Which of the following reflects the ultimate goal of a security audit?

The ultimate goal of a security audit is to enhance the organization's security posture. A security audit involves a comprehensive evaluation of an organization's information systems, policies, and procedures to identify vulnerabilities and areas of improvement. By systematically assessing security controls and compliance with regulations, the audit aims to pinpoint weaknesses and recommend measures to mitigate risks.

Enhancing the security posture means improving the overall effectiveness of an organization’s security program, which includes implementing better controls, increasing awareness of security measures, and ensuring that resources are used wisely to protect against threats. This ultimately leads to a more resilient infrastructure that can withstand and respond to potential security incidents.

While identifying areas for employee training and developing new IT policies may be outcomes of the audit, they are not the primary goal. Similarly, reducing operational costs might be a benefit of improved security processes but is not the central focus of a security audit. The primary aim is to improve security measures to protect assets, ensure compliance, and support the organization's mission.