IT auditing and cyber security

IT is a broad term that is concerned with managing and processing information. It affects an organisation's strategy, structure, marketing and operations. Areas encompassed by IT that relate to internal audit include:

• IT governance
• information security
• system development and implementation
• business continuity
• networking and telecommunications.

Internal auditors are increasingly being expected to provide assurance that their organisation is managing the risks new technologies present. Our series of guidance examines the key issues. 

Artificial intelligence

Considerations for the profession of internal auditing

Organisations are investing in artificial intelligence research and applications to automate, augment, or replace human intelligence. Internal audit is well-suited to be a key contributor to an organisation’s artificial intelligence related activities. Whether lending advice on implementation or providing assurance on reliability, internal audit can positively influence the adoption of artificial intelligence.

This report on artificial intelligence is part one of a three-part series from IIA Global and outlines five critical and distinct internal audit activities related to artificial intelligence.

Read more about artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence – auditing framework, practical applications (part A)

Part two of the three-part series from IIA Global on artificial intelligence which will help internal auditors approach artificial intelligence advisory and assurance services in a systematic and disciplined manner. This report describes the framework’s components and elements, and provides practical recommendations for implementation.

Read more here

Cloud computing

The main concern about cloud computing is the fear that it might be insecure. Sensitive data may be open to change, loss and theft.

Read more about cloud computing

Cyber security

Cyber security is concerned with minimising any risk of financial loss, disruption or damage to the reputation of an organisation that arises from the failure of its information technology systems.

Read our guidance on how to audit cyber risk and our short board briefing. IIA Global have also published a paper on what board directors need to ask about cyber security and a Global Knowledge Brief on Cybersecurity in 2022. 

Data analytics, data mining and big data

If you work in an environment that uses big data, you'll need knowledge of data analytics, statistical modelling and IT security in order to provide assurance in this area. This guide explains the key concepts and provides questions for internal audit to consider.

Read more about big data

Digital governance

The global pandemic has demonstrated how effective digital strategy and platforms can provide both strong business development and business continuity, but also how reliant organisations have become on a safe and efficient digital infrastructure. A key part of the robustness of this infrastructure is how well it is governed.

Read our guidance on what good digital governance looks like and how to evaluate it

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

With GDPR coming into force on 25 May 2018, organisation need to take action now. Internal audit should be involved at all levels, to help management better understand and mitigate the related risks.

Read our guide and handy self-assessment table

GTAGs: guides on technology risks and controls

IIA Global's Global Technology Audit Guides cover technology-related risks and recommended practices. Each GTAG covers a specific risk and describes the type of controls that can be implemented and tested.

Impact of digitisation on the internal audit function

As businesses transform, internal audit needs to keep pace with developments. This will impact not only the type of internal audits undertaken and the way assurance is provided, but the skills required and the audit methodology itself. 

Read our guide and be ready

Want to become an expert in IT auditing?

We offer a few services that will help you specialise in this area:

• Develop your expertise in IT by undertaking a related training course.

External resources

There's an array of online resources that can help organisations develop, manage and secure IT, some of which are focused upon the identification and assessment of risk.

International Standards Organisation
A range of standards relating to IT governance and business continuity. Perhaps the most well known of these is the ISO27000 series that provides a process approach to establish a risk based information security management systems (ISMS).

Information Systems Audit and Control Association
ISACA has designed an IT governance model known as Control Objectives for Information and related Technology or CoBiT. Its website includes both information and computer assisted audit techniques, some of which can be downloaded for free.

UK Department for Business Innovation and Skills
Advice on policy to embed good information security practice within the UK business community.