Episode 122: System and Process Auditing (Domain 4)

Auditing is how security teams verify that controls are working, policies are being followed, and no one is operating outside expected behavior—and in this episode, we explore both system and process auditing in depth. System audits focus on configurations, permissions, and change logs—ensuring that operating systems, devices, and applications remain in a secure, known state. Process audits, on the other hand, examine whether organizational practices—like onboarding, patching, or incident response—are aligned with documented procedures and regulatory requirements. We explain how to structure audits using internal frameworks or external standards, the value of audit trails, and how audit findings should feed directly into risk assessments and remediation plans. Auditing isn’t just a compliance exercise—it’s a real-time window into how your security program functions when no one is watching. Done well, audits identify blind spots and create the accountability that keeps security culture strong.