Business benefits of IS audits
IT auditors are still struggling with creating awareness among the business community on how their work adds value to an organization. Internal audit departments often dedicate some sources to IT audit component which is deployed when there is need for enhancing the system performance. However, the business community is still in need to understand the real benefits of information security audits, that is why we have created this write-up to ensure everyone from the business world will learn the benefits of the IT audit.
IT audits generally cover a wide range of IT processing and communication infrastructure such as client-server systems and networks, operating systems, security systems, web services, databases, communication channels, change management, risk evaluation, backup systems and disaster recovery plan.
The Information security KSA audit starts with identifying the risks, then evaluation of the design of controls and final testing the effectiveness of the controls. Skillful have the skill to add value in each phase of the audit.
Why companies need regular audits?
Companies generally conduct periodic IT audit function to provide assurance on technology controls and to ensure that regulatory compliance with governments. IT audits can provide assurance that the present infrastructure is free from risks, and controls are working properly. An organization may conduct audits to determine the high risk of outage, vulnerability existence or security threat. Often security audits are conducted for regulatory compliance such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or to meet industry specific regulatory requirements.
Benefits of audits:
IT auditors can add value to different areas of evaluating their efficiency; however we are discussing few of them only. Here are top business benefits of security audits such as:
Risk mitigation:
Strategic planning and execution of an IT audit to ensure that no risks or vulnerabilities stay under the shadow, they highlight and mitigate them.
IT audits often cover risks related to confidentiality, availability and integrity of information technology infrastructure and processes. They also work on hidden processes to highlight the possibility of risks.
Improve overall security:
After assessing risks, security auditors identify most relevant controls and then evaluate them. They work on eliminating poorly designed or ineffective controls can be redesigned or strengthened.
Information security auditors often consider every element and assess it and then create detailed documentation to provide information on how the audit is conducted. The detailed report is then used to predict best possible solutions that can mitigate risks and vulnerabilities.
Hiring offshore security auditors often considered for security audit because they offer reasonable service packages and they are equipped with latest technology and all tools. Offshore companies provide bigger benefits than using the services of in-house security professional.