logo svg
logo

October 7, 2025

Top 10 Cybersecurity Audit Companies in 2025 [Updated]

Explore the world’s best cybersecurity audit companies in 2025 from DeepStrike to Deloitte and Coalfire covering costs, frameworks, and how to choose the right auditor.

Mohammed Khalil

Mohammed Khalil

Featured Image

A cybersecurity audit is essentially a health check for your organization’s security. It evaluates your systems, policies, and defenses to ensure everything is locked down and compliant with industry standards.

In plain terms, it asks Are we as secure as we think we are, and can we prove it? In the first 100 words here, let’s answer the burning question, who are the top cybersecurity audit companies and why does this matter in 2025?

Well, 2025 is a high stakes year for cyber threats. Cyber attacks are more sophisticated than ever ransomware gangs, AI powered phishing, supply chain exploits, you name it. The average data breach now costs organizations nearly $4.9 million as of 2024.

No business wants to be a statistic in that report. That’s why cybersecurity audits matter, they find the cracks before the bad guys do. And the companies that perform these audits are the unsung heroes helping businesses stay one step ahead.

In this article, we’ll introduce the Top 10 cybersecurity audit companies globally and what makes each stand out. You’ll also learn what a cybersecurity audit involves, why it’s critical in 2025, how to choose a cybersecurity audit firm, and even what such audits might cost.

Consider this your comprehensive guide with real world insights and zero fluff to navigating cybersecurity audits with a friendly nudge from an industry practitioner on what to look for.

What is a Cybersecurity Audit?

Circular infographic illustrating five stages of a cybersecurity audit: assessment, verification, reporting, remediation, and certification.

Simply put, a cybersecurity audit is a systematic, top to bottom review of your organization’s security posture. Think of it as a security assessment that checks whether your policies, controls, and protections are actually effective and in line with best practices and regulations.

Unlike a quick vulnerability scan or even a targeted penetration test, a cybersecurity audit is broader and more holistic. It covers areas such as:

In non jargon terms, a cybersecurity audit is like hiring a professional to double check all your locks and alarms both the physical ones and the digital ones and confirm that you’re as secure as you think. It results in a detailed cybersecurity audit report that highlights any gaps or risks and provides recommendations to fix them. Many auditors will also give you a prioritized remediation plan.

One more thing people often confuse penetration testing vs cybersecurity audits. A penetration test pentest is a simulated attack on specific systems to find vulnerabilities like an ethical hacker trying to break in. It’s usually one component of a full audit. A cybersecurity audit is broader, it includes pentesting plus reviewing policies, compliance, and overall security governance.

Pentesting answers Can someone hack us right now? A cybersecurity audit answers Do we have a robust security program, and are we complying with standards? Both are crucial, but audits give the 10,000 foot view while pentests zoom in on technical holes.

Why Cybersecurity Audits Matter in 2025

Four-icon infographic showing 2025 cybersecurity audit drivers: AI threats, data breach cost, regulation, and cloud complexity.

Why now? you ask. Because, frankly, the threat landscape in 2025 is no joke. Here are a few reasons cybersecurity audits have moved from nice to have to non negotiable:

Evolving Threats:

Cost of Breaches:

Regulatory Pressure:

Complex IT Environments:

In essence, cybersecurity audits in 2025 are your early warning system and performance review rolled into one. They catch issues before attackers do, ensure you meet your compliance obligations, and give leadership confidence with evidence that the company’s defenses are up to par.

Considering the stakes both financially and operationally regular audits are one of the best investments in resilience you can make.

Top 10 Cybersecurity Audit Companies Globally 2025

When it comes to cybersecurity audit companies, there’s a mix of heavyweights and niche experts. Our global top 10 list blends both we have the big multi nationals with decades of audit pedigree, and specialized firms known for deep technical prowess.

Each of these companies has a proven track record in identifying vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance, and ultimately keeping organizations secure. Here’s the lineup:

1. DeepStrike Top Pick for Real World Testing & Compliance

DeepStrike homepage in dark minimalist design with bold headline ‘Revolutionizing Pentesting,’ representing advanced offensive security and penetration testing expertise

DeepStrike is a leading cybersecurity firm that specializes in human powered penetration testing and security assessments. They’re relatively newer compared to some giants on this list, but have quickly gained a reputation for going above and beyond in their audits. DeepStrike’s philosophy is to simulate real world attack scenarios to uncover vulnerabilities that automated scans and checkbox audits often miss. Clients often remark that DeepStrike finds critical issues previous assessors overlooked, thanks to their manual, attacker minded approach.

