An annual review in cybersecurity is a systematic, organization-wide assessment conducted once per year to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls, policies, and procedures. This comprehensive process involves key stakeholders from IT, legal, and risk management teams who examine critical elements including risk management strategies, data privacy safeguards, access control mechanisms, incident response plans, and compliance with regulations such as GDPR and CCPA.

The primary purpose of an annual review is to identify gaps, vulnerabilities, and non-compliance issues that may have emerged over the preceding year. By providing actionable insights, this cyclical evaluation enables organizations to make strategic adjustments to their cybersecurity defenses, strengthen operational resilience, and demonstrate ongoing commitment to protecting sensitive information while adapting to evolving threats and regulatory requirements.