What is the difference between a security audit and penetration testing?

What is the difference between a security audit and penetration testing?

A security audit is a comprehensive review of an organization's security policies and controls, while penetration testing simulates attacks to identify vulnerabilities.

Can you explain the purpose of each?

Sure! A security audit aims to ensure compliance and assess the effectiveness of security measures, whereas penetration testing focuses on finding and exploiting vulnerabilities.

Which one should I prioritize for my business?

It depends on your needs. If you're looking for compliance and overall security assessment, start with a security audit. If you want to test your defenses against real-world attacks, go for penetration testing.

How often should I conduct these assessments?

Security audits are typically done annually, while penetration tests can be conducted more frequently, such as quarterly or bi-annually, depending on your risk profile.