DeepStrike is our own firm, but we genuinely walk the talk and our reports meet strict compliance requirements while uncovering real world security gaps. The 5 star client reviews on Clutch echo the quality and value DeepStrike delivers.

2. Deloitte

Deloitte homepage displaying black background with neon green abstract pattern, promoting the 2025 Global Business Services Survey and digital transformation insights.

Deloitte is a name that likely rings a bell. It's one of the Big Four accounting & consulting firms, and they have a massive global cybersecurity practice. When it comes to cybersecurity audits, Deloitte provides comprehensive IT security audit services that strike a balance between technical depth and strategic advisory. In other words, they don’t just find issues, they also help plan your long term security strategy useful for boards and C suites looking at the big picture.

3. KPMG

KPMG website highlighting digital transformation and ESG solutions with business professionals collaborating on innovation projects

Another Big Four firm, KPMG, has made a name in cybersecurity audits by focusing on securing complex, large scale enterprises. If you have a sprawling global organization with layered networks and legacy systems, KPMG’s team has probably seen something similar. They’re known to be the go to for many companies in finance, healthcare, and government sectors that need thorough audits with a strong compliance angle.

Overall, KPMG is a top choice if you want a trusted, big name auditor with deep resources. They are often praised for their thoroughness and ability to deliver a clean bill of health that stakeholders like regulators or investors trust, because it came from KPMG. On the flip side, be prepared for Big Four rates, they’re not cheap, but you get what you pay for in terms of assurance and credibility.

4. PwC PricewaterhouseCoopers

PwC homepage featuring professionals discussing in a modern office, tagline reading ‘We unite expertise and tech so you can outthink, outpace and outperform.

PwC is another Big Four giant making our list. What sets PwC apart in cybersecurity audits is how they integrate cyber risk into the broader business governance and continuity picture. PwC’s approach recognizes that security isn’t just an IT issue, it’s a business resilience issue. So their audits tend to examine how well security is woven into your corporate fabric from third party vendor management to executive oversight.

PwC is a top pick especially for highly regulated industries in finance, healthcare, energy and large enterprises that need a partner who can speak the language of both technicians and executives. They’re trusted auditors for many Fortune 500 companies. One thing to note if you already use PwC as your financial auditor, check independence rules. Sometimes the same firm can’t do both financial audit and certain cybersecurity audits for the same client due to regulations. But PwC has workarounds like using a separate advisory arm. With PwC, you get a thorough audit with a heavy dose of risk management insight.

5. EY Ernst & Young

EY homepage showing sunset background with tagline ‘Will you shape the future or be shaped by it?’ emphasizing AI and future-ready business strategy

Rounding out the Big Four, EY brings a unique angle: they not only perform cybersecurity audits and assessments, but through EY CertifyPoint they can actually certify organizations against standards like ISO 27001. EY’s Technology Risk practice and their CertifyPoint certification body work hand in hand. If you need an independent audit or an attestation, EY can do it, if you need an accredited certification for ISO or others, EY CertifyPoint steps in. This dual capability makes EY a powerhouse for companies aiming for formal certifications.

In summary, EY is a top choice if you are looking not just for finding problems, but for official stamps of approval on your security. They bring gravitas and thoroughness. If you want that ISO 27001 certificate on your wall or need a complex multi standard audit done with both technical and compliance elements, EY will deliver with a high level of professionalism and rigor.

6. IBM Security

IBM Security homepage promoting hybrid cloud and AI cybersecurity solutions with gradient visuals and links to the Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025

IBM Security might surprise some on this list. IBM is known for software and hardware, but they also have a huge security services arm. IBM Security offers consulting and auditing services and leverages its technological muscle in the process. One thing IBM does uniquely well is incorporate AI and advanced analytics into cybersecurity audits, using tools like IBM’s Watson AI to enhance vulnerability discovery.

IBM Security makes the top 10 because of this blend of technology and expertise. They shine in audits for organizations undergoing modernization, say, a big enterprise moving to cloud or adopting new tech like containers or AI IBM will ensure security keeps pace with innovation. Plus, they can be a long term partner providing continuous services beyond a one time audit. The trade off? IBM’s corporate approach might be a bit less personalized than a boutique firm but they compensate with sheer capability and resources.

7. Accenture

Accenture homepage with black background and bold typography reading ‘Together We Reinvent,’ promoting AI and cybersecurity transformation solutions

Accenture is a global consulting firm known for its deep reach in technology services, and cybersecurity is no exception. Accenture’s security division offers in-depth cybersecurity audits and has a reputation for being the choice of many Fortune 500 companies and government agencies for high profile security engagements. If Deloitte and PwC bring audit plus strategy, Accenture brings audit plus cutting edge innovation.

