Cyber Security Audit Readiness Test: Are You Compliant?

For small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs), the thought of a formal cybersecurity audit can be intimidating. Audits, whether driven by regulatory requirements (like HIPAA or PCI DSS) or insurance mandates, are deep dives into your IT environment. They reveal where your security is strong—and, more often, where it’s dangerously weak.

Before you invest time and resources into a full audit, how can you gauge your current security posture?

This security audit readiness test is designed to self-assess and simulate some of the key questions a professional auditor would ask. It’s not a substitute for a formal audit, but it is the fastest way to identify your most pressing vulnerabilities, understand your compliance gaps, and determine if you are truly ready to face scrutiny.

Grab a notepad and tally your “Yes” and “No” answers. Let’s begin the assessment.

1. Access Control and Identity Management (The “Who”)

Auditors focus heavily on access control because identity is the first line of defense. Weak controls here are the primary cause of internal breaches and unauthorized system changes. They want to ensure that only the right people have the right access, and that access is revoked instantly when necessary.

Question	Yes/No
1: Is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) required for all remote access, administrative accounts, and cloud application logins (e.g., Microsoft 365, CRM)?
2: Do all former employees’ accounts (email, network, cloud apps) get disabled within one hour of termination?
3: Do you regularly audit user permissions (at least quarterly) to ensure employees only have access necessary for their current job role (least privilege principle)?
4: Are administrative or “super-user” accounts separate from regular employee email accounts, and are their passwords changed frequently?
5: Is there a formal, documented process for onboarding and offboarding employees that includes IT sign-offs on access provisioning and de-provisioning?

2. Network and System Security (The “How”)

This section assesses the structural integrity of your IT infrastructure—your digital walls and defenses. Auditors check for segmentation, patching discipline, and foundational security controls to ensure malicious actors can’t move laterally across your network. Without strong network and system security, all other security efforts are undermined.

Question	Yes/No
6: Is your network segmented (e.g., is the guest Wi-Fi completely separate from the corporate server network, and are administrative tools isolated)?
7: Are all operating systems, firmware (e.g., router/firewall), and third-party applications configured to automatically install security updates within a defined, short window (e.g., 7 days)?
8: Do you use a centralized, next-generation firewall (NGFW) with intrusion prevention capabilities, and is it actively monitored?
9: Do all company-owned endpoints (laptops, desktops, servers) run modern Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) software, not just traditional antivirus?
10: Do you conduct internal and external vulnerability assessment scans on your network at least quarterly, and are critical findings remediated immediately?
11: Have all default passwords been changed on every piece of network hardware (routers, switches, printers)?

3. Data Protection and Business Continuity (The “What”)

Data is your most valuable asset, and auditors check if you know where your sensitive data lives and how well you protect it. This section also confirms your ability to recover quickly from a catastrophic event, a key component of compliance and business survival.

Question	Yes/No
12: Do you encrypt all sensitive data both while it is being transmitted (in transit, e.g., HTTPS) and while it is stored (at rest, e.g., disk encryption)?
13: Do you have a documented, tested classification system for sensitive data (e.g., Public, Internal, Confidential)?
14: Have you successfully tested a full data restore from an offsite, immutable backup within the last 90 days?
15: Is your backup system logically separated from your live network to prevent ransomware from infecting both simultaneously?
16: Is your organization using a secure disposal method for old hardware that contains sensitive data (e.g., physical destruction or certified data wiping)?
17: Are the physical locations where sensitive data is stored (servers, filing cabinets) secured with restricted access controls (e.g., key cards, logging)?

4. Security Policies and Employee Awareness (The “Human Element”)

The majority of breaches involve human error, making policies and training vital. Auditors want to see proof that security is a consistent culture, not just a set of technical controls. Documentation and consistent enforcement are as important as the technology itself.

Question	Yes/No
18: Do new employees receive formal cybersecurity awareness training (covering phishing, password hygiene, etc.) before they are granted network access?
19: Do you conduct mandatory, simulated phishing tests for all employees at least four times per year?
20: Do you have a documented, tested Incident Response Plan (IRP) that outlines specific steps for employees to follow in case of a suspected breach or ransomware attack?
21: Does the organization have a formal, written Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) that employees must sign, detailing how they can use company resources?
22: Is there a defined process for reporting security incidents or suspicious activity, and are employees aware of this process?
23: Do you conduct background checks on all personnel who will have access to sensitive systems or data?

Tally Your Score and Analysis

Tally up the total number of “Yes” answers from your security audit readiness test. Each “Yes” is worth 1 point.

Total Score: _____ / 23 points

Score Interpretation

19 – 23 Points (High Score: You Have a Strong Foundation)

You have implemented core security controls and demonstrate a strong commitment to best practices. This score suggests you are highly ready for a formal cybersecurity audit and likely compliant with baseline requirements.

• Next Step: Focus on the few “No” answers—these represent low-hanging fruit for a persistent hacker. Remember, a real audit will drill down into technical configurations and documentation, often exposing hidden weaknesses even strong organizations miss.

10 – 18 Points (Mid Score: Needs Improvement)

You have addressed some critical areas but have significant, visible vulnerabilities. You are at risk of suffering a breach and would likely face multiple common audit findings related to access control, network segmentation, or data recovery.

• Next Step: You must immediately focus on implementing MFA (Q1) and patching vulnerabilities. Before undergoing a formal audit, a professional IT audit checklist review and remediation plan are essential.

0 – 9 Points (Critical Failure: High Risk of Non-Compliance)

Your business is at significant risk of a breach, ransomware attack, and severe regulatory non-compliance. Your security posture is fundamentally weak and immediate professional intervention is necessary to prevent a costly incident.

• Next Step: Do not wait. This score indicates a need for foundational changes in both technology and policy. Security gaps are likely wide and easily exploitable. You need expert assistance to stabilize your environment now.

Calculate your score to see how ready you are. Need help fixing your vulnerabilities? Schedule a complimentary Security Posture Review with a Klik Solutions expert today!

Frequently Asked Questions