Cybersecurity Internal Audit Plan Framework
Mohamed Al-Shamey
Senior Cybersecurity Consultant @Resilience | MSc. in Cybersecurity Expert in Cybersecurity GRC | Bridging the gap between tech and business | Your company's safeguard against cyber threats ????
Define Objectives and Scope
- Objectives: Identify the goals of the internal audit such as evaluating the effectiveness, compliance, and security posture of cybersecurity controls.
1- Scope: Determine the extent of the audit, including what systems, processes, and areas to review (e.g., network security, data protection policies, incident response, compliance with laws and regulations).
2. Risk Assessment
- Perform a risk assessment to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities within your organization's cybersecurity framework.
- Classify risks based on potential impact and likelihood, helping to prioritize areas for audit focus.
3. Audit Criteria
- Establish clear criteria against which cybersecurity practices will be measured. This may include:
- Regulatory requirements (ISO 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework).
- Internal policies and procedures.
4. Audit Plan Development
- Detailed Audit Steps: Outline the specific auditing activities, such as:
- Reviewing security policies and procedures.
- Analyzing incident response plans and testing their effectiveness.
- Conducting penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
- Assessing access controls and user permissions.
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5. Resource Allocation
- Determine necessary resources, including personnel (internal auditors, cybersecurity experts), tools (audit software, security tools), and timeframes for each phase of the audit.
6. Data Collection Techniques
- Plan methodologies for data collection, such as:
- Interviews with key personnel (CISO, IT staff).
- Document reviews (policies, logs, incident reports).
- Technical assessments (network scans, system checks).
7. Execution and Reporting
- Conduct the Audit: Execute the audit plan according to the defined scope and timing.
- Draft the Report: Summarize findings, highlighting areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Include actionable recommendations.
8. Follow-Up Actions
- Establish a process for monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations.
- Set timelines for follow-up audits to assess the effectiveness of changes made.
9. Continuous Improvement
- Regularly update the audit plan based on changing industry standards, emerging threats, and organizational changes to ensure its relevance.
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