You know cybersecurity is important. But when you start looking into a cybersecurity audit, it quickly becomes confusing. Fixed prices, daily prices, packages with abbreviations that mean nothing to you. And then there’s such a thing as a pen test or a vulnerability scan. What does your company actually need, and what does the investment depend on?
In this article, we break down the cost of a cybersecurity audit: what factors come into play, what subsidies exist, and why the investment almost always pays for itself.
Why every cybersecurity audit costs differently
There is no standard price for a cybersecurity audit, and that makes sense. Every company is different: different systems, different risks, a different level of maturity. A customized audit delivers more than a one-size-fits-all package, and the price reflects that approach.
Key factors determining cost:
The size of your organization. The number of employees, locations and IT systems determines how much time the assessment takes. A company with 50 employees in one location will need a different process than an organization with 200 employees spread across multiple sites.
The complexity of your IT environment. Are you working with a simple on-premises setup, or a hybrid cloud environment with Microsoft 365, Azure and various links? The more systems and integrations, the more thorough the investigation.
The desired depth level. An initial baseline assessment to know where you stand is a different path than full NIS2 compliance guidance with certification. The CCB’s CyberFundamentals framework offers four levels (Small, Basic, Important, Essential), and the target level helps determine the scope.
On-site or remote. Many technical checks can be done remotely, but a thorough audit also requires physical inspections and on-site interviews with your team. That combination produces the most reliable picture.
Sector-specific requirements. Companies in the financial services (DORA) or healthcare sectors have more stringent evidence and reporting requirements, which affects turnaround time and thus investment.
The best approach? Request a scoping consultation with an accredited service provider. Based on your specific situation, you will then receive a transparent quote that fits your business and goals.
Audit, pen test or vulnerability scan: what do you need?
These three services are often mixed up, but they answer very different questions.
A vulnerability scan is an automated check that identifies known weaknesses in your systems. Compare it to an MOT inspection: quick, broad, but superficial. Ideal as a periodic check, but insufficient as a sole measure.
A pen test (penetration test) goes one step further. Certified ethical hackers actively try to break into your systems exactly as a real attacker would. The answer to the question, “Can anyone access our data today?”
A cybersecurity audit looks at the whole picture: technology, processes and human behavior. Not just whether someone can break in, but whether your organization is structurally resilient. The result is a risk matrix, a GAP analysis against the CyberFundamentals framework and a concrete roadmap with priorities.
For most SMEs, an audit is the logical starting point. You gain insight into where you stand and what the most pressing improvements are, before investing in specific technical tests or measures.
VLAIO subsidies: up to 50% back on your investment
Here’s where it gets interesting. Since Feb. 1, 2026, the Flemish Government has reformed the SME portfolio: advisory subsidies are now only available for cybersecurity. This means that a cybersecurity audit is one of the few advisory services for which you will still receive Flemish support.
Through the SME Portfolio, small businesses (less than 50 employees) receive a 45% subsidy on cybersecurity advice and training. Medium-sized businesses (50 to 250 employees) receive 35%, with an annual ceiling of €7,500 in support.
Through VLAIO‘s Cybersecurity Improvement Pathways, the subsidy is even higher: 50% for SMEs on pathways that include implementation guidance in addition to analysis. Companies that fall under NIS2 but are not SMEs receive 35%.
Which channel is most advantageous depends on your situation and the type of route. What is certain: the government contributes a significant portion. The condition is that your service provider is registered with VLAIO. Always check this before accepting an offer.
Why the investment pays for itself
Setting the cost of an audit against the cost of an incident makes the business case clear. Belgian organizations will be attacked an average of 1,925 times per week by 2026. Almost half of Flemish companies were hit by a cyberattack last year, and in successful attacks, the costs quickly run into hundreds of thousands of euros in direct damage, downtime and recovery time.
But there are also commercial reasons. More and more customers and partners are demanding proof of your cybersecurity maturity. A CyFun label or audit report gives you a concrete competitive advantage in tenders and contract negotiations. And your cyber insurance? That one in 2026 looks critically at measures such as multifactor authentication, tested backups and a documented incident response plan. A recent audit helps maintain more stable premiums.
Finally, under NIS2 legislation, fines can be as high as 10 million euros or 2% of your global turnover. More importantly, directors are personally liable if they neglect their oversight role on cybersecurity. An independent audit is the strongest proof that you have taken the necessary measures.
This is how a cybersecurity audit goes in practice
A cybersecurity audit does not have to be a month-long process. For an SME, a basic audit typically takes a few weeks, depending on the scope and complexity.
It starts with a scoping meeting in which you determine together what will be examined and what CyFun level you are aiming for. This is followed by the technical assessment: configuration checks of firewalls and cloud environments, a vulnerability scan and verification of access management. Much of this is done remotely, with a limited number of days on-site.
In parallel are interviews with your IT team and management to test whether procedures are being followed in practice. Finally, you receive a report with a prioritized action plan: an executive summary for management and a technical roadmap for your IT team. Not a thick report that gathers dust, but a concrete list of quick wins and structural improvements.
Most importantly, get started. Not because you should be afraid, but because then you can make informed choices about your security budget, rather than being behind the times.
Frequently asked questions about cybersecurity audit fees
Why is there no set price for a cybersecurity audit?
Every organization has a unique IT environment, different risks and different objectives. A customized audit takes into account your business size, the complexity of your systems and the desired CyFun level. As a result, you get relevant insights rather than a generic report. A scoping call gives you quick clarity on the investment.
What is the difference between a cybersecurity audit and a pen test?
An audit evaluates your entire security approach: technology, processes and policies. A pen test is a targeted attack simulation on specific systems. The audit answers “are we structurally resilient?”, the pen test answers “can someone break in now?”. Both are valuable, but the audit is the logical starting point.
What VLAIO grants exist for a cybersecurity audit?
There are two channels. The SME Portfolio offers 45% subsidy for small businesses and 35% for medium-sized ones, with a ceiling of 7,500 euros of support per year. The Cybersecurity Improvement Program offers 50% subsidy for SMEs. Both require a VLAIO-approved service provider.
How long does a cybersecurity audit take?
For an SME with 50 to 250 employees, a basic audit takes several weeks on average. This includes the intake, technical assessment, interviews and delivery of the report with roadmap. The exact turnaround time depends on the scope and availability of your team.
Is a cybersecurity audit mandatory under NIS2?
NIS2 does not mandate an annual audit, but does impose a due diligence requirement that must be regularly reviewed. Essential entities must demonstrate compliance with the CyFun framework as of April 2026 and be certified by April 2027. An audit is the most effective way to demonstrate that compliance.
Can I combine a cybersecurity audit with a pen test?
Absolutely. Many companies start with an audit to get the big picture and then schedule a pen test on the most critical systems. This combination gives you both strategic insight and technical assurance.
Wondering what an audit would entail for your company?
Every organization deserves an approach that fits its situation, scale and goals. Cyberplan is an approved VLAIO service provider, which means you can receive up to 50% subsidy on your course.
Book a no-obligation scoping call and find out where your business stands, with no strings attached.
