What is a key objective of conducting a cybersecurity audit?

Conducting a cybersecurity audit primarily aims to ensure compliance with established cybersecurity standards and regulations. This process involves assessing an organization's current cybersecurity measures and policies against specific frameworks, such as NIST, ISO 27001, or industry-specific guidelines. By performing this audit, organizations can identify gaps or weaknesses in their security posture and confirm that they meet relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

Ensuring compliance not only helps protect sensitive data and systems from potential cyber threats but also fosters trust among stakeholders, customers, and regulatory bodies. This is crucial for maintaining operational integrity and mitigating legal and financial risks associated with cybersecurity breaches. Compliance with cybersecurity standards can also facilitate better readiness against audits or assessments by external organizations or regulatory bodies. Thus, the correct answer focuses on this vital aspect of cybersecurity practice.