Lecture 1 - Introduction - Practical Aspects of Information System Audits

Summary

This training program on information system audit provides a practical, hands-on learning experience designed for beginners. The course introduces a 12-step audit process, covering key areas such as information security policies, application and database controls, data center management, network and endpoint device security, outsourcing controls, and incident management. Each step is explored in-depth through dedicated videos, ensuring participants gain the necessary skills to independently conduct audits. By the end of the program, learners will be equipped to handle various auditing standards and regulations effectively, ensuring compliance with security requirements in different industries.

Takeaways

• 😀 This training program focuses on practical aspects of information system audit, with no theory except for the introduction.
• 😀 The course is designed for beginners, particularly freshers in the field of information system audit.
• 😀 The program is hands-on and simulates real-world on-the-job training, with no PowerPoint presentations after the introduction.
• 😀 Attendees will have access to ready-made templates in the resource section for each auditing step.
• 😀 The course covers 12 key steps in information system auditing, each explained in an exclusive video.
• 😀 After completing the training, participants will be capable of independently handling an information system audit.
• 😀 Step 1 focuses on validating the availability of information security policies, their approval, and periodic updates.
• 😀 Step 2 covers auditing application controls, ensuring proper categorization, ownership, and security measures like multi-factor authentication.
• 😀 Step 3 addresses database auditing, including validation of categorization, ownership, and security updates like operating system patches and backups.
• 😀 Step 4 involves auditing data center controls, such as periodic audits, service level agreements, and off-site secondary data centers.
• 😀 Step 12 covers other audit checkpoints based on specific regulations, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, or local cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., RBI in India).

Q & A

What is the main focus of this training program?

The main focus of the training program is to provide hands-on, practical experience in information system auditing, rather than theory. The course is designed to simulate real-world auditing scenarios.

Who is this course designed for?

This course is primarily designed for beginners and freshers in the field of information system audit.

Will the course include theoretical content?

No, the course is focused entirely on practical training. Apart from the introductory video, there will be no theoretical content or slides.

What resources will be available for the students during the course?

Students can download ready-made templates from the resource section for each audit step, which will guide them in data requirements, audit procedures, and evidence evaluation.

How are the 12 audit steps structured in the training program?

The 12 audit steps are broken down into individual videos, each focusing on a specific aspect of the information system audit, such as auditing security policies, applications, databases, and network devices.

What does Step 1 of the audit process focus on?

Step 1 focuses on validating the availability and compliance of the information security policy, ensuring it is approved by the appropriate authority and updated at periodic intervals.

What should an auditor check in Step 2, which deals with auditing application controls?

In Step 2, the auditor needs to check whether each application is appropriately categorized, owned by a dedicated owner, and secured with proper authentication factors and periodic access reviews.

What is the purpose of Step 3 in the audit process?

Step 3 involves auditing database controls, ensuring that databases are properly categorized, owned, and secured with up-to-date operating systems and proper backup arrangements.

How is Step 12 different from the other audit steps?

Step 12 is about reviewing additional checkpoints that may be required based on the specific audit objective, such as compliance with standards like PCI DSS, ISO 27001, or specific regulatory requirements like HIPAA or RBI.

What type of compliance requirements might be reviewed in Step 12?

In Step 12, auditors might need to review compliance with regulations such as PCI DSS, ISO 27001, HIPAA, or country-specific cybersecurity frameworks like those from RBI or SAMA.