Cyber Advocates
Our experts don’t just speak tech — they translate it. We break down complex security concepts into clear, actionable guidance so your team feels confident and informed.
IT Audit Services
An external IT audit is a critical requirement for regulated organizations and a foundational control for a strong cybersecurity program. SBS CyberSecurity provides independent external IT audit services that evaluate the adequacy, effectiveness, and compliance of your information technology controls as approved by your board of directors.
Our audits are designed to meet regulatory expectations, support examiner reviews, and deliver clear, actionable insights that help organizations reduce risk.
Trusted by Hundreds of Banks and Credit Unions
What Is an External IT Audit?
An external IT audit is an independent evaluation of an organization’s information security program (ISP), IT governance, and supporting controls as of the audit date. The audit assesses whether controls are appropriately designed, implemented, and operating effectively based on regulatory guidance, industry standards, and leading practices.
Unlike a cybersecurity risk assessment, an IT audit formally tests control adequacy and compliance, making it a required component for many financial institutions and regulated entities.
Our Audit Approach
Supported by 20+ years of experience, SBS CyberSecurity's External IT Audit approach is risk‑based, regulator‑informed, and tailored to your organization. This approach allows us to test both control and policy adequacy while aligning directly with examiner expectations. Our methodology is based on relevant guidance, as applicable, from:FFIEC IT Examination Handbook
FDIC Interagency Guidance and Financial Institution Letters (FILs)
FDIC Information Technology Risk Examination (InTREx)
Gramm‑Leach‑Bliley Act (GLBA)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Center for Internet Security (CIS)
Risk‑Focused and Tailored to Your Organization
To ensure the highest-risk areas of your organization receive the attention they deserve, our auditors begin by reviewing your ISP and related policies, internal IT and cybersecurity risk assessments, prior audit and examination findings, monitoring and management reports, applicable regulatory requirements, and supporting documentation gathered through a structured request process. We also use a detailed questionnaire to better understand your products and services, vendor and third-party relationships, internal capabilities, and resource constraints. This foundation is strengthened by incorporating current regulatory and threat areas informed by real-world events and breaches, as well as interviews with key stakeholders to identify where you see the greatest risk. The result is an audit that is practical, relevant, and tailored to your organization's unique risk profile.External IT Audit Scope
SBS's External IT Audit provides a comprehensive review of the key domains that shape your organization's technology, cybersecurity, and risk management posture. The areas below reflect the breadth of our audit scope and the controls, processes, and oversight activities we evaluate.
Governance
Management oversight
Roles and responsibilities
IT strategic planning
Policies and procedures
Reporting to management and the board
Training and security culture
Risk Management
IT risk assessment
Cybersecurity assessment
Ransomware risk assessment
Asset Management
Asset inventory
Network and data flow diagrams
Patch management
Change management
Asset disposal
Vendor Management
Vendor risk assessments
Vendor selection and ongoing management
Cloud service oversight
Third‑party and API risk management
Emergency Preparedness
Disaster recovery program
Incident response planning
Pandemic preparedness
Backup and recovery
Audit and Oversight
Audit committee oversight
Audit program structure
Technology audit processes
Network Cybersecurity
Authentication and access controls
User access management
Remote access and BYOD
Logging and monitoring
System and attack protection
Physical security
Encryption
Wireless networks
Virtualization oversight
Electronic Banking and Digital Services
Internet banking
Commercial banking platforms
Mobile banking
Website security
Remote deposit capture oversight
FedLine Advantage controls
Wire transfer controls
Identity Theft Red Flags Program
Policy and program oversight
Risk assessment
Annual reporting to the board
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI governance and oversight
AI risk management
ATM and Debit Card Operations
ATM oversight and management
Instant issue programs
Debit card management
What You Receive
Every SBS External IT Audit engagement includes:
- An independent, examiner‑ready audit report
- Clearly documented findings aligned to regulatory guidance
- Risk‑ranked observations and recommendations
- Practical remediation guidance
- Executive‑level and board‑ready reporting
The most valuable impact was the clarity and confidence SBS brought to our IT risk posture.
