and devices are being used and managed.

For example, an audit may find that an organization’s IT staff is not properly trained to manage the company’s servers. In this case, the organization can provide training to its employees or hire new IT personnel who are better qualified to manage the company’s servers. This not only improves the company’s IT infrastructure but also its overall business operations.

These are just a few of the benefits of conducting regular technology audits. By identifying risks and vulnerabilities, enhancing compliance, and improving IT governance, technology audits help organizations operate more efficiently and effectively.

If you’re not sure whether your organization is due for a technology audit, contact a managed IT services provider in Washington today. They can accurately assess your company’s needs and recommend an appropriate course of action.