The trade off with Accenture is similar to IBM and Big Four, you might get a bigger team and less of the one on one experience a smaller firm provides. But for many, the ability to tap into Accenture’s vast expertise pool is worth it. They not only tell you what’s wrong, but also help you envision a stronger security future and being consultants at heart, they’ll gladly help implement improvements if you engage them further. All in all, Accenture is a top tier choice for organizations seeking a deep, intelligent, and future focused security audit.

8. Coalfire

Coalfire website featuring headline on AI-driven cybersecurity and compliance with a professional reviewing data on screen within a hexagonal frame

Switching gears to a specialist firm Coalfire. Coalfire is a well known name in cybersecurity risk management and compliance services. They’re not as gigantic as Big Four, but in the security world, Coalfire is a heavyweight, especially in the U.S. Coalfire’s sweet spot is helping companies navigate complex compliance requirements while testing their security controls in practice.

Choose Coalfire if you want a specialized, experienced firm that can handle any compliance acronym you throw at them. They’re especially popular with cloud service providers, many SaaS companies use Coalfire for SOC 2, FedRAMP, etc. and with organizations in regulated spaces that still want a security centric approach. Clients often praise Coalfire for being professional, knowledgeable, and efficient in getting them through tough audits while also making them more secure. They’re a trusted advisor to many CISOs who need to navigate compliance without losing sight of real security.

9. A LIGN

A-LIGN homepage showcasing compliance and cybersecurity audit services for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and FedRAMP with professionals collaborating on a laptop

A LIGN is another specialized security and compliance firm that has rocketed to prominence. If Coalfire is one compliance all star, A LIGN is another, with a very similar one stop shop model. A LIGN is a technology enabled security and compliance partner trusted by over 2,500 organizations worldwide. They’re known for delivering a smooth audit experience through a combination of expertise and software.

In short, if you want to knock out several compliance requirements in one go and prefer a modern, software supported audit process, A LIGN is a stellar choice. They bring a friendly touch to what can be a daunting task, all while maintaining the rigor needed to actually certify and assure trust. It’s no wonder thousands of organizations including many fast growing tech firms rely on them as their compliance partner.

10. Symantec Broadcom

Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud homepage highlighting data-centric hybrid security solutions for large enterprises with global network visualization

Last but not least, we have Symantec’s Enterprise Security Services, now part of Broadcom. Symantec is a legendary name in cybersecurity think antivirus, DLP, etc., and even after being acquired by Broadcom, they continue to offer security assessment and audit services for enterprises. They deserve a spot in the top 10 for their focused expertise in areas like data protection and enterprise security management.

Symantec makes our top 10 because of their deep domain expertise. They’re the go to if your biggest worry is safeguarding sensitive data and endpoints and you want an auditor who basically wrote the book on those domains. They’re also ideal if you’re already invested in Symantec/Broadcom security technologies, as their auditors will know those inside out. The Symantec name carries weight, and their assessments underscore why a strong emphasis on continuous, data driven security that leaves no stone unturned in protecting what matters most.

Those are the top 10 cybersecurity audit companies globally, each with their own strengths. From the strategic oversight of the Big Four, to the tech driven methods of IBM and Accenture, to the compliance mastery of Coalfire and A LIGN, and the specialized focus of Symantec you have a rich field of choices. The best one for you depends on your needs: broad compliance vs deep hacking tests, global presence vs niche expertise, etc. The good news is that all of these firms can significantly boost your security assurance.

Key Frameworks and Standards in Security Audits

Venn-style diagram showing overlapping cybersecurity frameworks such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, NIST CSF, and PCI DSS.

Cybersecurity audits don’t happen in a vacuum. They’re typically measured against well known frameworks, standards, and benchmarks that define what good security looks like. Here are some of the key ones you should know:

NIST Cybersecurity Framework CSF:

ISO/IEC 27001:

SOC 2:

PCI DSS:

HIPAA/HITRUST:

Other frameworks:

The bottom line is that top cybersecurity audit companies will be fluent in these frameworks. They often map their audit findings to the relevant standards for you.

For example, if they find a vulnerability in your web app, the report might say this violates OWASP Top 10 A01 Broken Access Control and also is non compliant with ISO 27001 control A.14.2.5 secure development.

This mapping is super helpful when presenting results to management or regulators. One internal DeepStrike report snippet even showed their pentest reports meet compliance requirements like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc.

Meaning the findings are formatted to plug directly into your audit evidence. In short, frameworks are the language of audits, and a good auditor is a great translator.

