What is the primary function of a security audit?

The primary function of a security audit is to evaluate the effectiveness of an organization’s security policies and controls against known threats and vulnerabilities. This process involves a systematic examination of the security measures in place to determine how well they protect against potential risks and whether they align with best practices and regulatory requirements.

Conducting such audits allows organizations to identify gaps in their security posture, assess the potential impact of various threats, and implement necessary improvements. The audit reviews the organization’s risk management practices, access controls, incident response mechanisms, and other critical security components to ensure they are functioning as intended. This proactive approach helps organizations not only to bolster their defenses but also to enhance their overall security strategy.

In contrast, some of the other choices focus on narrower aspects of security or incorrect assumptions about audits. For example, focusing solely on financial discrepancies or compliance tests limits the broader scope and purpose of a security audit, which is to assess overall protection against all forms of vulnerabilities, not just financial or policy-related ones. Additionally, suggesting that audits are only carried out post-breach ignores their proactive role in preventing incidents before they happen.