For organizations to get ahead with competitors in today’s market, investing in Information Technology (IT) ensures data availability and confidentiality. But external and internal threats are increasing every day and your IT system can be exposed to multiple threats, thus the reason for an IT audit.
What is an IT Audit?
IT audit is a process wherein you evaluate and examine the organization’s IT infrastructure, policies, and operation. It covers a wide range of software applications, security systems, operating systems, and more. An IT audit is essential to ensure that your system is not vulnerable to any attacks.
The main objective of an IT audit is to evaluate the availability of computer systems, the security, and confidentiality of the information within the system, and if the system is accurate, reliable, and timely.
Categories of IT Audit
Systems & Application
This audit focuses on verifying that systems and applications are valid, appropriate, reliable, timely, and secure at all levels of the system’s activity. This audit’s objective is to assist financial auditors.
Information Processing Facilities
This audit ensures that the process is working correctly, timely, and precisely, whether in a typical or disruptive situation.
Systems Development
This audit verifies that the systems are developed in compliance with the organization’s standards.
Management of IT and Enterprise Architecture
This audit ensures that the process and structure of IT Management are precise and effective.
Client/Server, Intranets, and Extranets
This audit focuses on telecommunication control are in place because they serve as the bridge between the client and the server.
IT Audit Process
The auditing process involves the following steps:
1. Planning
During this step, preliminary assessment and collecting of information are done to determine the following:
Operating environment
Organization’s structure
Software and Hardware in use
The following information gathered by the IT auditor will be used to identify the existing and potential issues, formulate a plan and objective, and define the scope of work.
2. Defining objective and scope
The objective of your IT audit process should cover all aspects of your IT, from infrastructure, system, development process, and procedure, including all the security factors such as passwords, firewall, user rights, and physical security.
The scope, however, should include the extent of the assessment, duration of the audit, the locations, and the different areas to be covered.
3. Collection and evaluation
The collected evidence should be substantial and relevant to support the auditor’s conclusion regarding the organization, activity, and function under the audit. Before data collection, auditors should have a good understanding of the process and method chosen.
Types of Audit Evidence:
Documentary audit evidence
Analysis
Process and existence of physical items
4. Documentation and Reporting
It is essential to document all the audit evidence inclusive of the audit basis, executed operations, and contain planning and preparation of the audit. The report should be complete with objectives, scope, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Why it is necessary?
Your IT systems are always vulnerable to multiple risks and as you continuously rely on technology or your company’s IT system, it’s only essential to protect it from various threats. Since an IT audit’s main objective is to identify inaccuracies and inefficiencies in the management and use of the IT system, it is necessary for any business.
IT audit isn’t a simple procedure, but it is helpful when you want to understand the status of your company’s IT infrastructure. An audit is a very useful tool to protect your assets and keep the efficiency of your company’s business operation.
Are you currently dealing with potential risks? An IT audit might be the right solution for you. Contact us today!