What does a security audit evaluate?

A security audit primarily focuses on assessing the effectiveness of an organization's information system security policies and practices. It involves a systematic evaluation of the security controls in place, ensuring that they adequately protect the organization’s information assets against potential threats and vulnerabilities.

During a security audit, auditors review security policies to determine whether they are properly implemented, compliant with industry standards, and aligned with regulatory requirements. This helps identify any gaps or weaknesses in the security posture, allowing organizations to take corrective actions to improve their overall security framework.

Evaluating aspects such as employee productivity, software development processes, or marketing strategies falls outside the scope of a security audit. While some of these areas may indirectly impact security or benefit from secure practices, the core objective of a security audit is to ensure robust information security management.