An Overview Of IT Auditing

By Amanda Davis


These days, most big companies conduct trades that result in lots of profits. In essence, there are some companies that operate without analyzing the systems put in place to ensure company data is not lost. IT auditing is a big factor in determining the integrity of data.

Auditing is a very important part of business management. Over the years, there have been reported cases of dishonest employees teaming up with outsiders with the aim of committing fraud. When the right mechanisms are put in place, business owners can avoid running into such situations. Good auditing techniques should provide effective ways for detecting fraud, loss of data, testing systems and checking how well employees comply with company security policies.

In general, a small sized company would need a good security system more than a large one. This can be attributed to the fact that a small company may not be well cushioned to handle a serious financial loss as a result of a security breach. It may most likely depend on all the profit that it makes to remain afloat in a very competitive world.

There are numerous areas that are usually covered when carrying out system audits. Some of the areas analyzed include networks, web services, operating systems, computers, disaster recovery policies, telecommunications infrastructure and servers. While at work, auditors have to stick to specific laid down processes. They usually start by risk identification. Once done here, they perform an analysis on all the control policies documented and their capacity to deliver.

Good auditors should add value to their client companies whenever they work. While some companies prefer carrying their own internal audits, others prefer enlisting the services of external professionals to do so. The systems in use in companies should be in compliance with federal laws and the requirements set by other industry players.

As businesses looking for modern systems to promote growth rise in number, so does the art of auditing. A qualified auditor should easily trace vulnerabilities in each system in use by his clients. One can easily find a competent professional in Sydney.

In general, there are several ways through which companies stand to benefit by regularly carrying out system audits. First and foremost, managers always attribute them to reduced risks. When best practices are used in their planning and execution, experts can uncover hidden risks within systems with relative ease. In general, risks can be manifested in aspects such as confidentiality, integrity and in the ability of employees to access information whenever they need it.

Another key role that audits play is control strengthening. When a risk is assessed, a manager can easily develop mechanisms to control it. A control mechanism that has been poorly formulated can be easily identified. A typical business should always strive to conduct its operations with due diligence. There are laws enacted by the state with the sole aim of regulating information sharing and processing. Every risk ought to be assessed and mitigated for a company to be successful. The most important thing in the whole process is to maintain security.




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