Find out what's putting your business at risk, before it becomes a problem.
An IT security audit is an independent, systematic evaluation of your technology environment, security controls, policies, and operations. It tells you exactly where you stand, what your risks are, and what to do about them, in plain English, with a prioritized action plan your leadership team can actually use.
One of the most common findings: businesses have been exposed for months or years without knowing it. An audit finds those gaps before an attacker, an insurer, or an auditor does.
Audit coverage
- Access & identity
- Network security
- Endpoint & system security
- Data & backup
- Policies & governance
- Compliance & risk
Most businesses have never had a formal audit. Most also have gaps they don't know about.
The absence of a known breach does not mean an absence of risk. It may mean a vulnerability has not been discovered yet, by you or by an attacker. An independent audit closes that information gap.
average cost of a US data breach in 2024, the highest on record. Even a fraction of that figure is company-ending for most businesses.
average time to identify and contain a breach. Most businesses are compromised long before they know it.
of all cyber breaches globally affect small businesses, yet most have never conducted a formal security assessment.
Signs your business is overdue.
- You have never had a formal, independent review of your IT environment
- Your cyber insurer is asking security questions you cannot confidently answer
- You are preparing to buy, sell, or merge with another business
- You have had a security incident or a near-miss
- You are onboarding a new IT provider and want an independent baseline
- A new client or contract requires documented evidence of your security practices
- You are approaching a compliance certification or regulatory audit
An independent evaluation, not an internal review.
An audit is conducted by an independent, outside firm, not your own IT staff. That matters for two reasons. First, an internal team may not spot risks they have normalized or created themselves. Second, external audit findings carry credibility with insurers, compliance bodies, and business partners that internal reviews do not.
Unlike a vulnerability scan (which looks for technical weaknesses) or a penetration test (which attempts to exploit them), an audit takes a broader view: it assesses your entire technology environment, including administrative controls, policies, user behaviors, and documentation.
What FD Consulting's IT security audit covers.
Every area of your environment that affects your security posture, continuity, and compliance is assessed, documented, and linked to specific recommendations in the final report.
Access & identity controls
User access and privilege management, operating system and database access, virtual access controls, and password policies and practices.
Network security
Network access controls and segmentation, firewall configuration, email and messaging security, remote access and VPN, and anomaly monitoring.
Endpoint & system security
OS patch currency, antimalware controls and configuration, endpoint protection coverage, and software asset inventory and licensing.
Data protection & backup
Backup procedures and schedules, off-site and cloud verification, restoration testing and recovery estimates, and data classification.
Policies, governance & vendors
Information security policies, change management, third-party and vendor risk, and asset management controls.
Compliance & user awareness
Regulatory posture (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, FTC Safeguards, and others), user awareness and training documentation, and framework alignment.
A prioritized action plan, not another report that sits in a drawer.
Detailed written report
Every area documented with specific findings: what was assessed, what was found, and what it means for your business. Written for leadership, not just IT.
Executive summary
A plain-English overview of your posture, the most significant risks, and key recommendations. Suitable for board, insurance, and compliance reviews.
Prioritized action list
Findings ranked by risk level and remediation effort, so you know exactly what to address first. Realistic, budget-aware, and specific enough to act on.
Findings walkthrough
We walk you through every finding in a dedicated session, answer your questions, and help you understand the right next steps for your situation and budget.
An independent audit from a team that becomes your fix.
Fred Denison has been conducting technology assessments and IT audits for over 20 years; FD Consulting has served clients since 2009. Because we also offer managed IT, security consulting, compliance, and disaster recovery, the audit can become the starting point for addressing what it finds, not just a document that tells you what is wrong.
- Independent and vendor-neutral. We do not sell hardware or software; every finding reflects what is right for you.
- 30+ years of experience with the technology environments and constraints of real businesses.
- Non-disruptive process, scheduled around your operations. Your business runs normally throughout.
Common questions about IT audits.
What's the difference between an IT audit and a cybersecurity assessment?
A cybersecurity assessment focuses on technical vulnerabilities in specific systems. An IT security audit is broader: it evaluates your entire environment, including administrative controls, policies, user practices, documentation, and vendor management, as well as the technical layer.
How is an audit different from a penetration test?
A penetration test simulates an actual attack. An audit does not attempt to exploit vulnerabilities; it evaluates your entire security program for adequacy, documentation, and effectiveness. An audit typically comes first: it establishes your baseline and produces a remediation plan.
How long does an IT security audit take?
For most businesses, one to three weeks from kickoff to report delivery, depending on the size of your environment and existing documentation. The time required from your team is minimal: a scoping conversation, access to systems, and a walkthrough at the end.
Will the audit disrupt our operations?
No. It is non-disruptive by design. Assessment activities are scheduled around your operations, no systems are taken offline, and your employees will not notice it is happening.
How much does an IT security audit cost?
It depends on the size of your environment, whether you have regulatory requirements, and the depth of the engagement. We give you a specific, predictable quote after an initial scoping conversation, no surprises.
Does an audit help with cyber insurance?
Yes, and it is one of the most practical reasons businesses initiate one. Carriers increasingly require documented proof of your posture. Our audit produces exactly that: a written report, executive summary, and prioritized action plan that demonstrate proactive security management.
An IT audit is often the starting point for
Cybersecurity Consulting
The audit identifies your gaps. Security consulting builds the strategy and remediation plan to close them.
Managed IT Services
If the audit reveals your environment needs ongoing management, managed IT addresses the operational layer it assessed.
Compliance as a Service
If the audit identifies compliance gaps under HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or the FTC Safeguards Rule, we manage your program on an ongoing basis.
The best time to find out where you stand is before something goes wrong.
Our IT security audit gives you a clear, independent picture of your technology risks, and a specific, prioritized plan for addressing them. The first conversation is free and requires no commitment.