An IT security audit is a crucial process that organisations undertake to evaluate the effectiveness of their information technology infrastructure's security measures. Through a meticulous examination, an IT security audit identifies vulnerabilities, assesses risks, and ensures compliance with industry standards and best practices. It involves reviewing network security, access controls, data protection protocols, incident response plans, and overall security posture. On the other hand, a cyber essentials checklist outlines essential security measures to safeguard against common cyber threats. It includes areas such as secure configuration, access control, malware protection, patch management, and incident management. By conducting an IT security audit and following a cyber essentials checklist, organisations can strengthen their security defenses and protect valuable assets from potential cyberattacks.