All about IT audit

In order to evolve effectively in today’s business world, having good IT performance is essential. Adopting an efficient IT infrastructure allows a business to improve its organization, boost productivity and secure data storage. IT is an excellent working tool to increase efficiency and responsiveness. In order to have good information systems, a company must go through an IT audit. Whether improving an existing infrastructure or a new IT project, internal and external audits of IT systems and networks are mandatory.

What is an IT audit?

The IT audit is an inventory of the information systems of a company. It aims toanalyze your IT environment. It gives a global view of its vulnerabilities, its security policy, its operational capacities and its capacity in terms of risk management. IT auditing is a way to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your IT system.

It is about an in-depth study of the computer park of your company. The audit makes it possible to map all or part of your computer networks, taking certain points into account. These include legal compliance, the management system, the ISO standard, cabling and systems security. The role of this technical control is to improve the productivity of the company.

Why diagnose a company’s computer systems?

Having an idea of ​​your strengths and weaknesses is a way to make the best decision for the development of your business. It also provides a good understanding of future IT projects. The results obtained during a IT audit allow to measure the proper functioning of its IT infrastructures.

Prevent any flaws in your system

An IT audit is a way to anticipate possible problems. This is a preventive measure in order toavoid possible information leaks, hacks or to prevent a breakdown. The result of this internal control is also used as a benchmark during a resumption of activity or a security incident. It is a decision aid for securing your IT functions and productions.

The audit firm looks for flaws in your computer system in order to provide a solution. The IT audit is a crucial step for companies that have confidential data.

Improve security

The security of information systems is of paramount importance for a company. It contains all customer information, its commercial strategy and its production policy. An intrusion into the IT structure can accelerate a company’s bankruptcy. The IT audit is then a means of reinforcing its level of security.

Performing an audit will allow you to check if you comply with the regulations regarding the use of personal information. It also allows you to keep your commitment to your customers and partners regarding confidentiality. An audit mission helps you assess the risks of intrusions run by your business.

Have a decision support tool

The adoption of a new information system is necessary when the needs of the business change. In order to define your objectives and identify your needs, an IT audit is necessary. Thanks to this analysis, you will have a starting point for choosing a new information system.

Performing an audit helps automate your work processes. Without an audit, you risk choosing a system that does not suit your needs. Not only are you wasting time, but also money.

What are the different types of IT audits?

An inventory of your IT equipment may be different depending on the goal to be achieved. Each type of audit can be carried out separately. However, auditing your entire IT park allows for a more global result.

IT security audit

Security audits of your IT structure increase the level of security of your network. Their goal is to protect the integrity, availability and continuity of your IT solutions. They prevent internal and external threats. It is a way of effectively managing risks for VSEs and SMEs.

Computer attacks are the first risks associated with a computer network. An inventory makes it possible to detect faults and assess risks while proposing a corrective plan. It then makes it possible to provide optimization solutions. This system consists of performing functional tests, penetration tests or updates.

Information systems audit

The information system is at the heart of a company’s productivity. It brings together the exchanges and communications of your organizational unit: marketing, production, sales, administration and general management. The auditor analyzes the efficiency, flexibility, configurations, sustainability and automation of your computer networks. It allows you to coordinate your objectives and measure your working methods.

An information systems audit promotes data access, service continuity, respect for the life cycle and the organization from a company. It takes into account the human and organizational aspect of your structure.

Infrastructure audit

It’s about a analysis of the operational condition of your IT equipment. It determines the general state of your servers, your network as well as your equipment. An infrastructure audit is a kind of IT maintenance to determine if replacement of IT hardware is necessary.

Now is the time to identify the blocking elements in your systems and networks. It is also the moment to define if you need to completely revolutionize your IS or to do it gradually.

What are the stages of carrying out an IT audit?

The IT audit depends on several components allowing the company to draw a good conclusion upon receipt of the report:

• the technical aspect concerns everything that is computer hardware such as workstations, peripherals, internal networks, software and antivirus;
• the human component takes into account all the users of your IT equipment, from general management, financial management, IT service to production and sales;
• the organization component determines the feasibility of the project, the supervision and the application budget.

By taking into account these three points, the auditor can carry out his work and the company will have a relevant result.

The scope of the audit

To do a quality audit, the auditor talks with all the employees who use your computer system. The interview allows you to define the needs of your business. Thanks to this interview, the IT service provider understands the process of using your network. It also understands the expectations and needs of each of your employees.

It is also the moment to determine the problems of your current information system. This phase makes it possible to provide a better axis of improvement. The interview is a way of integrating your employees in the process of change. You will have no trouble gaining acceptance for the new processes and tools after the audit.

Analysis and testing of IT equipment

After listening to your employees, the auditor goes through the analysis and tests of your equipment and IT tools. He mapping the existing structure and in-depth analysis in order to have a starting point to improve it.

The auditor also performs tests in order to determine the articulation of the equipment between them. The inventory makes it possible to target areas for improvement and to define the elements to be eliminated. During this phase, the auditor performs:

• intrusion and security tests;
• a load test;
• a failure simulation.

Depending on the results of these various experiments, he can draw a conclusion on the changes, improvements and maintenance to be made to your IT equipment.

Drafting of an audit report

An IT auditor has the obligation to write a report after conducting an audit. There is lists the various findings and analyzes in order to enable the company to achieve its objectives. He also notes the problems and suggests suitable solutions.

He must also give you specifications that contain concrete projects such as a business recovery plan, conclusion of a maintenance contract, IT system outsourcing or outsourcing.

An IT service provider usually offers various services tailored to your needs. He can take over the management of the IT park, become an IT partner, take care of the global outsourcing or improve the IT architecture.

Advice on how to choose an IT service provider

A company is not required to outsource its IT audit. However, an internal audit represents major obstacles. Your audit department may lack objectivity with regard to issues that arise. He may also be running out of time, because in addition to auditing, he also has to take care of his usual tasks. Consequently, your IT audit is botched and it will have no impact on the performance of your information system.

This is why using external audit services is a good choice. You benefit froma fresh look at your IT operations. An outside person is more objective and can make an improvement. As it is not linked to internal tensions, it will be easier for the framing of the audit.

When selecting your IT auditor, make sure they have sufficient experience in IT security, facilities management, and IT networking. Knowledge of a panel of computer system software is essential to be able to offer you relevant solutions. The price of the service is not a good choice criterion when selecting an auditor for a network infrastructure.

IT audit is a crucial step if you want to improve the performance and productivity of your business. It makes it possible to highlight the problems and to solve them in an efficient way. Of course, the analysis of your IT equipment disrupts your usual organization, but its result is a starting point for a better development of your business. Many structures have made the mistake of neglecting the IT audit before changing their information system. In the majority of cases, this one is shunned by the collaborators. It becomes a waste of time and money for your business.