How do you assess the cybersecurity and resilience of IT systems and data in your audit engagements?

Successful security audits should give your team a snapshot of your organization’s security posture at that point in time and provide enough detail to give your team a place to start with remediation or improvement activities. Some security-centric audits may also serve as formal compliance audits, completed by a third-party audit team for the purpose of certifying against ISO 27001. Security audits also provide your organization with a different view of IT security practices and strategy, whether they are conducted by an internal audit function or through an external audit. Having your organization’s security policies scrutinized can provide valuable insights into how to implement better controls or streamline existing processes.

To find any weaknesses and risks first carry out thorough risk assessments. Security controls, like intrusion detection systems, encryption, and access management, are implemented by industry best practices and standards by evaluating their effectiveness. To confirm the efficacy of these measures, conduct extensive testing, such as penetration tests and vulnerability assessments. Examine incident response protocols and guidelines to determine your level of cyber incident readiness. To?assess the entire cybersecurity posture and resilience of IT systems and data, as well as to provide insights for repair and continuous improvement activities, examine security metrics and performance indicators.

In audit engagements, evaluating the cybersecurity and resilience of IT systems and data is crucial. One approach involves conducting thorough assessments of system vulnerabilities and potential risks, followed by implementing robust controls and protocols to mitigate them. Additionally, staying updated on emerging cyber threats and evolving technologies is key to ensuring proactive measures are in place. Continuous monitoring and regular audits help to maintain the integrity and security of IT infrastructure, safeguarding sensitive data and preserving organizational trust.

Assessing cybersecurity and resilience in IT systems involves a multifaceted approach. Begin with a comprehensive review of security controls, including access management, encryption protocols, and threat detection systems. Evaluate resilience through testing incident response plans and disaster recovery procedures. Assess compliance with industry standards and regulations, and consider emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Regular audits ensure ongoing effectiveness and readiness against evolving cyber risks.

This initial phase involves defining the audits scope and objectives based on the audit plan, standards, and client expectations. Key aspects include identifying relevant IT systems and data, understanding risks and controls, and considering legal, regulatory, and industry requirements. Determining the scope can be based on various factors, such as location, ownership boundary, business purposes supported by IT systems, and types of IT service categories.

This step involves collecting data from interviews, surveys, documents, reports, logs, tests, and observations. Utilizing appropriate tools and techniques like data analytics, network scanning, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and incident response simulation is crucial. Focus on top management interviews to understand the business context and directions, and tailor data gathering to align with business relevance and potential risks.

Do focus on top management interviews, get understanding on the business context and current directions, then how the scoped area contributed and related. Then, plan the data gathering accordingly, it is important that the audit delivered the results relevant with the business context and directions. Do use frameworks to map out the area which need data collections, but do tailor the data collection according to potential risks.

To collect and analyze data in your IT audit, start by identifying relevant information sources, such as access logs, security logs, and incident reports. For example, in a GDPR compliance audit, the data to be collected would include consent records, data processing records, and data protection impact assessment reports. Use data analysis tools to identify patterns, anomalies and trends. Finally, interpret the results in light of the audit objectives, identifying areas of non-compliance and recommending corrective actions.

1. Evaluate security controls and policies to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches. 2. Assess the organization's ability to detect, respond, and recover from cyber incidents and disruptions. 3. Review disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure operational resilience. 4. Analyze security monitoring and incident response procedures to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. 5. Validate compliance with relevant cybersecurity regulations and industry standards.

Performing disaster recovery and business continuity testing is an excellent way to evaluate the resilience of security systems. The main objective of these tests is to confirm that systems can be recovered within defined timeframes after an incident. As an auditor, I focus on: 1] Systems are properly classified by criticality and risk levels. 2] The established Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO) metrics match expectations set by management. 3] DR testing is performed periodically to validate recoverability. 4] DR plans are effectively communicated across the organization. By prioritizing these focus areas in continuity plan testing processes and schedules, auditors can provide vital assurance.

To assess cybersecurity and resilience, conduct a comprehensive review of existing security controls, including incident prevention, detection, and response measures. For example, in a cybersecurity audit for a financial institution, evaluate the effectiveness of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and incident response protocols. Conduct penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities and simulate attack scenarios to assess your security team's readiness. Document findings and recommend improvements to security controls and incident response processes to increase the organization's resilience against cyber threats.

To assess cybersecurity in audit engagements, understanding the entity's IT environment and its integration into core processes is crucial. This provides insight into cybersecurity risks. Auditors should then evaluate the entity's cybersecurity systems to address these risks. They should determine if these systems offer adequate protection, comparing findings with best practices, industry standards, and regulations. This analysis informs the final assessment.

Evaluation is based on the gathered and analyzed data against the defined criteria. This step includes assessing the protection of IT systems and data against unauthorized access, modification, or destruction, and their ability to maintain or resume functionality in case of disruptions. This involves considering the effectiveness of IT security policies, procedures, and technologies, as well as conducting disaster recovery and business continuity testing.

When reporting the findings and recommendations of an IT audit, be clear and objective. For example, in a PCI DSS compliance audit, gaps in network segmentation and encryption of payment card data may be identified. It is recommended to implement appropriate segmentation measures and update encryption policies for compliance. The report should describe the findings, recommendations, assess the impact of deficiencies and propose an action plan. Communicate findings transparently, highlighting the importance of corrective actions to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.

At this last phase, the results and suggestions are conveyed, emphasizing the positive aspects, drawbacks, chances, and challenges of the IT systems and data. Suggestions must be grounded on recognized risks and measures, as well as adherence to legal and regulatory criteria. The document should be transparent, brief, and impartial, delivered in a suitable layout.

In this final stage, the findings and recommendations are communicated, highlighting the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the IT systems and data. Recommendations should be based on identified risks and controls, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards. The report should be clear, concise, and objective, presented in an appropriate format.

Always stick to the basics of Cybersecurity and identify risks pertaining to Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability (CIA). Test controls which are in place to mitigate those risks, and you will get the clear picture of Client's overall Cybersecurity Posture

When assessing the cybersecurity and resilience of IT systems and data in audit engagements, consider factors such as security policies and procedures, security architecture, data backup and recovery, security training and awareness, business continuity and disaster recovery plans, and emerging threats. Ensure that security policies are comprehensive and well-communicated, that security architecture is designed to mitigate threats, and that data is backed up securely and recovery plans are tested. Evaluate training programs to ensure employees are aware of cybersecurity best practices and stay informed about emerging threats to update audit procedures accordingly.

While it goes without saying but still, do remember to follow up on the issues highlighted in the report to ensure they have been addressed or that the risks have been appropriately managed/ accepted by the management.

To deal with the stress of the IT audit, plan and prioritize tasks, manage time using techniques like Pomodoro, maintain clear communication, develop professional skills, practice relaxation and exercise, delegate tasks when possible, request feedback regularly, set life boundaries personal and professional, celebrate achievements and seek support when necessary. These strategies help balance workload and maintain mental health.