What does a security audit primarily assess?

A security audit primarily focuses on assessing security policies and practices within an organization to identify potential vulnerabilities. This process involves a comprehensive review of existing security measures, protocols, and procedures to ensure they are effectively safeguarding assets and information. By identifying gaps, weaknesses, or inefficiencies in security controls, an organization can take proactive steps to enhance its security posture and improve overall risk management.

The emphasis is on examining how policies are implemented and whether they adequately protect against threats. This includes evaluating physical security measures, access controls, data protection strategies, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. A successful audit not only identifies vulnerabilities but also provides recommendations for remediation, thereby helping the organization strengthen its defenses against security breaches.

Other options, such as assessing financial stability, employee satisfaction, or marketing strategies, focus on different aspects of organizational performance that are not directly related to the effectiveness of security measures, making them irrelevant in the context of a security audit.