Ensure your security controls are working properly

Independent control reviews to verify effectiveness and support your certification, audit, or assurance objectives.

Controls Validation Audit

Validate your systems are protected the way they should be

Cythera’s controls validation audit reviews how well your internal controls are working — not just on paper, but in practice. We assess whether each control is properly designed to manage risk and confirm it’s operating as intended. This process plays a vital role in achieving compliance, maintaining system integrity, and preparing for audits.

Confirms your risk controls are in place and working as expected- Supports certification and internal audits, including ISO 27001 and SOC2
Detects weak or outdated controls before they impact your organisation

Service detail

What happens in a controls validation audit

From preparation to reporting, we guide you through each step to keep control validation efficient, clear and aligned with your goals.

Practical audits tailored for action

Structured, standards-based control review

We run repeatable, standards-aligned audits to verify that your controls are in place and effective. Each audit supports assurance and improvement.

Map control requirements to relevant standards
Interview stakeholders and validate with documentation
Sample key control implementations for testing

Our delivery process

High level approach

Our approach is grounded in recognised standards, ensuring a methodical assessment of your internal controls. From gathering evidence to delivering the final report, we focus on providing objective, reliable assurance.

Data collection

We start by collecting insights through stakeholder interviews, reviewing existing documentation, and observing current practices.

Evidence

We assess how well each control is working by examining the evidence that supports its implementation.

Evaluation

Our assessment verifies whether the implemented controls are operating effectively, with any shortcomings or gaps in coverage clearly documented.

Benefits

Why work with us

We apply expert knowledge to ensure your controls are effective, helping you meet regulatory requirements and reinforce operational discipline.

Independent assurance

Our reporting gives you objective insights that meet the needs of executives, regulators, and certifiers alike—clear, trusted, and ready for action.

Practical focus

We go beyond flagging issues — we provide clear, actionable advice tailored to your environment so you know exactly what to fix and how to strengthen your security.

Proven experience

With proven experience auditing controls in finance, critical infrastructure and enterprise settings, our team brings credibility and confidence to every engagement.

What comes next

After your controls are reviewed, we’ll walk you through the results and outline your next steps.

Whether you’re aiming for certification, audit readiness, or internal improvements, we help turn insights into clear, practical action.

Schedule a discovery session to define your control validation scope
Get a customised assessment plan with clear timelines
Receive a detailed report highlighting findings and actionable improvements

Talk to an expert

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Monitor and manage how users interact with cloud, web, and AI platforms — including movement of sensitive data.

Web Application Penetration Testing

Uncover hidden flaws in your web apps — from session handling to access controls — through in-depth security reviews.

Frequently asked questions

From risk assessment to rapid response - we’re with you every step of the way.

How much time is required to complete a controls review?

Audit timelines vary but typically run 2 to 3 weeks based on the control scope, system complexity, and how quickly stakeholders can share inputs and evidence.

What outcomes should we expect from the audit?

Our assessment summary gives a snapshot of how well each control is functioning, points out weaknesses, and offers actionable steps to tighten your compliance posture.

What types of controls does Cythera assess?

Our assessments examine technical and non-technical controls, including access control, patching, logging, policy enforcement, change management, and broader compliance or operational safeguards.

What's the right timing for a security controls review?

Conducting a controls audit is a smart move ahead of certification, after system or ownership changes, or as part of ongoing compliance cycles to ensure your controls remain effective and aligned with business needs.

Why run a controls validation audit?

A controls validation audit tests whether your security measures are working as intended. It helps uncover gaps, validate effectiveness, and provide assurance to stakeholders and auditors that your organisation is protected.