What Are Compliance Audits, and How Can You Prepare for One?

As compliance regulations grow more complex and business operations move more online, it's easy to get overwhelmed thinking about your next compliance audit. We're here to help with this quick overview of compliance evaluations: what they are, why they matter, and how you can prepare for them.

What Is a Compliance Audit?

A compliance audit is a structured analysis of an organization's policies, procedures, and systems to confirm that they adhere to regulatory requirements. Official audits are performed by an outside party, and many compliance certifications require an evaluation from a qualified auditor in addition to documentation.

Common types of compliance assessments include:

• Data protection regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, SOX

• Cybersecurity guidelines, such as NIST, ISO 27001, and SOC 2

• Financial standards, such as those from the IRS and SEC

Why Do I Need a Compliance Audit?

Compliance audits are often a necessary part of receiving the official certification that your business is meeting all the necessary guidelines and regulations, but the benefits of these regular assessments go even beyond that.

By constantly evaluating and improving your compliance, you reduce the risk of accidental non-compliance and the fines, penalties, and legal consequences that accompany it. The enhanced security will better protect business and customer data from threats, and your clients will appreciate the accountability and responsibility you show by being proactive with your cybersecurity.

How Can I Prepare for a Compliance Audit?

These tips will help you get ready for your compliance evaluation and ensure a smooth, stress-free evaluation.

1. Understand Compliance Requirements

Start by identifying which laws, regulations, and industry standards apply to your organization. Make a comprehensive list of the criteria you need to meet, and stay current on any updates to guidelines.

2. Conduct a Pre-Audit Assessment

Once you know what you're looking for, perform an internal compliance assessment with your IT team to check for any gaps in your security and areas of improvement. This will give you a good starting point for improving your compliance, including helpful action items.

3. Organize Documentation and Records

Most compliance audits and certifications require you to provide documentation of your security measures, so make a habit of maintaining detailed, current records of all policies, security controls, and compliance measures your business takes (if you don't already). Start compiling these records soon to be ready for your official audit.

4. Strengthen Security and Access Controls

Access controls are a key requirement for many compliance standards, and they're also a simple way to reinforce your security and protect data. Implement methods such as role-based access control (RBAC), which limits an employee's access to data and systems based on their position and what they need to do their job.

5. Train Employees on Compliance Best Practices

Many regulations require employee training, and your team members can be your best source of compliance when they're armed with the right knowledge and skills. Hold regular compliance training to teach them proper data handling, security protocols, reporting procedures, and more.

6. Work Together with Auditors

It can be nerve-wracking to have auditors combing through your systems and asking for information, but it's important to see them as partners helping you stay compliant. Cooperate with their requests, provide requested information promptly, and work with them to address any issues they might find.

7. Partner with a Compliance Expert

One of the best ways to ensure your compliance audit goes smoothly is to partner with the pros. IT providers specializing in compliance understand the ins and outs of common regulations, have the necessary tools to evaluate and update your security, and can provide personalized solutions that will help you achieve full, stress-free compliance.

Ace Your Audit with ICS

Compliance is complicated, and audits are stressful. But with ICS, they don't have to be. We’ve spent years running internal assessments, making cybersecurity plans, and launching innovative changes so businesses like yours can face their compliance audits with confidence. And now it's your turn to see the ICS difference.

Reach out to talk about your compliance or schedule your complimentary network evaluation.