Course Description

This course provides an in-depth understanding of IT auditing, which involves evaluating an organization’s IT systems, processes, and controls to ensure their effectiveness, efficiency, and security. The course covers the principles and practices of IT auditing, including the audit process, risk management, governance, compliance, and controls. It also covers the relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards for IT audits.

Course Objectives

  • To introduce students to the principles and practices of IT auditing
  • To familiarize students with the audit process and risk management in IT auditing
  • To teach students how to evaluate IT systems, processes, and controls for effectiveness, efficiency, and security
  • To explain the role of governance and compliance in IT auditing
  • To provide students with an understanding of the relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards for IT audits
  • To equip students with the skills to conduct IT audits and prepare audit reports

Course Outcome

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand the principles and practices of IT auditing
  • Evaluate IT systems, processes, and controls for effectiveness, efficiency, and security
  • Use risk management techniques to identify and assess IT audit risks
  • Apply governance and compliance frameworks to IT auditing
  • Identify and comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards for IT audits
  • Conduct IT audits and prepare audit reports

Course Aim

The aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of IT auditing and the skills to conduct effective IT audits. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to evaluate IT systems, processes, and controls for effectiveness, efficiency, and security, and to comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards for IT audits. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to conduct IT audits and prepare audit reports that meet professional standards.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to IT Auditing

  • Definition of IT auditing
  • Types of IT audits
  • Roles and responsibilities of IT auditors
  • Importance of IT auditing

Module 2: The IT Audit Process

  • Planning an IT audit
  • Conducting fieldwork
  • Analyzing and evaluating evidence
  • Reporting audit findings
  • Follow-up and closure of an IT audit

Module 3: IT Risk Management

  • Risk management principles
  • IT risk assessment methodologies
  • Identifying and prioritizing IT risks
  • Mitigating IT risks
  • Monitoring and reporting IT risks

Module 4: IT Governance and Compliance

  • IT governance frameworks
  • IT compliance frameworks
  • Compliance with industry standards (e.g. PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR)
  • Audit trails and logging
  • Access controls

Module 5: IT Controls

  • Types of IT controls (e.g. preventive, detective, corrective)
  • IT control objectives
  • IT control frameworks (e.g. COBIT, ITIL)
  • IT control testing
  • IT control monitoring and reporting

Module 6: IT Audit Tools and Techniques

  • Audit software and tools
  • Data analysis techniques
  • IT audit procedures and checklists
  • Audit documentation and workpapers
  • Continuous auditing and monitoring

Module 7: Emerging Trends in IT Auditing

  • Cloud computing and virtualization
  • Mobile devices and BYOD
  • Social media and web-based technologies
  • Cybersecurity threats and controls
  • Big data and analytics

The course may also include practical exercises, case studies, and group discussions to apply the concepts learned in real-world scenarios.