How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Audit Company

Choosing a cybersecurity audit firm isn’t a decision to take lightly. This company will dig into your digital closets and expose all your skeletons in a good way!, so you want a partner you can trust and actually learn from. Here’s a quick checklist of factors and steps to consider essentially a mini how to choose a cybersecurity audit firm guide:

Clarify Your Goals and Scope:

Experience in Your Industry:

Credentials and Certifications:

Methodology Hybrid is Best:

Track Record and Reputation:

Deliverables and Support:

Price vs Value:

Finally, a pro tip treat the selection like an interview. Ask questions. Can you walk me through your process? How do you stay updated on the latest threats? Can we speak to a past client in our industry? What happens if we get breached after the audit do you assist? A reputable firm will welcome these questions.

They might even give you some free insights during the sales process. Use that to gauge their expertise and whether they truly care about improving your security or just selling a service.

Remember, the goal is to find an auditor who becomes a trusted partner, not a one time checkbox vendor. The best audit firms often build long term relationships, conducting annual audits, re tests, and helping you continually improve.

With that in mind, let’s get to know the players in this space, the top companies leading the charge.

In the volatile cyber landscape of 2025, a cybersecurity audit is more than a checkbox, it’s a strategic necessity. We’ve explored the top companies that can help you audit and fortify your defenses, from all in one compliance partners to technical pen test experts.

The key takeaways? Focus on both security and compliance, choose a partner that matches your needs technical depth, industry expertise, global reach, etc., and make audits a regular part of your security program. It’s not a one time vaccine, it’s part of your ongoing cyber health regimen.

Ready to Strengthen Your Defenses? The threats of 2025 demand more than just awareness, they require action. A cybersecurity audit is a proactive step to ensure your organization isn’t leaving any doors open for attackers. If you're looking to validate your security posture, identify hidden risks, or build a more resilient defense strategy, DeepStrike is here to help. Our team of seasoned practitioners provides clear, actionable guidance to protect your business where it’s most vulnerable.

Dark branded banner featuring DeepStrike logo and call-to-action to request a cybersecurity audit or penetration test.

Explore our penetration testing services to see how we can uncover vulnerabilities before attackers do. Whether it’s a one time audit or continuous security testing, we’re ready to dive in. Drop us a line we’re always ready to hack you with permission! before the bad guys do. Your security is our mission.

Stay safe out there, and remember the best offense in cybersecurity starts with a solid defense, and that defense is only as good as the last time you tested it.

About the Author

Mohammed Khalil is a Cybersecurity Architect at DeepStrike, specializing in advanced penetration testing and offensive security operations. With certifications including CISSP, OSCP, and OSWE, he has led numerous red team engagements for Fortune 500 companies focusing on cloud security, application vulnerabilities, and adversary emulation. Mohammed’s work involves dissecting complex attack chains and developing resilient defense strategies for clients in the finance, healthcare, and technology sectors. As a hands-on practitioner, he brings first hand experience to his writing, aiming to demystify cybersecurity for readers and help businesses build stronger security postures.

FAQs

What is a cybersecurity audit and how is it different from a penetration test?

A cybersecurity audit is a systematic review of your organization’s security posture it assesses policies, procedures, technical controls, and compliance with standards. It’s like a comprehensive checklist driven evaluation of how well you’re managing cybersecurity across the board.

A penetration test pentest, on the other hand, is a specific type of assessment focused on finding technical vulnerabilities by simulating attacks. In a pentest, ethical hackers try to break into your systems within agreed scope to uncover security holes.

Think of it this way, a cybersecurity audit might include checking that you have a firewall, that it’s configured according to best practices, and that you have a policy for reviewing firewall rules.

A penetration test will actually attempt to bypass that firewall or exploit any misconfigurations. The audit is broader including non technical aspects like documentation, governance, and user practices, while the pentest is deeper on the technical exploit side.

In practice, penetration testing is often one component of a full cybersecurity audit the audit ensures you’re doing the right things, and the pentest validates that those things are effective against real world attacks.

Both are important audits that give you confidence in your overall security program and compliance status, while pentests give you confidence that an attacker can’t easily slip through the cracks.

How much does a cybersecurity audit cost?

The cost of a cybersecurity audit can vary wildly based on scope, company size, and objectives. For a small business just wanting a basic security check perhaps a few systems, light compliance, it might be just a few thousand dollars.

On average, SMBs might see audits in the $5,000 to $20,000 range, whereas larger enterprises could spend $50,000 to $150,000+ for a comprehensive audit of multiple networks, applications, and compliance checks.

