The 5 Most Common Security Issues I Uncover During Audits (And Why They Matter)

Over the years, I’ve conducted dozens of security audits for organizations ranging from small businesses to federal contractors and critical infrastructure providers. While the industries, locations, and missions vary, the findings often don’t.

It’s no exaggeration to say the same issues come up again and again—issues that are not only preventable but could be catastrophic if left unaddressed. Whether you’re a CEO, facilities manager, IT lead, or compliance officer, these five red flags should be on your radar.

1. Outdated Access Control Programs

Access control is one of the most fundamental pillars of security, yet it's also one of the most overlooked. Many businesses still operate with outdated access management systems or never bother to audit who has access to what.

I routinely find employee credentials still active months after termination, shared badge access, and no policy for routine access reviews. In high-turnover environments, this is a recipe for unauthorized access, insider threats, and audit failures.

Modern access control programs should include role-based access, automatic deprovisioning, and integration with HR and IT systems to maintain alignment and accountability.

2. Lack of Follow-Through on Security Infractions

Policies mean very little without consistent enforcement. One of the more frustrating—and dangerous—trends I see is the failure to follow through on reported security incidents.

Maybe it’s a propped-open emergency exit, an employee tailgating into a restricted area, or a policy violation flagged by internal controls. Too often, nothing happens. No investigation. No documentation. No corrective action.

If leadership doesn’t take these incidents seriously, employees won’t either. A culture of complacency around infractions erodes trust and invites repeat behavior.

3. Outdated or Inadequate Physical Security Systems

Technology has come a long way, but many physical security systems haven’t kept up. I frequently encounter:

Surveillance cameras with poor resolution or non-functional feeds
Alarm systems with no remote access or logging capability
Badge readers that haven't been calibrated or tested in years

In some cases, the systems were installed over a decade ago and haven’t been evaluated since. Physical security should evolve with threats—and your infrastructure should reflect that.

4. Weak Logical Access Accountability

Logical access refers to digital entry points: systems, databases, networks, software. Without proper oversight, these become gateways for breaches—either by accident or intention.

Common issues include:

Shared login credentials
No multi-factor authentication
Dormant accounts with admin-level access
Poor visibility into who accessed what and when

In any organization, you need a clear trail of accountability for logical access. If you can’t track it, you can’t secure it.

5. Inadequate Cybersecurity and Employee Training

Cybersecurity is more than just installing antivirus software and hoping for the best. Organizations often lack:

Phishing and social engineering training
Clear password and credential management policies
Endpoint protection beyond the IT department
Response plans for cyber incidents

But perhaps the most overlooked vulnerability? People. Your employees are the first line of defense—and without ongoing training, they're often the weakest.

Security awareness training isn’t a one-time PowerPoint. It needs to be continuous, engaging, and tailored to real threats.

Why Outside Auditors Make a Difference

Internal teams are often too close to the problem. They may miss things out of familiarity, routine, or simply not wanting to rock the boat.

That’s where an outside auditor comes in. I bring a fresh, unbiased perspective—backed by years of experience working in security for the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and other federal and private-sector environments.

I don’t just check boxes. I dig deep, uncover vulnerabilities, and help organizations make informed, strategic decisions to reduce risk and strengthen resilience across all security domains: physical, cyber, industrial, personnel, and operational.

If you're not sure whether your security posture is holding up, there's one way to find out: conduct a comprehensive audit—before a threat forces your hand.

Let’s talk about how I can help.

Dr. Jessie Virga

Security Consultant | Federally Certified Security Specialist | Veteran

Founder, Mulier Bellator Security