Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What is the purpose of a security audit?

1. To identify potential new employees

2. To recruit external auditors

3. To evaluate compliance with security policies

4. To assess employee performance

The correct answer is: To evaluate compliance with security policies

The primary purpose of a security audit is to evaluate compliance with established security policies and procedures. This process involves systematically examining an organization's security measures to ensure they align with industry standards, legal requirements, and internal protocols. By conducting a security audit, organizations can identify vulnerabilities, assess the effectiveness of their security controls, and ensure that they are adequately protecting sensitive data and resources. Security audits play a critical role in risk management, helping organizations to proactively address weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The assessments typically cover various aspects of security, including technical controls, administrative processes, and physical security measures. This comprehensive evaluation ultimately aids organizations in fortifying their overall security posture and upholding their commitment to data protection. The other options—identifying new employees, recruiting external auditors, and assessing employee performance—do not align with the core objectives of a security audit, which is strictly focused on evaluating and enhancing security compliance rather than personnel or recruiting issues.