If it’s a formal certification like ISO 27001 or SOC 2 Type II, costs also include the audit firm’s time over multiple stages and possibly annual follow ups.

Some references put an average small security audit at around $3k-$50k, and an enterprise audit with a team onsite for weeks at $50k-$200k.

Also, different pricing models exist fixed fee the auditor gives a flat quote for the defined scope, time & materials you pay an hourly/daily rate for however long it takes, or subscription/retainer e.g., an ongoing agreement for continuous audits or multiple engagements.

For example, penetration testing engagements often use fixed fees per application or network size, whereas a full security program audit might be T&M because scope can creep as you discover new areas to examine.

It’s crucial to not just look at the sticker price, but the value and coverage you’re getting. A $10k audit that barely scratches the surface vs a $30k audit that is thorough the latter is more bang for your buck if it finds issues that prevent a costly breach.

And keep perspective the average breach costs nearly $4.9M. Even a six figure audit investment is small compared to that risk. Many companies find that after a first audit, subsequent ones like annual audits cost less, since there’s a baseline established and hopefully fewer issues to fix each time.

Lastly, if budget is a concern, consider narrowing scope to high risk areas first you can audit critical systems now and secondary ones later, or ask about audit readiness services some firms offer a cheaper pre audit check to help you fix obvious gaps before the formal audit, so you don’t pay premium auditor rates to point out easy to find issues.

How do I choose between a Big Four firm and a specialized cybersecurity company for an audit?

Choosing between a Big Four Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, EY and a specialist can depend on several factors:

Scope and Purpose:

Company Size and Culture:

Compliance vs Offense Balance:

Budget:

Independence Considerations:

In many cases, it’s not either/or. Some organizations use a combination maybe a Big Four for an annual big picture audit and a specialist for more frequent technical testing. The good news is that whether you choose a Big Four or a top specialist, you’re likely in capable hands.

Do your due diligence interview both types, ask for references, evaluate proposals. Go with who instills the most confidence and understanding of your needs. There’s an old saying, nobody got fired for hiring Big Four, but also, many modern CISOs will tell you our specialist firm found things our Big Four never did. So weigh the pros and cons for your scenario.

What frameworks or standards will a cybersecurity audit cover?

It depends on your requirements, but generally a cybersecurity audit will be mapped to one or more frameworks/standards as benchmarks. Common ones include:

Usually, during planning, you and the auditor will agree on the criteria. You can ask them to use specific frameworks. Many times, audit firms use a blend or their own methodology that maps to many standards e.g., an auditor might have a master checklist that ensures if you pass their audit, you essentially meet ISO, NIST, and SOC criteria all at once.

If you’re aiming for a certification like ISO 27001 or a compliance report like SOC 2, that standard will obviously be the primary focus.

One thing to note some frameworks are more about process ISO, SOC 2, and some are very technical OWASP, CIS. A good audit covers both policy and practice. For example, you might have a policy framework says you should, but the audit will also check if it’s implemented in practice technical evidence.

By the end, expect the audit report to explicitly state how you measure up against the chosen frameworks e.g., Out of 133 ISO 27001 controls, 10 were found nonconformant, or We evaluated your controls against NIST CSF you’re Partial in Detect, but Adequate in Protect, etc.

How often should my organization get a cybersecurity audit?

At least annually is a common benchmark, but the frequency really depends on your environment and regulatory requirements. Here are some guidelines:

Annual Audits:

Ongoing/Continuous Auditing:

After Major Changes:

Regulatory Triggers:

Risk Based Frequency:

Compliance Requirements:

at minimum, once a year do a thorough cybersecurity audit or assessment. Many organizations do a big one annually and smaller interim assessments mid year. Remember that audits are a snapshot in time the more time between them, the more your security posture could drift or new threats could arise.

So find a cadence that balances thoroughness with practicality. And of course, even between audits, continue with good practices patching, monitoring, employee training. An audit is not a replacement for ongoing security operations, it’s a way to validate and improve them.

How can we prepare for a cybersecurity audit to ensure it goes smoothly?

Great question! Preparing for an audit can make the difference between a smooth process and a painful one. Here are some tips to get audit ready:

Define Scope Clearly:

Perform a Self Assessment:

Organize Documentation:

Involve the Right People:

Address Past Findings:

Physical Prep if on site:

Mock Interview/Q&A:

Leverage Compliance Tools:

Communicate and Be Transparent:

background
Let's hack you before real hackers do

Stay secure with DeepStrike penetration testing services. Reach out for a quote or customized technical proposal today

Contact Us