Bobby Heinze
Chief Information Security Officer
The Peoples Bank, Arkansas
We saw great exam results after following recommendations from SBS.
Tammy Belt
Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer & Chief Technology Officer
United Community Bank of West Kentucky, Inc., Kentucky
SBS is always professional and knowledgeable.
Tyler Neeriemer
Executive Vice President Technology & Security Officer
First Federal Bank & Trust, Wyoming
They have been great to work with in both audits and module training.
Angela Jesse
Vice President IT Support Manager
First Bank of the Lake, Missouri
The SBS audit process is comprehensive and well-structured. The field guide is user-friendly and easy to follow, and the auditors are both helpful and highly knowledgeable. As a result, we have successfully passed both state and federal audits.
Sierra Pittz
IT & Digital Banking Officer
Woodford State Bank, Wisconsin
The staff is knowledgeable and understands banking regulations well.
SBS CyberSecurity identified some areas that needed improvements as well as needing additional details in our policies.
Not only do you get recommendations to benefit your program, SBS offers samples to help steer you in the right direction.
Britney Keele
As an IT officer, time is everything. SBS has always been able to answer my questions and provide me with what I need to better my security program.
Jill Mobley
Our ISP/cyber program has never looked and functioned so good. I no longer worry about examiners reviewing our program.
Lisa Boe
Documentation is readily available, easy for the team to understand.
Leah Jo More
Their knowledge on these audits is tremendous.
Their thoroughness and attention to detail have proven to be invaluable in ensuring our compliance and preparedness to tackle the evolving threats related to IT and ACH.
Will Locke
Information Security Officer
Citizens National Bank at Brownwood, Texas
The audits are so proactive that we are able to find holes in our cyber program and fix them, prior to any regulatory exams.
Justin Petska
Vice President Commercial Lending & IT Officer
Hershey State Bank, Nebraska
I've worked with different companies that have performed our IT audits and security testing, but SBS seems to trump them all.
They have been instrumental in making sure we do not get written up during any of our exams.
Crystal Schuman
SBS provided us with recommendations for our program that we haven't received from other auditors.
SBS has been performing our external IT audit for a number of years, and we have had a great relationship. They are very transparent on things we need to work on.
Kelsey K.
They really make IT jargon understandable and manageable for us bankers.
Mary Beth Munoz
Using SBS for our IT audits and network testing has helped improve our overall network security and keeps us on top of regulatory changes.
Jeff Vetter
Having SBS CyberSecurity do my IT audit every year is a very painless process.
Keith Baker
Get the Help You Need
SBS CyberSecurity can help you take the next step with confidence. Explore the additional services and resources below to support your broader cybersecurity, compliance, and IT risk management efforts.
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EXPERT INSIGHT
Audit Survival Guide — Top 10 Recommendations
Proactively strengthen compliance, reduce vulnerabilities, and prepare for your IT audits with actionable insights.
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Strengthen IT Audit Outcomes with TRAC GRC
The TRAC GRC risk management platform can help you extend the value of your IT audit by turning findings into more consistent oversight, documentation, and risk management practices. Internal Audit Management, IT Asset Management, and Vendor Management modules support a more efficient and sustainable approach to ongoing compliance and control management.
Why Choose SBS CyberSecurity for IT Audits?
Our passion is to guide and protect. Our objective is to be your trusted cybersecurity ally. It's in our nature to do more than merely provide a service — we aim to empower your team to make smarter, safer decisions. Our philosophy is built around three pillars that set us apart:
Proactive Approach
Our proprietary Information Security Program (ISP) Blueprint helps you shift from reactive compliance to proactive, strategic cybersecurity management.
Personalized Partnership
We listen first, then tailor solutions to your unique challenges. With SBS, you gain a trusted partner committed to your long-term success.