How IT Audits Can Make Your Business More Successful

Investment in Information Technology (IT) is critical for a company to retain its competitive advantage and minimise the risk of exposure to growing cyber threats.

One aspect of this investment relates to conducting regular IT audits to improve the overall business risk management processes.

What is an IT Audit?

A thorough IT audit should examine and analyse the business’ IT policies, processes, and infrastructure to establish any vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks. In addition, IT audits ensure that the integrity of all confidential company or personnel information and other sensitive data is safely preserved.

Who Conducts an IT Audit?

As with a Financial Audit, an IT Audit should be undertaken by an impartial third party who is qualified to undertake an evaluation of a company’s networks, applications, security, and communication systems.

What are the Steps in an IT Audit?

The independent IT audit should commence with an overview of the objectives and scope of the audit. The IT audit company should then plan and execute the audit. On completion of the IT audit, a detailed report regarding the audit findings should be provided, as well as recommendations made in the absence of adequate protection. The IT audit company must also be able to assist the business in implementing the missing compliance procedures and processes.

What are the Categories of an IT Audit?

1. Systems and applications – are these valid, reliable, and secure?
2. Information processing – are these always working correctly and during all events?
3. IT structures and processes – are these in place and effective?
4. Networks and communications – are the proper controls in place.

All audit evidence collected from the planning stage to the final report, containing the conclusions and recommendations, should be documented. The IT audit exercise may require control changes in software and hardware updates and internal and external security management.

Due to the rise of digital transformation initiatives, IT systems and processes will always remain vulnerable to threats. Therefore, a company’s best interest is to protect its IT infrastructure as best as possible. However, only once a company understands the vulnerabilities of its IT infrastructure can it take the necessary steps to protect its assets and data.

Westech is a professional IT service and support company in South Africa that assists businesses in leveraging technology for greater efficiencies and profits. One of the many ways it achieves this is by conducting IT audits for its clients.

If your business has never carried out a thorough IT audit, or if you are thinking about planning one, contact Westech. Our experienced and reliable IT technical support team will quickly help your company to protect its assets and improve its business objectives.