Information system audit controls are the measures that an organization takes to protect its information systems and data. These controls can be divided into two main categories:
- Preventive controls: These controls are designed to prevent security incidents from happening in the first place. Examples of preventive controls include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control systems.
- Detective controls: These controls are designed to detect security incidents after they have occurred. Examples of detective controls include intrusion detection systems, log monitoring, and security audits.
Information System Audit Approaches
There are two main approaches to information system auditing:
- Risk-based auditing: This approach focuses on auditing the areas of the organization’s IT environment that are at the highest risk.
- Compliance auditing: This approach focuses on auditing the organization’s IT environment to ensure compliance with specific laws and regulations.
Information System Audit Control Considerations
When designing or evaluating information system audit controls, there are a number of factors that should be considered, such as:
- The size and complexity of the organization’s IT environment: The more complex the IT environment, the more complex the audit controls will need to be.
- The industry in which the organization operates: Some industries have specific laws and regulations that require organizations to implement certain security controls.
- The budget and resources available for auditing: The cost of implementing and maintaining audit controls should be considered when designing or evaluating them.
MCQs and Answers
- Which of the following is NOT an example of an information system audit control?
(A) Firewall (B) Intrusion detection system (C) Access control system (D) Financial reporting system
Answer: (D) Financial reporting system
- What is the difference between preventive and detective information system audit controls?
(A) Preventive controls are designed to prevent security incidents from happening, while detective controls are designed to detect security incidents after they have occurred. (B) Preventive controls are more expensive to implement than detective controls. (C) Detective controls are more effective than preventive controls. (D) None of the above.
Answer: (A) Preventive controls are designed to prevent security incidents from happening, while detective controls are designed to detect security incidents after they have occurred.
- Which of the following is an example of a risk-based information system audit approach?
(A) Auditing the organization’s IT environment to ensure compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. (B) Auditing the organization’s IT environment to identify and assess security risks. (C) Auditing the organization’s IT environment to ensure that it is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. (D) All of the above.
Answer: (B) Auditing the organization’s IT environment to identify and assess security risks.
- Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when designing or evaluating information system audit controls?
(A) The size and complexity of the organization’s IT environment (B) The industry in which the organization operates (C) The budget and resources available for auditing (D) The organization’s financial performance
Answer: (D) The organization’s financial performance
- What are some of the benefits of implementing effective information system audit controls?
(A) Reduced risk of data breaches and other security incidents (B) Improved compliance with laws and regulations (C) Increased confidence in the reliability and accuracy of financial reporting (D) All of the above
Answer: (D) All of the above
Conclusion
Information system audit controls are an important part of maintaining a secure IT environment. By implementing effective audit controls, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches and other security incidents, improve compliance with laws and regulations, and increase confidence in the reliability and accuracy of financial reporting.