The question is “what is an IT audit?”
Dotomize is going to explore some of its key processes and discover why it’s so important.
Well, an IT auditor must assess and evaluate current IT processes and infrastructure. In essence they must see tomorrow’s risks, today – and this in turn, ensures that a business is best placed for growth and improvement. As a result, it can navigate challenges effectively and efficiently.
As such, an IT auditor works to improve an organisation’s future.
What is IT Auditing?
IT auditing is the process of evaluating and reporting on IT systems, procedures and infrastructure for an organisation, with the view of improving management of risks.
Providing objective assurance to businesses, IT audits are a way to ensure business growth while mitigating any IT risks. In addition, IT auditing keeps businesses compliant with GDPR regulations and secures them from IT security risks.
That is, to assess data, security, technology development and to ensure IT governance and compliance.
We can cater complete business IT audit or a single IT project, it’s your choice.
IT Auditing Benchmarks
IT auditing experts will carry out their audits against relevant standards or set practices. There are a number of IT audit standards that exist. However, we carry out audits in line with ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 as best practices.
ISO 27001
ISO 27001 is an international standard for an information security management system (ISMS). It provides a systematic approach to business or organisational security and covers employees, IT processes, infrastructure and technology.
Of course, compliant organisations can achieve ISO 27001 certification to demonstrate that they are following best practice. A large part of the process to demonstrate your commitment to compliance is by carrying out regular IT audits.
ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is the international standard for ensuring a quality management system (QMS). At Dotomize we use it to provide an extra level of assurance to our clients. So, you can feel confident in our ability to meet project aims and objectives. In short, it helps us carry out our IT auditing services in line with your business goals. So we don’t just audit, we support your business growth.
At Dotomize, we use ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 as benchmarks because they are both internationally recognised standards. It ensures our clients know that we will offer the very best quality and service.
The Importance of IT Audits
IT audits simultaneously protect your company, employees and infrastructure. An effective IT audit will utilise the strategic IT analysis and assessment of an IT expert.
Despite this, only 35% of businesses in the UK have undertaken a cybersecurity audit. This figure is even more alarming when you consider that almost half (46%) of UK organisations and businesses have reported breaches in the past 12 months. Why is the number so high?
It’s apparent that many business owners and IT managers aren’t taking IT auditing seriously
Naturally, all businesses require differing strategies based on their resources and objectives. However, it’s up to business owners and managers to ensure that their company, their employees and their infrastructure remain safe. As well as protecting customer data and staying compliant with regulations such as the GDPR.
If your business isn’t sure how to conduct an audit, get in touch with experts who can guide you or provide IT auditing for you.
Of course, for transparency, we recommend conducting external audits. Often, an external IT auditor has an objectivity that can directly benefit your business and can reduce mistakes.
For instance, at Dotomize Limited we’ve conducted IT audits for multiple businesses; keeping them safe, identifying problems or gaps and implementing solutions.
Technology is Everywhere
IT and technology is integrated into everything. From personal banking and streamlining airport check-in processes to communicating with our friends and loved ones.
For example, take the time to consider your own role. Chances are, most or all processes in your profession factor in IT or technology in some capacity.
Summary
Technology requires us to embrace change but it’s also growing faster than many businesses can keep up with. Business owners may believe their IT security protocols, software and processes to be bulletproof. But in actuality, without regular checks or auditing, the risk of cyber attacks or data breaches is inevitable.
Regular IT auditing negates this risk. It mitigates the threats that all businesses face and can help to future proof an organisation. Much in the same way your car needs regular MOTs, your business needs regular IT auditing.
Even if previous audits received good results, it’s important not to get complacent. You may have fixed all of the issues it highlighted, but it doesn’t stop there. Auditing is a continuous process, especially in terms of IT, where technology evolves rapidly. For instance, updates to applications or processes will undoubtedly introduce new or previously encountered risks.
Your audit process where possible should be helmed by experts
These IT experts will:
Understand key IT activities and processes
Know how to analyse and assess any IT or tech related systems
Remain up-to-date with the latest developments in IT and tech
Mitigate risks or draw attention to them
Be good communicators
Predict future or potential risks
Be impartial and objective
As such, a good IT auditor needs to be experienced and adept at many things.