External Auditing of Information Security
Yue Dai
ACC 412 Auditing
Belhaven University
8/1/2015
Abstract
This paper is meant to be a guide for general readers including IT professionals, external auditors and so on. This research paper has a main focus on the external auditing of information security. It provides a basic understanding of the reasons for external auditing of information security. It is also meant as an aid for auditors to have solutions and Biblical implications and other possible recommendations. A variety of research techniques are used in this passage, such as analysis of files, writing questions, listing examples and making conclusions. In conclusion, It is essential that IT and audit work together in
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As part of this, external auditors often examine and evaluate internal controls used in managing the risks which could affect the financial accounts, to determine if they are working properly.
Information security - Information security is way of protecting information from being stolen or revised. All companies have secret information and they should protect them from other people who might take advantage of them. Once the security got hacked, it can lead companies to serious situations and they may face huge loss. Therefore the information security audit (IS audit) are intended to improve the level of information security to maintain a certain level of security in an organization.
Information security audit - "An information security audit is an audit of the organization 's level of information security."(Wikipedia) It can be seen as a part of an information technology audit when centered on the IT aspects of information security. Information technology (IT) audits assess the controls, accuracy, and integrity of an institution’s electronic data processing and computer areas. Information security audit is often then referred to as an information technology security audit. ITs usually have the duty to protect confidential information.
Internal control - The power point slide in the Lecture 4 defines Internal control as: "Internal control is broadly defined as a
Hacking from within the organization: The IT audit might not be able to detect a breach from within the organization such as an employee copying data for a chemical and publishing it or selling it to a rival
Without an Internal Audit Group to shepherd the IT's activities and guarantee that they stay agreeable with the security administration systems to which the association has submitted, the presentation of danger could be intemperate and a genuine risk to the fruitful operation of the association. The Audit's presentation and Compliance Framework denote a noteworthy change in the Office's audit hones. Further, it reasoned that the presentation of the graduated danger based methodology has met global principles and speak to best work on, bringing about a viable and effective audit
Any enterprise has to pay special attention to computer security. Computer security is a field that is concerned with the control of risks related to computer use. A primary focus should be on the external threats to the computing environment. In enterprise with branches cross country, it is important to allow information from "trusted" external sources, and disallow intrusion from anonymous or non-trusted sources. In a secure system, the authorized users of that system are still
There are many rules companies must follow whenever documenting financial information or any other data which is gather during any business transactions. In order for said companies to report financial information internal controls have to be put in place as companies have to adhere to certain laws and regulations. Internal controls can be defined as a process which companies follow in order to ensure all financial reporting is done in a reliable and lawful manner. Some think of it as a system which works within a system as it plays a major role on the success of a company’s accounting system. At the organizational level, internal control objectives relate to the reliability of financial
Threats and vulnerabilities could be explained separate, but since the two together equal risk together they shall remain. When considering threats in information systems security auditing all aspects must be thought of, but first what
Internal controls are vital to any company’s business and financial sustainability. Internal controls consist of measures taken by a company safeguarding against fraud, and theft. Internal controls ensure accuracy and reliability in accounting data, and secure policies within the organization. Further, internal controls evaluate all levels of performance. These are addressed with five principles
Internal Controls are to be an integral part of any organization's financial and business policies and procedures. Internal controls consists of all the measures taken by the organization for the purpose of; (1) protecting its resources against waste, fraud, and inefficiency; (2) ensuring accuracy and reliability in accounting and operating data; (3) securing compliance with the policies of the organization; and (4) evaluating the level of performance in all organizational units of the organization. Internal controls are simply good business practices (Strauss, 2003). And, since internal controls can have many more meanings in the world of accounting, the more we understand what were dealing with, the better we can analyze internal
After the information system is installed, the IS security controls must be monitored and assessed on a continuous basis. Continuous monitoring ensures the security controls in place are effective. In this step, there are five tasks. The first task requires managers to determine the security impact based on the threat environment. The second task is conducting assessments on certain security controls as outlined in their Continuous Monitoring Strategy. The third task is correcting discrepancies found in the assessment. The fourth task requires updating the Security Authorization package based on the previous results. The fifth task requires the appropriate officials to make a risk determination and acceptance by reviewing the reported security
Internal controls are measures put into place that allow for more accurate and deliberate representation of a company’s financial data. Internal controls also serve to protect a company’s assets from theft, fraud or misuse. With internal controls in place it becomes more visible to recognize if someone is stealing or misusing funds in any way. Internal controls also help to zoom in on errors or unintentional mistakes. When these errors are picked up on early it eliminates future problems for the company and its investors down the road.
In this paper I will discuss the three main area of accountability regarding information security and provide an example of each area. The tree main areas of accountability regarding information security include:
My understanding of this article is that the monitoring of internal control is performed through application of ongoing evaluations and separate evaluations. Over time, these evaluations make sure that other components of internal control continue to function. In addition, another principle is that the evaluations assist the progress identification of internal control deficiencies and communicate them to the parties responsible for taking corrective actions.
Hunton, J. E., Bryant, S. M., & Bagranoff, N. A. (2004). Core concepts of information technology auditing. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
The external audit begins with security, privacy and the subcategory of data protection because the critical nature of the asset. Jay Heiser recommends the below key areas for analysis because all data within a network will flow through one or more of said areas (Heiser, 2008). The analysis for
Information Technology (IT) security governance is the system by which an organization directs and controls IT security (adapted from ISO 38500).
This paper will provide examples for each type of service, which is auditing, assurance and attestation. These are very important services when it comes to the auditing process. There are certain individuals and organizations that may request these services. Also, the standards that apply to each service and who establishes those standards will be further discussed. These services are important to ensure profitability and future success for the business.