Cybersecurity audits rarely fail because of a single technical gap. More often, failures happen due to governance issues, incomplete evidence, weak control execution, or lack of organizational alignment. This analysis explores the most common reasons audits fall short across industries and why many organizations struggle despite significant security investments. Key areas highlighted in this report: • Improper audit scoping that misses critical business systems • Inadequate or outdated evidence and documentation • Limited management involvement and executive ownership • Controls existing on paper but not in real operations • Employee awareness and training gaps that weaken compliance posture Modern audits are no longer just compliance checkpoints. They reflect how well governance, process maturity, and security culture work together to support business resilience. Organizations that treat audits as strategic opportunities rather than last-minute exercises are far more likely to build long-term trust, regulatory confidence, and operational strength.