What Is a Compliance Auditor in Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity attacks on companies can have several disastrous consequences, costing them valuable time and resources to recover. These attacks can also affect citizens, often resulting in leaked personal information that could lead to identity theft or blackmail. Several organizations exist to hold these organizations accountable, ensuring that they’re following regulations to keep data safe and complying with internal standards and the law.

Becoming a cybersecurity compliance auditor requires not only a depth of knowledge in performing a successful audit but also a deep understanding of the nuances of cybersecurity and information technology (IT) and the vulnerabilities within company systems. For those considering a career as a cybersecurity compliance auditor, consider how an advanced education may help develop the skills and understanding to meet this career’s demands.

What Does a Compliance Auditor in Cybersecurity Do?

Cybersecurity compliance auditors work for certified third-party institutions that assist companies or organizations across various industries in determining whether their cybersecurity systems function correctly and meet regulations. There are several types of cybersecurity audits, such as risk assessment, that can vary in scope but encompass network, operational, data, software, and systems security. 

For example, they may perform a System and Organization Controls 2 ( SOC 2 ) compliance audit to determine whether a company meets cybersecurity standards that protect users’ confidentiality and privacy. They may also analyze any breaches that may have occurred at the company and evaluate any upgrades or changes to its policy since the previous audit.

The compliance auditor then creates a report of their findings and what changes the company needs to make if it doesn’t meet regulations. Depending on the auditor’s findings and the regulations that aren’t being met, the audited company may face fines or need to prove that it’s rectified the issues by a specific date.

How to Become a Compliance Auditor in Cybersecurity?

To be successful, cybersecurity compliance auditors need to be well informed of the standards and practices within their industry. Often, employers only consider those with a strong cybersecurity background. Additionally, compliance auditors should showcase various skills that can help them achieve their goals in performing successful audits.

Below are a few key qualifications to consider when pursuing this career path.

Education

Most compliance auditors want to earn a relevant bachelor’s degree in their field, such as cybersecurity or computer science. To further establish their understanding of cybersecurity and how it’s used, they may also want to consider an advanced degree in cybersecurity . These programs can help graduates achieve a deeper understanding of the nontechnical aspects of cyber attacks, including legal regulations.

Experience

Acquiring a few years of experience in different cybersecurity careers can be beneficial in showcasing professional experience that can translate well to a career as a cybersecurity compliance auditor. For example, a security compliance analyst also works with companies internally to perform audits and shares many similar traits when performing cybersecurity audits. Spending time in this role may help candidates stand out to a cybersecurity compliance auditing organization.

Certification

Prospective cybersecurity compliance auditors may want to consider earning relevant certifications, which can help demonstrate a baseline level of understanding to employers. For example, ISACA offers the Cybersecurity Audit Certificate, which showcases the recipient’s understanding of various cyber risks and controls for mitigating cyber threats. The same organization also offers the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification, which showcases the recipient’s understanding of emerging and rapidly maturing IT trends, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.

Key Skills

Cybersecurity compliance auditors should develop skills related to performing audits, working well with others, and IT knowledge. Skills may include the following:

• Risk management knowledge
• Cybersecurity policy knowledge
• Penetration testing
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Communication
• Ethics

Compliance Auditor in Cybersecurity Salary and Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have a specific entry for cybersecurity compliance auditors, but they report that information security analysts earned a median annual salary of $120,360 in 2023. Their job outlook is positive, with a projected growth of 32% between 2022 and 2032. This is much faster than the average 3% projected growth for all careers.

The BLS notes that the growth rate for auditors will generally mirror the economy’s growth. As more companies emerge and engage with cybersecurity, the organizations that ensure that they follow regulations and meet specific standards will likely increase the need for compliance auditors. 

Hold Organizations Accountable as a Compliance Auditor in Cybersecurity

As cyber attacks become more prominent, agencies will continue using compliance auditors with cybersecurity expertise to ensure that regulations are followed. The University of Tulsa’s online Master of Science in Cyber Security program can help you advance your cybersecurity career through a comprehensive education with either technical or leadership tracks, allowing you to build your educational path with your career goals in mind.

This program offers students a curriculum on how technologies are used in modern organizations and the foundational concepts of cybersecurity. You can earn your degree in as little as 20 months with an accelerated schedule. Additionally, as our program is online, you can work toward achieving your educational goals while accommodating other commitments.

Discover how you can make a difference with TU.

Recommended Readings

Cybersecurity Coding and Programming Language

Cybersecurity Internships and Resources

Cybersecurity vs. Computer Science: Career Opportunities and More

Sources:

Indeed, “What Is a Compliance Audit? (Plus 10 Types to Be Aware Of)”

Indeed, “What Is an IT Auditor? (With Duties, Skills and Salary)”

ISACA, Take a Look at Our Cybersecurity Audit Certificate

ISACA, What Is the CISA Difference?

U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts