No matter what size business you have, regular IT audits are essential to ensure that your business is prepared for any potential security vulnerabilities. With information systems forming the foundation of business processes, it is important to take the time to ensure they are secure, efficient and comply with industry standards. In this blog we are going to explore the importance of regular IT audits and how Reality Solutions can help with this.
What is an IT Audit?
An IT audit is the process of evaluating and reporting on IT systems, procedures and infrastructure. The main purpose of an audit is to assess how effectively the systems manage risk, ensure compliance with relevant regulations, and optimise IT management practices. By taking the time to carry out IT audits, businesses can learn valuable insights which can ultimately lead to improved operational efficiency.
Types of IT Audits
IT audits not only ensure that systems are adequately protected, but they help mitigate risks including data destruction, tampering and outages. There are two main types to consider:
- General control audits: these assess the overall effectiveness of the organisation’s IT infrastructure, focusing on things like access control, change management, operational security and physical security.
- Application control audits: this is the evaluation of specific IT systems and applications used within a business, assessing their functionality, security and compliance.
The audit process generally starts with scoping and planning, where objectives are defined and the resources required for the audit are determined. This is followed by the auditor gathering evidence and assessing the controls in place. Once the evidence is analysed, the findings are documented in an audit report.
Cybersecurity
One of the main areas that IT audits focus on is cybersecurity. With the increasing number of cyber threats and data breaches, businesses need to ensure their IT systems are protected from unauthorised access. As part of the IT audit, the following are assessed: access controls, network IT security measures, and incident response procedures. This helps to identify any weaknesses that a business may have in the event they come under cyber attack.
There are 5 components of cybersecurity which are taken into account:
- Confidentiality – this refers to the protection of sensitive data from unauthorised access.
- Integrity – this involves ensuring data is not altered or tampered with in any way.
- Access Control – this refers to the ability of users to access the systems and its data when needed.
- Accountability – this ensures that actions taken on the systems can be traced back to the user who is responsible.
- Auditability – this involves the development of documentation & procedures to aid with system security.
Common IT Audit Mishaps
When it comes to carrying out internal IT audits, companies sometimes make mistakes that can lead to serious consequences. This is why you should always ask experts like Reality Solutions to conduct these for you. Understanding these common mishaps is essential for conducting an effective IT audit.
- Lack of proper risk assessment
An effective risk assessment is key to both identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities in a company’s IT system. Without a comprehensive risk assessment in place, it is easy to overlook key areas of concern and therefore leave your business open to cyber threats.
- Failure to conduct a comprehensive audit
This is a common issue; some businesses may rely on external audits or simply run out of time to complete internal audits properly. This is where it is key to conduct regular, thorough IT audits that cover all aspects of the company’s IT infrastructure.
- Inadequate training
Companies should ensure that their IT auditors have the skills and knowledge to carry out effective audits. Without trained, knowledgeable audits, companies may not accurately identify risks.
- Lack of communication
It is important that departments talk to each other. IT auditors should work closely with IT teams, management and other stakeholders to understand the goals & objectives the company has. This ensures that the IT audit plan covers the most critical areas.
- Viewing it as a one-time thing
Lots of companies see IT audits as a one-off thing, as opposed to an ongoing priority. IT audits should be conducted regularly to ensure that any new industry standards are adhered to. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and different lines of defence may need to be implemented.
How We Can Help
Here at Reality Solutions, our team are expert IT partners who work with a variety of businesses to provide reliable, scalable support. With 25 years in business, we understand the importance of providing specialist advice tailored to the needs of your business. Contact us today to find out more about our IT audit service.
*This article contains general information in order to assist all of our customers and is meant for guidance only – there are no guarantees that the information we provide will be suitable for your particular needs. If you require specific assistance, we recommend that you seek professional guidance on your individual circumstances. Reality Solutions are in no way responsible for any loss or damage arising from any information contained within our articles.
